We are succeeding in building a strong anti-terrorism grid across the country

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of zero-tolerance against terrorism, this annual conference has evolved into a crucial platform to deal with emerging threats. In the last three years, we have successfully moved forward in making this conference an annual tradition.

This is not merely a forum for discussion; actionable points emerge here. The NIA, along with all related state agencies, works continuously throughout the year to implement them. As a result, we are succeeding in building a strong anti-terrorism grid across the country.

Our objective today is not just to reiterate India’s resolve for security, but to analyze all terrorist incidents that have occurred in the country and the world over the past year—along with the intelligence received about them—and to enhance our counter-terrorism capabilities accordingly. The landscape of terrorism is changing due to technological advancements and the misuse of technology in terror incidents. We must prepare to prevent this. It is the national responsibility of this conference to anticipate invisible future challenges and stop them before they manifest.

Today, we have launched three new initiatives: First, the Updated Crime Manual: I request all Director Generals of Police to form teams in their respective states to ensure this manual is studied and utilized for investigation and prosecution. Secondly, the Weapons E-database, and thirdly, the Database on Organized Crime Networks.

We must understand that organized crime networks often initially operate for ransom and extortion. However, when their leaders flee abroad, they inevitably come into contact with terrorist organizations. They then use the proceeds from their crimes to fund terrorism within India. Under the guidance of the NIA and CBI, and with the cooperation of the IB, every state must utilize this database to eliminate these networks within their jurisdiction.

The attack in Baisaran Valley shook the entire country. The terrorists intended to disrupt communal harmony and deliver a blow to the new era of development and tourism in Kashmir. However, based on extremely precise intelligence, our forces neutralized all three terrorists, delivering a stern message to Pakistan.

This marks a significant milestone: through Operation Sindoor, we punished those who planned the act, and through Operation Mahadev, we neutralized those who carried it out. At both ends, the Government of India, our security forces, and the people have given a strong, befitting reply to Pakistan’s terrorist masters. The results of the investigation into the Pahalgam attack will put Pakistan in the dock on international platforms. Agencies around the world will study this case in the coming days.

Similarly, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a thorough investigation into the Delhi blast. These are not instances of ordinary policing but outstanding examples of watertight investigation. They demonstrate how an alert officer, remaining vigilant at all times, can save the country from a major crisis.

We have established a new standard of coordination among the DGP Conference, Security Strategy Conference, N-CORD meetings, and this Anti-Terror Conference. We cannot view these four pillars in isolation; the Anti-Terrorism Conference runs through them as a common thread.

The NIA has worked hard to create a common ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) structure, which has been shared with state police forces. Establishing this common structure across the country is extremely important for uniform preparation at every level. I urge all DGPs to implement this as soon as possible.

Furthermore, state ATS units must cultivate the habit of using NIDAAN and NATGRID. Using these tools ensures that cases are not investigated in isolation but bring to light invisible links. The use of NATGRID and NIDAAN must be made mandatory in specific types of investigations.

Active participation in the Multi-Agency Centre and the National Memory Bank must be ensured. Without operational uniformity—from investigation to prosecution and counter-action—we cannot accurately assess threats or effectively share intelligence.

We must shift our mindset from ‘Need to Know’ to ‘Duty to Share.’ While central agencies and state police have utilized technology well, technology developed in silos and data collected in isolation are like a gun without bullets. Data must communicate. The Ministry of Home Affairs, NIA, and IB will hold discussions to develop a seamless national-level framework for technology and data to support the states.

The database of terrorists and criminals must become a core asset of our zero-terror policy. I expect the DGPs to implement this framework in letter and spirit.

India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy, and our geo-political position in the Indian Ocean is critical. As our economy advances, our security challenges will increase proportionally. Preparations to ensure internal security do not begin at our borders; they must start many miles away.

To combat cyber warfare, information warfare, the misuse of economic networks, and hybrid terrorism, we must develop a robust national grid capable of swift, result-oriented action. We need a multi-layer security model and a ruthless approach against terrorism.

In the coming days, we are introducing a plan for a 360-degree assault on organized crime. We must also move forward with Trial-in-Absentia, ignoring the controversies, to force fugitives to return to the country.

I call upon all agencies of the Government of India and state police to form ‘Team India.’ It is our collective responsibility to build a strong anti-terrorism grid for the country and for future generations of officers, enabling them to firmly confront the challenges ahead.

(Excerpts from Address delivered at inauguration of NIA-organised 2-day Anti-Terror Conference-2025, on 26 December, 2025 in New Delhi)

(with AI support)