India continues to face the challenge of terrorism despite decades of counter-terrorism efforts. Recent attacks in Pahalgam and Delhi in 2025 have reignited national concerns about security and preparedness. These incidents underline the need for constant vigilance and improved coordination among security agencies. The lessons from past attacks, especially the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, remain relevant .
The 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack
On 26 November 2008, Mumbai witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks in India. Ten Pakistan-trained terrorists targeted key locations including luxury hotels, a railway station, a hospital, and Jewish quarters. The attack resulted in 165 deaths and shook the nation. The Maharashtra Police Anti-Terror Squad lost four top officers, including chief Hemant Karkare. Despite their bravery, lapses in security protocols and delayed response worsened the situation. The National Security Guards (NSG), then based only in Manesar, were called in late. The delay allowed terrorists to cause maximum damage.
Improvements in Security Post-2008
The Mumbai attack exposed weaknesses in India’s counter-terrorism framework. Since then, NSG has expanded with centres across the country for faster deployment. State and central police forces now receive regular specialised training. Communication among agencies has improved to avoid past missteps. Emergency protocols have been updated and equipment modernised. These steps aim to ensure quicker, more effective responses to terror threats.
Recent Terror Incidents and Their Implications
The 2025 attacks in Pahalgam and Delhi show ongoing threats. The Pahalgam attack was foiled partly due to alertness by Jammu and Kashmir police who seized large quantities of explosives. However, the Delhi blast revealed a new challenge – involvement of Indian nationals in terror activities. This shift suggests that radicalisation can occur within society, not only from external sources. It stresses the need for better social awareness and intelligence gathering.
Challenges in Counter-Terrorism Today
Terrorism in India remains a complex issue with both foreign and domestic elements. Foreign-backed groups continue attempts to destabilise the country. At the same time, homegrown actors have emerged, including educated professionals. This dual threat demands a multi-layered approach combining security measures with social interventions. Public cooperation and vigilance are crucial in identifying and preventing radicalisation.
Role of Society and Government
The fight against terrorism is continuous and requires collective effort. Governments have strengthened security frameworks but cannot succeed alone. Society must remain alert to signs of extremism and support peace-building. Improving social discourse to reduce alienation and mistrust is essential. Only a united response can mitigate the threat of terrorism and safeguard India’s democratic fabric.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the evolution of India’s counter-terrorism strategy since the 2008 Mumbai attack and its impact on national security preparedness.
- Critically examine the challenges posed by homegrown terrorism in India and the role of social factors in radicalisation.
- Explain the significance of inter-agency coordination in managing terror threats with suitable examples from India’s security framework.
- With suitable examples, discuss the role of public vigilance and societal participation in counter-terrorism efforts in democratic countries.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the evolution of India’s counter-terrorism strategy since the 2008 Mumbai attack and its impact on national security preparedness.
- 2008 Mumbai attack exposed gaps – delayed NSG response, poor communication, lack of equipment and training.
- Post-2008, NSG expanded to multiple centres for faster deployment nationwide.
- Regular specialised training introduced for state and central police forces.
- Improved emergency protocols and modernised equipment implemented.
- Enhanced inter-agency communication to avoid previous missteps.
- Overall, these reforms strengthened India’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to terror threats.
2. Critically examine the challenges posed by homegrown terrorism in India and the role of social factors in radicalisation.
- Recent Delhi blast involved Indian nationals, indicating rise of domestic radicalisation.
- Homegrown terrorism includes educated professionals, showing deep social penetration.
- Social alienation, communal tensions, and poor discourse contribute to radicalisation.
- Foreign-backed terror groups still active, but internal threats complicate counter-terrorism.
- Need for social interventions alongside security measures to tackle root causes.
- Public awareness and community engagement essential to prevent radicalisation.
3. Explain the significance of inter-agency coordination in managing terror threats with suitable examples from India’s security framework.
- 2008 attack brought into light poor coordination – NSG informed late, police forces uncoordinated.
- Post-attack reforms established better communication channels between agencies.
- Joint training exercises and intelligence sharing now standard practice.
- Example – Jammu & Kashmir police’s seizure of explosives in 2025 prevented planned attacks.
- Multi-agency cooperation enables faster response and containment of threats.
- Coordination reduces duplication, miscommunication, and operational delays.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of public vigilance and societal participation in counter-terrorism efforts in democratic countries.
- Public vigilance helped J&K police intercept explosives and thwart terror plans in 2025.
- Societal participation encourages early identification of suspicious activities and radical elements.
- Democratic societies rely on citizen cooperation to balance security and freedoms.
- Awareness campaigns and community policing build trust and encourage reporting.
- Reducing alienation through improved social discourse counters extremist narratives.
- United public response strengthens resilience against terrorism and supports law enforcement.
