speech on the problem of terrorism in india

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India’s Comprehensive Strategy Against Terrorism

In recent years, India has adopted a robust approach to combat terrorism. The government’s policy of ‘zero tolerance against terrorism’ has gained global recognition. The Ministry of Home Affairs is developing a National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. This initiative aims to dismantle the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism. The Modi government is focused on utilising technology and enhancing coordination among various agencies.

• 1 Establishing a Strong Ecosystem
• 2 Coordinated Efforts and Technological Integration
• 3 International and Interstate Cooperation
• 4 Recent Developments and Future Directions
• 5 Recognising Sacrifices and Achievements

Establishing a Strong Ecosystem

The Modi administration has built a comprehensive framework to address terrorism. This includes legal reforms and amendments to laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These changes empower authorities to act decisively against terrorist financing and activities. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has achieved a remarkable conviction rate of about 95% in UAPA cases.

Coordinated Efforts and Technological Integration

A 25-point integrated plan has been introduced to combat terror financing. This approach involves collaboration between local police and central agencies. The NIA is utilising advanced technologies and databases to enhance its operational capabilities. Initiatives like NATGRID facilitate centralised data access for effective intelligence sharing.

International and Interstate Cooperation

Terrorism transcends national borders. Therefore, a coordinated strategy is essential. The government stresses the importance of collaboration among state and central agencies. This will help tackle challenges like narcotics trafficking and illegal arms smuggling. The NIA is empowered to conduct investigations beyond India’s borders.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

The recent Anti-Terrorism Conference brought into light the need for actionable strategies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the importance of sharing intelligence. The government aims to transition from a “Need to Know” to a “Duty to Share” approach. This shift will enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations at all levels.

Recognising Sacrifices and Achievements

The sacrifices made by security personnel in maintaining national integrity are acknowledged. Over 36,000 policemen have lost their lives since independence. The government aims to honour their legacy by strengthening the anti-terror framework. The reduction of terrorist incidents by 70% over the past decade reflects the success of these initiatives.

Questions for UPSC: Examine the impact of the ‘zero tolerance against terrorism’ policy on India’s security framework. Discuss the role of technology in enhancing counter-terrorism efforts in India. Critically discuss the amendments made to the UAPA and their implications for law enforcement. With suitable examples, analyse the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating terrorism in India.

1. Examine the impact of the ‘zero tolerance against terrorism’ policy on India’s security framework.

The ‘zero tolerance against terrorism’ policy has reshaped India’s security framework through a multi-faceted approach. This policy has encourageed a robust legal and operational environment that emphasizes proactive measures against terrorism. Key impacts include:

• Enhanced Legal Framework: The introduction of stringent laws, such as amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has empowered law enforcement agencies to act decisively against terrorist activities, including the ability to designate individuals and organizations as terrorists.
• Increased Conviction Rates: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reported a conviction rate of approximately 95% in UAPA cases, reflecting the effectiveness of the legal framework in prosecuting terrorism-related offenses.
• Reduction in Terrorist Incidents: There has been a reported 70% decrease in terrorist incidents over the past decade, indicating that the policy has led to tangible improvements in national security.
• International Recognition: The policy has garnered global acknowledgment, positioning India as a proactive player in the international fight against terrorism, thus enhancing diplomatic relations and cooperation on security matters.
• Integrated Approach: The policy has facilitated a comprehensive strategy that includes inter-agency cooperation, technological integration, and a focus on both domestic and international terrorism, addressing the broader ecosystem of threats.

In this way, the zero tolerance policy has not only strengthened India’s legal and operational capabilities but has also encourageed a culture of vigilance and cooperation among various agencies, making it a mainstay of the nation’s security framework.

2. Discuss the role of technology in enhancing counter-terrorism efforts in India.

Technology plays a very important role in boosting India’s counter-terrorism efforts, facilitating more effective and efficient operations across multiple dimensions:

• Data Management and Intelligence Sharing: Initiatives like NATGRID provide centralized access to intelligence data, enabling law enforcement agencies to quickly analyze and respond to threats. This enhances situational awareness and informed decision-making.
• Advanced Forensics and Investigative Tools: The use of technology in forensic investigations has improved the accuracy and speed of case resolutions. The NIA employs sophisticated investigative techniques and tools to gather evidence and build strong cases against terrorists.
• AI and Machine Learning: The integration of artificial intelligence in operations such as NCORD and NIDAAN allows for predictive analytics to identify potential threats and patterns in terrorist activities, which is crucial for preemptive action.
• Cybersecurity Measures: As terrorism increasingly utilizes cyber channels for communication and financing, enhanced cybersecurity protocols are vital. The government is focusing on securing digital infrastructure to prevent cyber-terrorism.
• Training and Capacity Building: Training programs for security personnel on the latest technologies ensure that officers are equipped to handle modern threats effectively, thereby enhancing overall operational readiness.

