“The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment.

Challenges posed by External states

1. state-sponsored terrorism → funding to non-state actors to fight proxy wars. Eg: Pulwama attack 2020.
2. Bilateral adversaries and military clashes → Eg: growing role of china to influence LWE groups along the Red corridor of India.
3. Ideological terrorism and support by sovereign nations. Eg: Canada's response to khalistani movement against India.
4. domestic unrest → the policy support is influenced by external states → chances of instability and unrest. Eg: LTTE's radicalisation of Tamil youth.

Challenges posed by Non-state Actors

1. Terrorism → JeM, Lashkar-e-toiba, ISIS, Boko Haram, Houthi's etc. → frequent terror attacks against India.
2. Drug Nexus → India wedged between Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle → most drug cartels run by non-state actors.
3. Lack of accountability and hidden warfare → using drones, social media etc. → difficult to identify and combat.
4. Money laundering and black marketing → threatens to de-stabilise the economy.

Measures to combat Multi-dimensional challenges

1. Global concensus and cooperation to eliminate terrorism, terror funding etc. Eg: No money for terror conference (Delhi 2022).
2. Information sharing → Eg: using INTERPOL, mutual legal assistance treaty.
3. Technological sharing by developed countries. Eg; India- USA defence agreements like COMCASA, BECA etc.
4. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Eg: reviving of panchsheel diplomacy.
5. Stronger border security infrastructure and digital preparedness.