[Answered] Critically examine the factors contributing to the fragmentation of the global fight against terrorism, with a particular focus on its implications for India. What strategies should India adopt to effectively counter state-sponsored terrorism in this evolving global scenario?

Introduction

The global consensus post-9/11 on “zero tolerance” towards terrorism appears to be eroding. Recent events, such as the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir (April 2024), underscore the fragmentation in the international fight against terrorism, especially when it concerns state-sponsored terrorism against India. Despite being a longstanding victim, India continues to face selective global response, complicating its security landscape.

Factors Contributing to Global Fragmentation in Counter-Terrorism

1. Selective Geopolitical Interests: Nations now differentiate between “my terrorist” and “your terrorist.” While Europe focuses on right-wing extremism, the U.S. prioritizes REMVE (racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism).
2. Overburdened Global Security Environment: Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Middle East reduce international appetite for escalation in South Asia, leading to muted responses to Pakistan-backed attacks in India.
3. Islamophobia vs. Hinduphobia Narrative: Global institutions and actors readily condemn Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, but remain largely silent on Hinduphobia, even when attacks, such as the targeting of Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, are religiously motivated.
4. Diplomatic Inertia and Hypocrisy: Calls for restraint from major powers equate victims with aggressors. For instance, the U.S. urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate after the Pahalgam attack, instead of holding Pakistan accountable.
5. China’s Role at the UNSC: China has repeatedly blocked India’s proposals to blacklist Pakistan-based terrorists under the 1267 Sanctions Committee. With Pakistan now elected to the UNSC (2025–26), such efforts will likely face further hurdles.
6. Freedom of Expression vs. National Security: Countries like Canada have failed to act on anti-India extremist threats under the pretext of free speech, as seen in the lack of crackdown on pro-Khalistani elements.
7. Shifting Focus to Africa: As per the Global Terrorism Index 2025, the Sahel region now accounts for over 50% of global terror deaths. This shift in focus has diluted attention on South Asia’s security concerns.

Implications for India

1. Diplomatic Isolation in Terror Cases: India often has to furnish “proof” of Pakistan’s involvement despite historical precedents like Pulwama (2019) and 26/11 (2008).
2. Delayed Justice: High-profile accused such as David Headley remain beyond Indian jurisdiction; only limited breakthroughs like Tahawwur Rana’s extradition offer some hope.
3. Undermining of India’s Strategic Autonomy: Calls for restraint undermine India’s right to self-defense, impacting its deterrence posture.

Strategies India Must Adopt

1. Bilateral Diplomatic Engagement: India must engage directly with strategic partners (e.g., U.S., UAE, Saudi Arabia) to demand action against state-sponsored terrorism beyond lip service.
2. Revive Multilateral Mechanisms: Push for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN and pursue reforms in the UNSC sanctions regime.
3. Leverage Strategic Autonomy: Utilize multi-alignment to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, while reinforcing the principle of “strategic autonomy” through decisive but calibrated responses.
4. Expose Religious Double Standards: Campaign globally against religiophobia, including Hinduphobia, taking it beyond the UN to bilateral dialogues and missions.
5. Counterterrorism Financing: Strengthen domestic legislation and international cooperation under FATF frameworks to choke funding to terrorist proxies.
6. Kinetic and Asymmetric Options: Retain the right to conduct cross-border counter-terrorism operations, as was done in Surgical Strikes (2016) and Balakot (2019), in the absence of credible international support.
7. Narrative Building and Public Diplomacy: Shape global opinion through sustained engagement with international media, think tanks, and civil society.
8. Regional Counter-Terror Networks: Coordinate with African and Asian countries facing similar threats to create new coalitions for intelligence-sharing and counter-radicalization.

Conclusion

In a world reverting to geopolitical transactionalism, India must recognize that the global war on terror is no longer collective. Instead of waiting for consensus, India should leverage its strategic, diplomatic, and operational capabilities to unilaterally secure its interests. As the article highlights, “if the world refuses to act, India must be prepared to act alone.”