Thus, the integration of technology in counter-terrorism efforts not only improves operational efficiency but also enables a proactive stance against evolving threats, making it an indispensable element of India’s security strategy.

3. Critically discuss the amendments made to the UAPA and their implications for law enforcement.

The amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have deep implications for law enforcement in India, both positive and contentious:

• Expanded Jurisdiction: The amendments have granted authorities extraterritorial jurisdiction, enabling investigations beyond Indian borders. This is crucial for addressing transnational terrorism but raises concerns about sovereignty and international relations.
• Designation Powers: Authorities can now designate individuals and organizations as terrorists, which aids in swift action against potential threats. However, this power may lead to misuse or arbitrary designations, potentially infringing on civil liberties.
• Enhanced Investigative Tools: The amendments facilitate the seizure of property linked to terrorism, empowering law enforcement to disrupt funding sources. This is an important step in combating terror financing, but it requires stringent oversight to prevent abuse.
• Legal Challenges: The broad definitions and provisions may lead to challenges in courts, as defendants could argue against the vagueness of terms like terrorist activities, potentially complicating prosecutions.
• Public Perception and Trust: While the amendments aim to strengthen national security, they may also generate public distrust if perceived as tools for political repression or targeting dissenters under the guise of anti-terrorism.

In this way, while the amendments to the UAPA enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism effectively, they also necessitate careful implementation and oversight to balance security needs with civil liberties and public trust.

4. With suitable examples, analyse the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating terrorism in India.

Inter-agency cooperation is critical in combating terrorism in India, as the multifaceted nature of terrorism requires a coordinated response. Key aspects include:

• Information Sharing: Effective counter-terrorism relies on timely and accurate intelligence. For instance, the establishment of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) facilitates real-time information exchange among various intelligence and law enforcement agencies, enhancing operational effectiveness.
• Joint Operations: Collaborative efforts between state police and central agencies like the NIA have led to successful operations against terrorist networks. A notable example is the crackdown on ISIS operatives in several states, where coordinated efforts resulted in multiple arrests and the dismantling of recruitment networks.
• Resource Optimization: Different agencies possess unique capabilities and expertise. By collaborating, agencies can pool resources for training, technology, and intelligence, as seen during the recent Anti-Terrorism Conference, which aimed at creating actionable strategies through collective input.
• Addressing Cross-Border Terrorism: Terrorism often transcends national borders, necessitating cooperation with international agencies. India’s collaboration with INTERPOL and other countries has been instrumental in tracking and apprehending terrorists operating across borders.
• Unified Legal Framework: Inter-agency cooperation also involves harmonizing legal frameworks to ensure smooth prosecution of cases. The amendments to laws like the UAPA reflect a unified approach to tackling terrorism that involves multiple stakeholders.

Thus, inter-agency cooperation is vital for a comprehensive and effective counter-terrorism strategy in India, enabling a united front against a complex and evolving threat landscape.

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‘We must continue to believe in the power of diplomacy,’ India says in UN speech

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India was represented at the opening of the 77th General Assembly by Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who reminded his audience that India is celebrating 75 years of independence, which he described as a story of the “toil, determination, innovation, and enterprise of millions of ordinary Indians”. 

The Minister outlined India’s commitment to multilateralism, evidenced, he said, by the decision to supply vaccines to over 100 nations, provide disaster relief to those in distress, and partner with other countries, with a focus on green growth, better connectivity, digital delivery and accessible health.

Mr. Jaishankar declared that India is filling gaps in humanitarian needs in nearby countries and regions, mentioning the supplies of 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat and multiple tranches of medicines and vaccines sent to Afghanistan, the extension of $3.8 billion worth of credit to Sri Lanka for fuel, essential commodities and trade settlement, and the supply of 10,000 metric tons of food aid and vaccine shipments to Myanmar.

Whose side are we on?

Turning to the war in Ukraine, Mr. Jaishankar raised the question of whether India sides with Ukraine or Russia.

“India is on the side of peace and will remain firmly there,” he said. “We are on the side that respects the UN Charter and its founding principles. We are on the side that calls for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way out”.

He went on to note that, with food, fuel, and fertilizer costs rising, it is in the interests of the international community to work constructively to find an early resolution to the war. 

World ‘poised for transformational change’

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has called into question the over-centralized nature of globalization, Mr. Jaishankar said that the world is poised for “transformational change”. The war in Ukraine and climate events have also, he continued, added to the disruption the world is already facing.

