The Challenge of Cross-border Terrorism in India- Explained Pointwise

The India-Pakistan border is a prominent hotspot for cross-border terrorism. Recent events, such as the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, have intensified accusations and diplomatic fallout between the two countries. Even though India and Pakistan have tried many times to bring peace through talks and agreements still the situation has not improved to the desired level. This is mainly because Pakistan continues to support terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) etc, which carryout cross-border terrorist attacks to disturb the peace in the region.
Thus, in this article we will analyze the causes & consequences of cross-border terrorism and various government initiatives as well as what could be the way forward.

What is cross-border Terrorism & what are its sources in India?

• Cross Border Terrorism: Cross-border terrorism refers to terrorist activities where the territory of one country is used to plan, support, or launch attacks against another country. This form of terrorism often involves non-state actors receiving support-tacit or explicit-from states or entities across international borders. It is considered a form of “grey zone” conflict, amounting to an undeclared war aimed at destabilizing a nation through sustained, low-intensity violence.
• Key Features:

  • Terrorist groups operate from one country and infiltrate into neighboring states to carry out attacks.

  • Methods include armed incursions, bombings, cyberattacks, smuggling of arms and narcotics, and sponsoring proxy fighters.

  • The intent is often to intimidate populations, disrupt governance, or further ideological, political, or religious objectives.

Sources of Cross Border Terrorism

What are the reasons behind cross-border terrorism in India?

1. State-sponsored Policy by Pakistan:

• Pakistan’s military-intelligence establishment, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has deliberately used terrorism as a tool of state policy to destabilize India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a part of Pakistan’s policy of ‘bleeding India through thousand cuts’.
• Pakistan has sought to challenge Indian control over Kashmir and keep the issue active on the international stage by supporting militant groups that operate across the border.
• Pakistan has cultivated and deployed non-state actors such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad as proxies to conduct attacks in India, providing them with funding, training, and safe havens. This proxy strategy allows Pakistan to wage asymmetric warfare while maintaining plausible deniability.
• Pakistan has also supported insurgency in other Indian regions, such as Punjab, to destabilize India further e.g. Terrorist attack on Pathankot Airbase in 2016.

2. Porous and difficult-to-secure borders: India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and even along the coastline are often porous and challenging to monitor due to difficult terrain (mountains, jungles, rivers, deserts). These geographical complexities make infiltration, smuggling of arms, and movement of militants easier. Smuggling of arms, drugs, and fake currency across these borders helps sustain terrorist operations.

3. Over Ground Workers: The local population is recruited as over-ground workers by the terrorist outfits in border areas. These over-ground workers support and facilitate the cross-border movement of terrorists by providing them transportation, shelter, and other assistance.

4. Corruption among officials: Corrupt officials allow illegal cross-border movement in exchange for bribes. This provides avenues for criminal elements and terrorists to enter India.

5. Inadequate border management & security gaps: Inconsistent or inadequate border security infrastructure and lack of strategic coordination among security agencies can create vulnerabilities that are exploited by terrorists.

What are the consequences of cross-border terrorism in India?

Cross-border terrorism has had severe consequences for India. These are mentioned below-

1. Loss of civilian and defence personnel lives: There has been loss of lives of thousands of civilians in acts of cross-border terrorism over the years. Thousands of defense, paramilitary and police personnel have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty fighting cross-border terrorism e.g. Attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama in 2019.

2. Disruption of peace and security: Cross-border terrorism has disrupted peace and security along India’s borders, particularly with Pakistan. It has led to a deterioration of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, leading to suspension of treaties (like the Indus Waters Treaty), closure of trade routes, and reduced cooperation. It consolidates nationalism and deepens divisions between India and Pakistan, making conflict resolution more difficult.

3. Economic disruption: Cross-border terrorism causes significant economic loss by disrupting trade, commerce, tourism, agriculture, and other vital activities, especially in conflict-prone regions like Jammu & Kashmir. Major attacks, such as the Pahalgam massacre, have led to mass cancellations in the tourism sector, loan defaults, stalled infrastructure projects, and rising unemployment. The perception of risk deters both domestic and foreign investment, reduces FDI inflows, and increases the cost of doing business. Ancillary sectors such as transport, horticulture, banking, and retail also suffer ripple effects from these disruptions.

