Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the two-day ‘Anti-Terrorism Conference-2024’ in New Delhi on November 7, organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The conference brought together high-ranking officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka, Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Singh, and NIA Director General Sadanand Vasant Date, alongside state and central officers and experts in counter-terrorism, law, and forensics.
Addressing the gathering, Shah reiterated the Modi government’s “zero tolerance against terrorism” policy, which he said has garnered global recognition. He announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to formulate a National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy aimed at dismantling the complex networks that support terrorism. Shah emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts across states and the need for robust legal and investigative frameworks.
“India’s stand against terrorism requires collaboration at all levels, from beat officers to the NIA Director General,” Shah stated, noting that the country’s fight must address the complexities of modern terrorism, including cross-border and financial networks. He added that terrorist activities have declined by 70% over the past decade due to stringent government measures. Shah also shared that NIA has achieved an impressive 95% conviction rate under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a success he attributed to comprehensive training and equipping of security forces.
Shah discussed the evolution of NIA’s role, especially following legislative amendments in 2019 that expanded its jurisdiction and empowered it to seize assets and designate individuals as terrorists. He highlighted initiatives such as the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the National Memory Bank, centralised databases that help intelligence agencies monitor and combat terror networks. Shah encouraged state agencies to use these databases at all operational levels, underscoring the importance of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like NATGRID, NCORD, NIDAAN, and MANAS.
On measures against terror financing, Shah outlined a 25-point integrated plan that targets financing sources linked to jihadi terrorism, insurgency, left-wing extremism, and narcotics trafficking. The MHA has also enhanced coordination with various ministries and established an institutional framework to address radicalisation. Shah stressed the need to counter emerging threats like cryptocurrency-based terror financing with a comprehensive, multi-layered approach.
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Amit Shah underscored that terrorism knows no borders, whereas state jurisdictions do. He urged states to collaborate more closely with the NIA and other national agencies, shifting from a “Need to Know” to a “Duty to Share” culture in intelligence sharing. He also praised recent legislative reforms, describing the government’s three new criminal laws as transformative for the criminal justice system, aimed at bolstering national security.
In concluding his address, Shah expressed his confidence that the outcomes of the Anti-Terrorism Conference would translate into actionable insights, reinforcing India’s determination to eradicate terrorism. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government would continue strengthening the nation’s anti-terror framework, leaving no stone unturned in its mission to create a secure and resilient India.
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