UPSC Mains 2025 · GS III · Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words

Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India ? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State ? Explain.

हिन्दी में

आतंकवाद एक वैश्विक महाविपत्ति है । यह भारत में किस रूप में प्रकट हुआ है ? समसामयिक उदाहरणों से व्याख्या कीजिए। राज्य द्वारा कौन-से जवाबी उपाय अपनाए गए हैं ? समझाइए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.”

Ritika ChitlangiaAIR 55 · CSE 2024 · 261 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

External state actors refer to sovereign agents, while non-state actors refer to foreign non-sovereign authorities, having a deep influence on internal security of India.

Body · points

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.

Close · a summary

Therefore, the combination of challenges require cross-sector, global coordination.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper III, Q9. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.