India to Soon Launch Its First Comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy

India to Soon Launch Its First Comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy

India is in the advanced stages of finalising its first Comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to internal security and counter-terrorism. For decades, India has confronted diverse forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, left-wing extremism, insurgency in border regions, and more recently, digitally driven radicalisation. While India has developed strong legal instruments and specialised agencies over time, the absence of a unified national policy framework has often resulted in fragmented responses and uneven capacity across states.

At present, India’s counter-terrorism architecture is supported by robust legal and institutional mechanisms such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the National Investigation Agency, and elite forces like the National Security Guard. However, these instruments operate largely in silos, with variations in coordination, intelligence-sharing, and preparedness across states. The proposed policy seeks to address this gap by providing a common strategic framework for both central and state authorities.

A central objective of the policy is to establish a “model counter-terror structure” that states can adopt and adapt. Given India’s federal structure—where policing and public order are state subjects—this policy does not aim to centralise control, but rather to harmonise standards and procedures. It promotes cooperative federalism by clearly defining roles, encouraging coordination, and ensuring that states are equal stakeholders in national security.

One of the most important features of the policy is its focus on emerging and non-traditional threats. Terrorism today is no longer limited to physical attacks; it increasingly involves online radicalisation, recruitment through social media, encrypted communications, and sophisticated financial networks. The policy explicitly addresses digital radicalisation, misuse of open borders (particularly in regions such as the Nepal border), and foreign-funded terror networks. Special emphasis is placed on countering terror financing, including through cryptocurrencies and informal money transfer systems.