The Minister declared that India is pursuing climate action and climate justice, and stands ready to “support any collective and equitable endeavour to protect our environment and to further global wellness.”

India’s approach, he explained, is based on principles of mutual respect and national ownership with a commitment to sustainable development for all, and he announced that, as it assumes the presidency of the G20 organization of advanced economies, India will work with other members to address serious issues of debt, economic growth, food and energy security and the environment.

‘Zero-tolerance on terrorism’

India will end its time as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2022, and Mr. Jaishankar noted some of the country’s achievements during its tenure.

At the Security Council, he said, India has focused on concerns such as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. On the latter, he mentioned the special meeting of the Counter Terrorism Committee this year, hosted in India, which chairs the Committee, and invited Member States to participate.

The meeting will focus on new and emerging technologies, and Mr. Jaishankar said that a new global architecture is needed, in response new technology tools that are being deployed against open, diverse and pluralistic societies.

“Having borne the brunt of cross border terrorism for decades, India firmly advocates a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach,” announced Mr. Jaishankar. “In our view, there is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation.

And no rhetoric, however sanctimonious, can ever hide blood-stained hands”.\

Reform ‘anachronistic’ Security Council

Reforming the Security Council is needed because is currently “anachronistic and ineffective,” claimed the Minister. He described it as deeply unfair, denying entire continents and regions a voice in a forum that deliberates their future. 

Mr. Jaishankar called for serious negotiations on the matter to be decisively addressed, and for serious negotiations to proceed sincerely, rather than being blocked by procedural tactics.

“We believe and advocate that this is not an era of war and conflict,” concluded Mr. Jaishankar. “On the contrary, it is a time for development and cooperation...It is vital that we continue to believe in the promise of diplomacy and the need for international cooperation.”  

• General Assembly

PM attends third 'No Money for Terror' Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing in New Delhi

“we consider that even a single attack is one too many. even a single life lost is one too many. so, we will not rest till terrorism is uprooted” “there is no good terrorism and bad terrorism. it is an attack on humanity, freedom and civilisation. it knows no boundaries” “only a uniform,  unified  and zero-tolerance approach  can defeat terrorism” “there must be a cost imposed upon countries that support terrorism” “there is a need for a uniform understanding of new finance technologies” “anyone who supports radicalisation should have no place in any country”.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has strongly asked for avoiding any ambiguity in dealing with terrorism and also warned against nations that use terrorism as a tool of foreign policy. He was addressing the third 'No Money for Terror' (NMFT) Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing in New Delhi today.

Welcoming the gathering, the Prime Minister marked the significance of the conference taking place in India and recalled when the nation saw the dark face of terror long before the world took serious note of it. “Over the decades,” the Prime Minister said, “terrorism, in different names and forms, tried to hurt India.” He added that even though thousands of precious lives were lost, India fought terrorism bravely. The Prime Minister highlighted that it is an opportunity for all the delegates to interact with India and its people who have been firm in tackling terror. “We consider that even a single attack is one too many. Even a single life lost is one too many. So, we will not rest till terrorism is uprooted”, the Prime Minister exclaimed.

Highlighting the importance of this conference, the Prime Minister said that it should not be seen just as a gathering of ministers as terrorism impacts entire humanity. He said that the long-term impact of terrorism is particularly hard on the poor and on the local economy. “Be it tourism or trade,  nobody likes an area that is constantly under threat”, Shri Modi remarked. He further added that the livelihoods of people are snatched away as a result of terrorism. He pointed out that it is all the more important that we strike at the root of terror financing.

The Prime Minister warned against any ambiguity in tackling terrorism. He touched upon the mistaken notions of terrorism and said  “the intensity of the reaction to different attacks cannot vary based on where it happens. All terrorist attacks deserve equal outrage and action. Further,  sometimes,  there are indirect arguments made in support of terrorism to block action against terrorists. He underlined that there is no place for an ambiguous approach while dealing with a global threat. “There is no good terrorism and bad terrorism. It is an attack on humanity, freedom and civilisation. It knows no boundaries”, the Prime Minister emphasised, “Only a uniform,  unified  and zero-tolerance approach  can defeat terrorism.”

Throwing light on the difference between fighting a terrorist and fighting terrorism, the Prime Minister said that a terrorist may be neutralised with weapons and immediate tactical responses but these tactical gains will soon be lost without a larger strategy aimed at hurting their finances.  Shri Modi said, “A terrorist is an individual but terrorism is about a network of individuals.” The Prime Minister underlined that attack is the best form of defence and uprooting terrorism needs a larger,  proactive,  systemic response. He emphasised that we must pursue terrorists, break their support networks and hit their finances for our citizens to be safe.

