India faces declining but persistent terrorist threats, with incidents reducing from 1,587 in 2004 to 85 in 2024, demonstrating effective counter-terrorism strategies while new challenges emerge.

Manifestation of Terrorism in India

Cross-Border Terrorism:

• Jammu and Kashmir: Reasi bus attack (2024) killing 9 pilgrims, Pahalgam encounter (2025) with 26 casualties.
• Pakistan-sponsored infiltration through LoC with ISI-backed modules.
• Drone warfare emergence - 300+ drone sightings in J&K (2024).
• Home-Grown Radicalization and Urban Terror Involvement of indoctrinated youth in urban areas through online platforms. Lone-wolf attacks and self-radicalized modules are emerging challenges.

Left-Wing Extremism:

• Red Corridor spanning 106 districts across 11 states.
• Violent Attacks: Naxalite groups use terror tactics to challenge State authority in parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Example: IED blast in Dantewada (2023), killing 10 DRG personnel.
• Economic disruption of mining and infrastructure projects.
• Tribal exploitation through ideological indoctrination.

Regional Insurgencies:

• Northeast terrorism: United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) activities in Assam.
• Ethnic violence: Ethnic-based insurgent groups have historically used violent methods for political demands. Example: 2023 ambush by PLA–Manipur-based insurgents targeting security forces near Indo–Myanmar border.
• Nagaland ceasefire violations by National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions.

Counter Measures Adopted by the State

Operational Strategies:

• Operation Sindoor (2025): Cross-border strikes eliminating 15+ terrorists.
• Area domination operations: 24x7 patrolling in sensitive zones.
• Technological Integration: Use of AI-based surveillance, facial recognition, and cyber monitoring to track radical content and sleeper cells.
• NATGRID: for real-time data access across agencies.
• Border management: Smart fencing along Pakistan border.

Institutional Framework:

• National Investigation Agency (NIA): 4,000+ cases investigated since 2009.
• Multi Agency Centre (MAC): Real-time intelligence sharing.
• National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC): Coordination hub.
• National Security Guard (NSG): for counter-terror operations.
• Coastal Security Scheme: Maritime domain awareness post-26/11.

Legislative Measures:

• UAPA amendments (2019): Individual designation as terrorists.
• NIA Act expansion: Jurisdiction over cyberterrorism.
• Anti-Money Laundering Act: Terror financing provisions.
• Cyber security frameworks: IT Act amendments for digital threats.

International Cooperations:

• Intelligence sharing with Interpol, FATF, and bilateral counter-terror mechanisms (e.g., with USA, Israel, and France).
• Active participation in UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Socio-Economic and De-Radicalization Measures

• Skill training, education, and employment in affected regions (e.g., Aspirational District Programme).
• Community engagement and counter-narratives to prevent radicalization.

India's comprehensive counter-terrorism approach combining kinetic operations, legislative reforms, and development initiatives has significantly reduced terrorist incidents, with continued focus on technological upgradation and international cooperation through FATF and UN frameworks.