Union HM Amit Shah urges all central and state security agencies to unite as ‘Team India’ to combat organized crime and terrorism. He launches updated crime manuals and new databases to strengthen India’s anti-terrorism capabilities in 2025.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday emphasized the urgent need for all central and state security agencies to unite under a common banner, forming a formidable ‘Team India’ to combat organized crime and terrorism. Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day ‘Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025’ organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi, Shah unveiled a series of new initiatives designed to strengthen India’s anti-terrorism framework.
The conference, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs, is rapidly becoming a vital annual platform to address emerging security threats. Shah said the conference has evolved beyond a mere forum for discussion and now generates actionable strategies that the NIA and state agencies rigorously implement throughout the year. “This conference plays a crucial role in fortifying India’s anti-terrorism grid,” he asserted.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of zero tolerance towards terrorism, the Home Minister highlighted the importance of analyzing recent terrorist incidents both in India and worldwide. He pointed out that rapid technological advancements have changed the nature of terrorism, with perpetrators increasingly using sophisticated tech tools to orchestrate attacks. This evolving landscape demands that India’s security agencies continuously upgrade their counter-terrorism capabilities and anticipate future challenges before they materialize.
A significant part of the conference was dedicated to the launch of three critical tools aimed at empowering law enforcement agencies. Amit Shah unveiled an updated crime manual prepared by the NIA, urging all state police chiefs to form dedicated teams to study the manual for better investigation and prosecution of terror-related crimes. The manual incorporates the latest methodologies and intelligence-gathering techniques designed to tackle organized crime and terrorism effectively.
Alongside the manual, Shah launched two vital databases: an Organized Crime Network Database and a Weapons E-Database. He emphasized that organized crime networks often begin with ransom and extortion activities but eventually forge links with terrorist organizations, using illegal funds to fuel terrorism within India. The new databases will enable security agencies to track these criminal networks and their arsenals more efficiently, thereby enabling faster and more coordinated responses.
The Home Minister called upon states to utilize these resources under the guidance of the NIA, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Intelligence Bureau (IB) to dismantle organized crime networks within their jurisdictions. This holistic approach, he said, is essential to prevent criminal groups from becoming conduits for terrorism.
Amit Shah also referenced the recent terror attack in the Baisaran Valley, describing it as an attempt to destabilize communal harmony and disrupt the development and tourism surge in Kashmir. He praised Indian security forces for their precision and intelligence in neutralizing the terrorists promptly. “This was a terror act that aimed to shake the nation, but through coordinated efforts, we have delivered a strong message to those behind it,” he said.
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The Minister highlighted the success of two key operations: Operation Sindoor, which targeted the planners of the attack, and Operation Mahadev, which neutralized the operatives on the ground. These operations demonstrated India’s capability to respond decisively to terror threats at every level.
Moreover, Shah announced the completion of a thorough investigation into the Pahalgam terrorist attack by expert teams. The findings, he said, will expose Pakistan’s involvement on global platforms, holding it accountable for sponsoring terrorism in India.
In conclusion, Amit Shah reiterated that a united and technologically advanced approach is the cornerstone of India’s fight against terrorism and organized crime. He called for greater cooperation between central and state agencies, urging them to work as one cohesive ‘Team India’ to safeguard national security.