The Prime Minister highlighted state support as one of the major sources of political, ideological and financial support to terrorism. Certain countries support terrorists as part of their foreign policy, he said. He also asked International organisations to be vigilant about proxy wars. “There must be a cost imposed upon countries that support terrorism. Organisations and individuals that try to create sympathy for terrorists must also be isolated. There can be no ifs and buts entertained in such matters. The world needs to unite against all kinds of overt and covert backing of terror”, he added.

The Prime Minister underlined organised crime as another source of terror funding and emphasised deep links between the criminal gangs and terrorist outfits “action against organised crime is extremely important in the fight against terror. At times, even activities like money laundering and financial crimes have been known to help terror funding. Fighting it needs global collaboration”, he said.

Highlighting the complex environment, the Prime Minister stressed that the United Nations Security Council,  Financial Action Task Force, Financial Intelligence Units, and the Egmont Group, are boosting cooperation in the prevention, detection and prosecution of illegal fund flow. The Prime Minister highlighted that the framework is helping the war against terror in multiple ways over the past two decades. “This also helps in understanding terror funding risks” he added.

Commenting on the changing dynamics of terrorism in light of advancing technology, the Prime Minister said “new kinds of technology are being used for terror financing and recruitment. Challenges from the dark net,  private currencies and more are emerging. There is a need for a uniform understanding of new finance technologies. It is also important  to involve the private sector  in these efforts.” However, he also warned against demonising technology while asking for technology to be used for tracking, tracing and tackling terrorism.

Stressing the need for physical and virtual cooperation, the Prime Minister said that the infrastructure used for cyber terrorism and online radicalisation is distributed while some entities also train the terrorists with weapons from remote locations as well as online resources. “Communications,  travel,  logistics - there are many links of the chain in different countries.” The Prime Minister urged each country to act against those parts of the chain that are within their reach.

The Prime Minister alerted that terrorists should not be allowed to misuse differences in legal principles, procedures and processes in different countries. “This can be prevented through deeper coordination and understanding between governments. Joint operations, intelligence coordination and extradition help the fight against terror”, the Prime Minister suggested. The Prime Minister stressed the need to jointly address the problem of radicalisation and extremism. “Anyone who supports radicalisation should have no place in any country”, he added.

The Prime Minister concluded by informing about recent efforts made by India to boost international cooperation against terrorism. Informing about the different conferences on various dimensions of security, the Prime Minister mentioned the General Assembly of the Interpol in New Delhi, a special session of the  United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee that happened in Mumbai. He further said that India is helping build global momentum against terror funding through the ongoing ‘No Money For Terror’ Conference.

Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, Home Secretary, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and Director General of National Investigation Agency,   Shri Dinkar Gupta were those present on the occasion.

The two-day conference organised on 18th-19th November will offer a unique platform for participating nations and organisations to deliberate on the effectiveness of the current international regime on Counter Terrorism Financing and the steps required to address emerging challenges. The conference will build on gains and learnings of the previous two conferences (held in Paris in April 2018 and in Melbourne in November 2019) and will work towards enhancing global cooperation to deny finances to terrorists and access to permissive jurisdictions to operate. It will be attended by about 450 delegates from across the world, including Ministers, Heads of Multilateral organisations and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Heads of Delegations.

During the Conference, deliberations will be held in four sessions which will focus on ‘Global Trends in Terrorism and Terrorist Financing’, ‘Use of Formal and Informal Channels of Funds for Terrorism’, ‘Emerging Technologies and Terrorist Financing’ and ‘International Co-operation to Address Challenges in Combating Terrorist Financing’.

Addressing the 'No Money for Terror' Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing. https://t.co/M7EhOCYIxS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 18, 2022

India has fought terrorism bravely. pic.twitter.com/iPHeepOcVZ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

We will not rest till terrorism is uprooted. pic.twitter.com/ZER4uwjEps — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

The long-term impact of terrorism is particularly hard on the poor and on the local economy. pic.twitter.com/KZ8iyVHMuQ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

There should be no need for anyone to remind the world of the dangers of terrorism. pic.twitter.com/ylvKKBETXm — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

All terrorist attacks deserve equal outrage and action. pic.twitter.com/5ref0Wjw4h — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

Uniform, unified and zero-tolerance approach can defeat terrorism. pic.twitter.com/6L4l0Wqe7Y — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

Uprooting terrorism needs a larger, proactive, systemic response. pic.twitter.com/ZkoEGIifkU — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

It is well known that terrorist organizations get money through several sources. One source is state support. pic.twitter.com/IG7AHnttDe — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

One of the sources of terror funding is organised crime. pic.twitter.com/GgfQK2IVmy — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022

Joint operations, intelligence coordination and extradition help the fight against terror. pic.twitter.com/onlZRYz9Uf — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2022