During the last two years, the Government has undertaken various major counter-terrorism measures, focusing on intelligence enhancement, inter-agency coordination, addressing emerging threats through online radicalization & encrypted digital platforms and strengthening of border security, which have significantly strengthened the capacity of Central and State law enforcement agencies for mitigation of terror risks. Inter-agency coordination between Central Agencies and State Police has enabled successful joint operations against terror modules, which are involved in recruitment, financing of terrorism.

Some of the measures undertaken are -

• • The coordination has been strengthened through enhanced Multi- Agency Centre (MAC) connectivity up to the district level, thereby improving analytical and predictive functions of various MAC Focus Groups on- violent extremism, emerging security challenges, cryptocurrency, drug-trafficking, terror financing, bio-terrorism, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), cyber coordination etc.
  • The MAC to Subsidiary-MAC (SMAC) network has been upgraded with the aim to enhance hardware and network speeds. It also provides for AI (Artificial Intelligence) & ML (Machine Learning) enabled software facilities for real-time analysis of inputs.
  • The Central agencies, such as, National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and State Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), supported by the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) platform, are increasingly leveraging digital tools for seamless data sharing and analysis.
  • The NIA’s Handbook on investigation of the cases of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which has been circulated to all the States / UTs in 2024, has helped the States / UTs standardize terror investigations, and has significantly contributed in prosecution outcomes.
  • The NIA has also established a National Terror Database Fusion and Analysis Centre (NTDFAC) with big-data analytical capability, supported by improved coordination with Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) for prioritized forensic analysis and scientific collection of evidence.
  • The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Police have been actively pursuing online radicalization cases, resulting in substantial arrests, charge-sheets and convictions.
  • An Organized Crime Network Database (OCND) is being developed on NATGRID’s IT platform to facilitate secure data sharing between NIA and State ATSs, while upgraded NATGRID tools, particularly ‘GANDIVA’, are supporting multi-source data collection and analysis.
• • Regular multi-institutional capacity-building programs, joint counter- terrorism exercises, and coordination meetings have significantly strengthened real-time information sharing and operational synergy among agencies
  • At the same time, priority has been placed on developing skilled forensic human resources and upgrading laboratory infrastructure, greatly enhancing the technical and analytical capabilities needed for effective investigations.
  • Further, the National Security Guard (NSG) has strengthened inter- agency coordination with States / UTs through an expanded mandate for supporting multi-city, multi-target operations, validated through exercises, and has trained substantial number of personnel from various States / UTs under capacity-building initiatives. Besides, NSG has signed various MoUs on training of States’ / UTs’ Counter- Terrorist Forces for effective Counter-Terrorist operations.
  • The NSG has conducted many joint mock exercises on counter- terror, counter-hijack, jungle hostage-rescue and metro / rail interventions, and has carried out counter-hijack drills in various cities during 2024-2025.
• • To check online radicalization and misuse of encrypted digital platforms, large number of URLs, pertaining to extremist and radical have been blocked under Information Technology Act, 2000, alongside intensified cyber-patrolling and digital surveillance measures.
  • The Border guarding Forces have been equipped with advanced surveillance technologies including drones, thermal imagers, night- vision devices, sensors and real-time radar / optical systems along key borders for strengthening border security.
• • India has also enhanced intelligence sharing with the partner countries to counter cross-border terrorism. Under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), electronic surveillance, improved fencing, intensified patrolling and increased use of drones and sensors have strengthened security on sensitive borders. These measures have resulted in reduced infiltration attempts, higher drone interceptions, and large recoveries of arms, ammunition and narcotics. Multiple terror networks have been neutralized through coordinated operations.

The Central Government has proposed and expanded several modernization and assistance programs for CAPFs, State Police, Central and State agencies, which are stated as under-

• • During past few years, a focused mission has been taken up for modernization of forensics in the country, both for the Central government and state government schemes, which are worth more than ₹4,800 crore.
  • Projects worth approximately ₹233 crore have been approved for 25 States and Union Territories for the modernization and upgradation of State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs). These initiatives have enabled States to procure advanced DNA testing machines, modern forensic equipment, and mobile forensic vans to facilitate faster, on-site investigations and enhance the efficiency of forensic response mechanisms.
  • For strengthening of our Forensic investigation competencies, the Central Government has prioritized capacity building by establishing off-campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) at 16 locations across the country, ensuring the availability of skilled human resources for forensic examinations. In addition to existing 7 CFSLs, 8 more CFSLs are being established.
• • The Government has assessed the requirement of various Central sector schemes to provide the financial assistance for infrastructure development and other support for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other Central agencies time to time. Further, Government has earmarked the financial outlay of ₹21,710 crore from 2021 to 2025-26 under Police infrastructure schemes for CAPFs.
  • The Government also provides financial support to various State Governments / UT Administrations under Centrally sponsored sub- schemes, known as ‘India Reserve Battalion / Specialized India Reserve Battalion’, wherein, financial outlay of ₹350 crore has been earmarked between 2021 to 2025.
  • The CAPFs and State Police Forces are being modernized on a regular basis. This includes providing them with advanced technological equipment for improved operational communication, training, arming police units, surveillance and monitoring of extremist and radical groups, and inter-agency coordination for better dissemination of information.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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