India to launch national policy to fight terrorism ecosystem: Home Minister

New Delhi, Nov 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the nation’s top security officials and experts at the inaugural session of the two-day ‘Anti-Terrorism Conference-2024’ in New Delhi, marking a decade of significant gains in India’s counter-terrorism efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the conference brought together senior police officers from across states and union territories, central agency representatives, and specialists from fields such as law, forensics, and technology.

Reflecting on the past decade, Shah remarked, “In the ten years since Modi ji took office in 2014, India has moved forward with a clear, multi-dimensional strategy against terrorism,” highlighting the Prime Minister’s policy of “Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism.” Shah noted that this stance has not only been adopted nationally but has also garnered recognition on the international stage, reflecting a shift in global perception of India’s commitment to combating terror.

National Counter-Terrorism Policy

entral to the government’s efforts, according to Shah, is the soon-to-be-launched National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. This policy aims to provide a structured, unified approach against terrorism, its ecosystem, and the entire support network that sustains it. “The objective is to have a clear, actionable policy that will go beyond isolated responses,” Shah explained. “We aim to take actionable steps from the highest levels down to the police station and beat levels, ensuring that all levels from local beat officers to senior officials are actively involved and informed about the threats posed by terrorism.”

Amit Shah elaborated on the complexities of addressing terrorism at the state level, emphasising that while states have their own jurisdictions and boundaries, “terrorism and terrorists know no boundaries.”

He stressed that terrorists often engage in cross-border and interstate conspiracies, making it imperative for India to adopt a coordinated, integrated strategy that transcends traditional boundaries. According to Shah, “We must recognise that no state is immune, and by strengthening our institutions and coordinating with states through such conferences, we can better confront threats like terrorism, narcotics, and hawala operations, which undermine national security and economic stability.”

Technology to improve intelligence and law enforcement capabilities

mit Shah emphasised the government’s investments in technology to improve intelligence and law enforcement capabilities. This includes the deployment of various high-tech databases and platforms like NATGRID, a centralized data access solution, and initiatives such as NCORD, NIDAAN, and MANAS, which leverage artificial intelligence to streamline counter-terrorism efforts.

“The use of these databases allows us to track and monitor potential threats with unprecedented accuracy,” Shah said. He also stressed that the effectiveness of these tools depends on their widespread adoption across all levels of law enforcement. “There is a need to cultivate a work culture among officers up to the Superintendent of Police level to effectively use these technological resources,” he added, encouraging officials to make full use of these innovations in their daily operations.

The Minister also highlighted that the NIA’s use of technology has resulted in a nearly 95% conviction rate in cases investigated under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a testament to the effectiveness of evidence-based approaches in counter-terrorism.

Legal Powers and New Legislation

mit Shah discussed the pivotal legislative changes in recent years, particularly amendments made to the NIA Act and the UAPA in 2019. These amendments expanded the NIA’s powers to include extra-territorial jurisdiction, enabling the agency to pursue cases involving Indian interests abroad. In addition, the UAPA amendments authorised the government to designate individuals and organisations as terrorists and seize assets tied to terrorist activities.

“These changes were necessary to ensure that the NIA can operate with the legal authority needed to respond effectively to the evolving nature of terrorism,” Shah explained.

He emphasized that India’s criminal justice system is on the path to becoming one of the most advanced in the world once these reforms are fully implemented, allowing authorities to respond to terrorism with greater agility and precision.

Additionally, Shah praised the three new criminal laws introduced by the Modi government, describing them as “transformative” for the country’s justice system. “These new laws provide a clear, comprehensive definition of terrorism for the first time, allowing law enforcement to operate with clarity and confidence,” he said, urging states to adopt these laws in both letter and spirit.

Coordinated Action Against Terrorism

ighlighting the importance of a “Whole of Government Approach,” Shah called for deeper collaboration across all levels of government. He noted that the interconnected nature of modern threats ranging from terror financing to new-age challenges such as cryptocurrency-related crimes requires seamless cooperation from local police stations up to the offices of the Directors General of Police.

Shah proposed a shift from a “Need to Know” model to a “Duty to Share” approach, encouraging agencies to proactively share intelligence and operational insights. “Our ability to share and act upon intelligence in real-time is crucial to neutralising threats before they escalate,” he said. The Minister highlighted the necessity of involving all relevant stakeholders in this fight and urged states to consider counter-terrorism as a collective, national responsibility.

As part of the conference, Shah also honoured the contributions of law enforcement officers and agencies who have played key roles in safeguarding the nation. Eleven medal-winning NIA officers were recognized for their exemplary service, and Shah took a moment to remember the sacrifices of the 36,468 police personnel who have died in the line of duty since India’s independence.

“We must never forget that internal security and protection of borders come at a significant cost,” Shah said, acknowledging the dedication and bravery of those who have laid down their lives for the nation’s safety.

Strengthening the NIA & Anti-Terror Mechanisms

mit Shah noted that under the Modi government, the NIA has transformed from an investigative body into a multi-functional anti-terror organisation. With broader mandates, the agency is now involved not only in investigations but also in supporting anti-terrorist activities nationwide.

The Home Minister said that in the year 2020, a 25-point integrated plan was formulated to control the funding of terrorism, with a range of measures from jihadi terrorism to northeast, Left-Wing Extremism, fake currency to narcotics. From FCRA to radicalisation financing to smuggling of illegal arms, the work was done to break the ‘ecosystem’ with coordination among various agencies and it has yielded very good results.

The Home Minister said that significant changes were made in the functioning of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) mentioning that the National Memory Bank was established, and steps were taken to implement it effectively.

A central database based on intelligence was also created. He added that several databases have been developed, which can benefit efforts to root out terrorism.

Shah emphasised that efforts must be taken to ensure that the NIA and its resources are robust enough to stand up in court, further solidifying India’s anti-terrorism infrastructure.

Shah also announced the unveiling of a new motto for the NIA, along with the release of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for UAPA investigations. The SOP is expected to bring greater consistency and thoroughness to investigations conducted under the anti-terrorism law.

Amit Shah concluded his address by underlining the global acknowledgement of India’s strong anti-terror stance. “The world recognises that numerous steps have been taken by India to combat terrorism,” he said. According to Shah, India’s holistic approach, from uncovering terrorist conspiracies to legally empowering anti-terror agencies and dismantling funding networks has set a benchmark for other countries grappling with similar challenges.

Shah however urged continued vigilance and cooperation. “Our fight against terrorism is far from over, and we must remain steadfast in our resolve,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to rooting out terrorism with a unified front.