4. Social & Psychological impact: Frequent terror attacks inflict heavy psychological trauma on victims and their families, leading to long-term mental health issues and increased medical costs. The constant threat of cross-border terrorism has also created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the civilian population living along the borders. The radicalization of local populations, especially youth, is exacerbated by persistent violence and extremist propaganda. It also leads to attack on Kashmiri people in other parts of the country.

5. Long-term developmental setbacks: Persistent terrorism erodes investor confidence, leading to capital flight and stunted industrial growth. Educational opportunities are lost as institutions close or are disrupted, impacting future income and social mobility.

6. Illegal infiltration and smuggling: Cross-border terrorism has facilitated illegal infiltration and smuggling of narcotics, arms and weapons across India’s borders, especially with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

What are the steps taken by India to counter cross border terrorism in India?

1. Strengthening Security and Intelligence Infrastructure

• National Investigation Agency (NIA): The NIA is India’s primary agency for investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related cases, especially those involving cross-border elements. It coordinates with other agencies to ensure a unified response to terror threats.
• Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW): This external intelligence agency focuses on countering cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan-based groups.
• National Intelligence Grid (NatGrid): Integrates data from multiple agencies to provide real-time threat analysis and improve intelligence sharing.

2. Legislative and Policy Measures:

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): Provides a robust legal framework to prosecute terrorism-related offenses, designate terrorist organizations, and freeze assets.
• National Security Act (NSA): Allows preventive detention of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism.
• Amendments to Laws: The UAPA and Prevention of Money Laundering Act have been strengthened to address new forms of terrorism and its financing.

3. Enhanced Border Management:

• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): Agencies like BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB are deployed in sensitive border areas to prevent infiltration and support anti-terror operations.
• Smart Fencing and Surveillance: India is investing in smart fencing, drones, sensors, and surveillance cameras along borders to detect and prevent cross-border infiltration.
• Coastal Security: Upgradation of coastal security infrastructure to prevent maritime infiltration.

4. Specialized Counter-Terrorism Units:

• National Security Guard (NSG): An elite force specializing in counter-terrorism operations, including hostage rescues and response to large-scale attacks.
• NSG Hubs: Established in major cities for rapid deployment during emergencies.

5. Diplomatic and Strategic Actions:

• Suspension of Bilateral Agreements: In response to major attacks, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed border check posts, and reduced diplomatic staff with Pakistan to signal zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism.
• International Advocacy: India raises the issue of cross-border terrorism in multilateral forums, presses for global action on terror financing, and seeks extradition of perpetrators.

6. International Cooperation:

• Intelligence Sharing: Collaboration with international intelligence agencies to improve the accuracy and timeliness of counter-terrorism operations.
• Action Against Terror Financing: Efforts to choke the flow of funds to terrorists by monitoring financial transactions and working with global partners.

What should be the way forward?

1. Strengthening border security: There is a need to reassess policies related to management of India’s international borders such as intelligence apparatus, internal security and border management. The smart fencing of all Indian borders must be expedited.

2. Kinetic Strikes: The surgical strikes like the Uri Surgical Strike and the airstrike like the Balakot airstrikes must be carried out to deter the terrorists. The military should also look at alternative means to strike at the terror camps across the LoC (Line of Control) and LAC (Line of Actual Control) through mechanisms like Precision Engagement Capability.

3. Specialized force and training- India should move in the direction of specialisation of military to fight cross-border terrorism. A judicious mix of properly trained manpower and affordable and tested technology is likely to yield better results.

4. Beefing up cyber defence Mechanism: A holistic cyber defense mechanism must be developed to effectively counter cyber-linked terrorism, including conducting cyber operations and implementing strong counter-measures against cyber attacks from foreign soil.

5. Speeding up judicial process: India’s national criminal justice system must be enhanced and legal protocols must be streamlined to enable speedy trials of cross border terrorism cases.

6. Counter-radicalization programmes: The counter-radicalization programs focusing on promoting non-violence and tolerance must be implemented, especially in educational institutions. This will reduce youth’s exposure to cross border terrorism and radical ideology.  This will reduce the number of over-ground workers in India.

Conclusion:
Cross-border terrorism thus imposes a heavy and multidimensional cost on India, affecting its economy, society, politics, security, and prospects for peace and development. A multi-pronged approach-combining financial, diplomatic, security, intelligence, and socio-political strategies, supported by international cooperation and dialogue with local population-is essential to effectively counter and ultimately resolve cross-border terrorism.