When the future generations deliberate on India’s national security, two distinct phases of a pre-2014 India and a post-2014 India will emerge, indicating the grand scale at which it was prioritised, something which even the harshest critics of the ruling government will find hard to counter.
The landscape of India’s internal security has undergone significant shifts in recent years, prompting a close examination of the incumbent Union government’s strategies and their impact. From the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir to the persistent challenges in the Northeast and the Naxal-affected regions, the government’s approach has been marked by both decisive action and ongoing efforts. These three historical internal challenges have persisted throughout our history which under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been largely subdued and contained.
One of the most significant policy decisions in the history of our Republic was the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. While the long-term ramifications are still unfolding, the government has emphasized a reduction in terrorist incidents and increased developmental initiatives. Official figures indicate a noticeable decrease in reported terror-related incidents, though concerns about localized militancy and political engagement remain. The government’s focus on infrastructure development, including road and rail connectivity, and inflow of investment capital have yielded measurable progress. It’s important to acknowledge that the region continues to require careful monitoring and a nuanced approach to address the lingering socio-political complexities. Kashmir, blessed by its majestic beauty, has largely regained its tourism, and is now host to winter sports and magnificent treks.
Jammu and Kashmir has seen a drastic 70% reduction in terror incidents, 81% drop in civilian deaths, 50% in security force deaths; and has served as a host to cultural events, tourism (2.11 crore tourists in 2023), and democratic participation. The recognition of the rights of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, women and the accreditation of official language status to Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi and English, serve as the long pending social justice delivered to the diversity of the state’s demography. Amidst all this, the most remarkable achievement was the peaceful conduct of both the 2024 Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections in J&K. These were conducted without an iota of either any poll rigging or violence, marking a significant achievement for democracy. The subsequent coordination between the Union and the Union Territory government will open avenues for even greater forms of development.
In the Northeast, the government’s focus on dialogue and development has yielded some positive outcomes. Several insurgent groups have entered into ceasefire agreements or surrendered, contributing to a relative improvement in the security situation. The reduction of AFSPA from several districts in the Northeast is a tangible result of these efforts. The Union government’s investment of Rs 5 lakh crore from 2014-24 and its plan to invest another Rs 11 lakh crore across domains have revamped the region’s socio-economic standing. However, the region’s diverse ethnic and political landscape necessitates sustained engagement and addressing core issues like economic disparity and border management.
The fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has also witnessed significant strides. The government’s integrated strategy, combining security operations with developmental initiatives, has led to a notable contraction of the Naxalite influence. Statistics indicate a sharp decline in LWE-related violence, with many districts being declared “Naxal-free.” Nonetheless, persistent challenges remain in remote areas, and the need for sustained developmental efforts to address the root causes of extremism is paramount. I still recall the suggestion of a former Union Minister who called for the use of the Air Force to combat red terror, something which was widely perceived as too extreme a measure, given the high collateral damage it would’ve inflicted. The government’s goal to eliminate Naxalism by 2026 is ambitious and will require consistent, multi-pronged effort. If we take the case of the Naxal hotspot Chhattisgarh, the post-2023 landscape has resulted in the elimination of 380 Naxals, 1,194 arrests, 1,045 surrenders in one year—a total of 2,619 neutralized, with only 26 security casualties. Fortified police stations rose from 66 (2014) to 612; affected districts from 126 to 12; affected police stations reduced from 330 to 104; and reduction of Naxal affected area from 18,000 sq.km to 4,200 sq.km. This stands as a testament to the government’s progress towards eradicating all elements of Naxalism across the country by March 2026, without causing any significant civilian casualties, and thwarting the Maoists’ conception of a liberated red corridor “from Tirupati to Pashupatinath”.
Beyond these specific regions, the government’s domestic operations against non-state actors, especially on fronts like cybercrime and narcotics, have demonstrated a proactive approach. Enhanced coordination between Central and state agencies, coupled with technological advancements in surveillance and intelligence gathering, have contributed to a more robust security apparatus. However, the balance between national security and individual liberties remains a delicate one, requiring careful oversight and adherence to constitutional safeguards. India must remain vigilant to avert the inflow of intoxicating substances through the Pakistani, Myanmar and Bangladesh borders. Pakistan’s doctrine of bleeding India with a thousand cuts stands as a greater threat given their internal instability and the Army’s history of diverting focus form internal disturbances to the “Indian threat” and the “question of Kashmir”, as the ensuing peace in the Valley mustn’t be going down very well in Rawalpindi.
While the government deserves credit for its demonstrable progress in several key areas of internal security, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. Challenges persist, and the long-term sustainability of these gains depends on addressing the underlying socio-economic and political factors that fuel unrest. A critical and constructive dialogue between the government, civil society, and opposition parties is essential to ensure that India’s internal security architecture remains robust, accountable, and responsive to the evolving security landscape. Given the increasing investor confidence, rise in the per capita incomes and India’s growing stature on the global front, any form of insurgency will be swiftly dealt with. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has been at the absolute epicentre in the evolution of our national security, carefully monitoring the developments across the length and breadth of the nation. His approach of zero tolerance towards any anti-national element, along with accommodating non-state actors who wish for amicable ties with the Indian State at large have led to 12 peace accords in the Northeast alone since 2019. Such delicate fusion of force and diplomacy with inclusive and sustainable development is what stands as the distinctive feature of his tenure at the North Block. The consensus on the incumbent establishment’s method of “dealing in the language of the perpetrators” has naturally cooled many hotspots which would’ve otherwise posed bigger problems by now. Securing our international borders and strengthening the domestic interiors will inevitably lead to a higher magnitude of growth, one which would eventually propel us towards a truly developed nation in every sense of the word.
* Kartikeya Sharma is a Member of the Rajya Sabha.