India’s First National Anti Terror Policy

Background and Rationale

India’s First National Anti Terror Policy: India is preparing to introduce its first comprehensive anti-terror policy, marking a major institutional shift in national security planning. Until now, counter-terror efforts have relied on multiple laws, agencies, and operational mechanisms without a single guiding framework.

The absence of an overarching policy often led to fragmented responses across states. The new framework aims to bring uniformity, clarity, and coordination across the Centre and states.

Static GK fact: Internal security is listed under the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, giving the Centre a key coordinating role.

Core Objectives of the Policy

The proposed policy seeks to move India from a reactive counter-terror approach to a proactive, intelligence-driven model. It integrates prevention, investigation, response, and prosecution under a common strategic vision.

A major objective is to ensure seamless intelligence sharing among agencies like the NIA, IB, NSG, and state police forces. Faster response time and standardized protocols are central to this vision.

Addressing Emerging Terror Threats

One of the most critical focus areas is digital radicalisation. Extremist groups increasingly use social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps to recruit and indoctrinate youth.

The policy proposes stronger cyber-monitoring, early warning systems, and coordinated takedown mechanisms. It also emphasises counter-narratives to prevent online extremist influence.

Static GK Tip: India’s first cyber crime coordination mechanism, the I4C, was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Cross Border and Network Based Threats

Another priority area is cross-border terrorism, particularly the misuse of open and porous borders. Routes along sensitive frontiers have been exploited for movement, logistics, and financing of terror modules.

The policy also highlights threats from foreign-funded conversion and radicalisation networks, which pose risks to internal security and social cohesion. Monitoring financial flows and ideological channels forms a key preventive measure.

Institutional Coordination and Consultations

To finalise operational details, a high-level NIA conference scheduled for December 26–27 in New Delhi will bring together central and state anti-terror agencies. The aim is to align ground-level execution with policy objectives.

Consultations have already been held between NIA Director General Sadanand Date, NSG chief Brighu Srinivasan, and state police leadership to assess evolving terror trends.

Static GK fact: The NIA was established in 2009 following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Influence of Recent Terror Incidents

Recent terror incidents have shaped the policy’s design. The April 22 Pahalgam attack highlighted the need for faster and secure access to intelligence databases through NATGRID.

Similarly, investigations into the November 10 suicide attack near the Red Fort revealed extensive online radicalisation. These cases reinforced the importance of real-time data integration and cyber surveillance.

Strategic Significance for India

The policy represents a shift toward long-term, structured counter-terror planning. It institutionalises coordination between the Centre and states while preserving federal responsibilities.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier indicated the government’s intent to introduce a National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy, signalling a decisive move toward strategic consolidation.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India’s First National Anti Terror Policy: