Introduction
While international terrorism mutates with new threats — from AI-facilitated attacks to persistent jihadist violence — India is watching one of its oldest insurgencies recede, that of the Naxalites. From a once potent Maoist rebellion, Naxalite violence has plunged in the past few years with repeated security operations and waning ideology appeal. But as India approaches what appears to be the end to its decadelong conflict, the world is staring at a terror landscape that is even more complicated, and where artificial intelligence (AI) can heighten the threats.
The Terrorism Threat: Persistent and Evolvingenties
Yet more than two decades after 9/11, terrorism is still a key global security concern. Key trends include:
- IS-inspired attacks , lone-wolf attacks with vehicles and knives.
- Radicalization over the internet, as social media and encrypted platforms facilitate self-radicalization.
- Terrorist threats using AI technology — terrorists could leverage machine learning to create bioweapons, deepfake propaganda or attack drones .
Experts caution that AI could reduce barriers to mass-casualty attacks , adding a new level of unpredictability to terrorism. Unlike in conventional insurgencies, A.I.-driven threats call for an entirely new level of international cooperation when it comes to cybersecurity and tech governance.
Naxalite Movement: insurgence to pipelinge
The Naxalite insurrection started in the village of Naxalbari in 1967 in West Bengal, rooted as they are in Marxist-Leninists and Maoist schools of thought . Key phases include:
- (1960s-70s)In its early years , led by Charu Mazumdar et al, it aimed to marshal peasants and tribals to carry out a war of annihilation against landlords and the state.
- Expansion (1980s-2000s) : The rebellion extended to Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and armed groups like the CPI (Maoist) became increasingly stronger.
- Decline (Post-2014) : Better counter-insurgency measures, development projects, and loss of public support crippled the organization.
Why Naxalism is Fading
- Security Crackdowns – The Operation Green Hunt (2009-2018) and subsequent operations brought down the main bastions of the Maoist.
- Capitulation Policies – The government's rehabilitation plans led the militants to surrender arms.
- Decline of Ideological Appeal –Young people attracted less by Maoist ideology and more towards mainstream politics.
- Development push — Construction of roads, schools and welfare schemes in tribal areas helped cut grievances that Naxalites had thrived on.
The same officials now forecast the near-total end of Naxalism by 2026 , a monumental triumph for India’s internal security.
India’s approach as opposed to Global Counter-Terrorism.
India’s approach to Naxalism has some progress unlike the war on terror, led by West:
Factor - India’s Naxalite Strategy - Global Counter-Terrorism (e.g., U.S. vs. IS)
Approach- Security Development-Military focused
Target-- Local insurgents-Transnational jihadists
Civilian Impact- Minimized collateral damage-High civilian casualties
Long-term Goal- Integration into mainstream-Elimination of terror networks
Month: Current Affairs - August 18, 2025
Category: current affairs daily