How Is India Ranked In Global Terrorism Index?

India’s Global Terrorism Index Ranking (2012–2024): A Detailed Analysis

India’s position in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) has seen significant changes since 2014, reflecting shifts in the country’s security landscape and counterterrorism efforts. The GTI, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), evaluates the impact of terrorism in different countries based on metrics such as the number of terrorist attacks, fatalities, injuries, and property damage. A higher ranking on this index indicates a greater impact of terrorism.

India’s Terrorism Impact and GTI Ranking (2005–2024)

India has historically been one of the countries most affected by terrorism. The GTI rankings from 2012 onward provide a clearer picture of India’s changing security situation:

  • 2012: Ranked 4th
  • 2013: Ranked 6th
  • 2014: Ranked 6th
  • 2015: Ranked 7th
  • 2016: Ranked 8th
  • 2017: Ranked 8th
  • 2018: Ranked 7th
  • 2019: Ranked 8th
  • 2020: Ranked 10th
  • 2021: Ranked 12th
  • 2022: Ranked 13th
  • 2023: Ranked 13th
  • 2024: Ranked 14th

This downward trend suggests a steady reduction in terrorist activity and its impact over the years, signifying improvements in national security.

Key Factors Affecting India’s GTI Ranking

1. Strengthened Counterterrorism Efforts

The Indian government has implemented several strategic measures to combat terrorism:

  • Improved intelligence networks to detect and prevent attacks.
  • Stronger border security to curb infiltration, especially from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
  • Implementation of anti-terrorism laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to combat extremist groups.

2. Changing Terrorist Threats

Over the years, the nature of terrorism in India has evolved:

  • Early 2000s to 2010s: Major urban attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks, increased India’s vulnerability to terrorism.
  • 2015–Present: A decline in major city-based attacks, with most terrorist activity concentrated in Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and Naxal-affected regions.

3. Global Cooperation in Counterterrorism

India has increased its collaboration with international agencies such as Interpol, the United Nations, and other intelligence-sharing networks. This has improved India’s ability to track and eliminate terror threats more effectively.

4. Cross-Border Influence and Regional Stability

India’s security situation is influenced by the geopolitical scenario in its neighborhood:

  • Pakistan-based terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continue to pose a threat, though their impact has reduced.
  • The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 created concerns about terrorist safe havens in the region.

Regional Disparities in Terrorist Activities

1. Jammu & Kashmir

This region has been the epicenter of terrorist activity in India, mainly due to insurgency, separatist movements, and cross-border terrorism. Attacks on security forces, grenade blasts, and infiltration attempts remain common, though the situation has improved post-2019 with enhanced military operations.

2. Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism)

  • Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra have been affected by Maoist insurgency.
  • The number of Maoist-related violent incidents has reduced in recent years due to increased security operations and development initiatives.

3. Northeast Insurgency

States like Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland have historically witnessed ethnic insurgencies and militant activities. However, government negotiations and peace accords with separatist groups have led to a decline in terrorist incidents in this region.

India in the Global Terrorism Landscape

Comparing India with Other South Asian Countries

While India has faced significant terrorist threats, its GTI ranking has improved compared to nations like:

  • Afghanistan (ranked 1st in GTI 2023)
  • Pakistan (ranked 6th in GTI 2023)

India’s decline in GTI rankings is a testament to its effective counterterrorism policies compared to some of its neighbors.

Future Challenges and Recommendations

Despite the progress, terrorism remains a major concern for India. Some future challenges include:

  1. Use of Technology by Terror Groups:
    Terrorist organizations are increasingly using drones, encrypted communication, and cyber warfare to spread propaganda and coordinate attacks.
  2. Radicalization and Online Extremism:
    The internet and social media have become tools for radicalization, especially among youth.
  3. Security in Urban Areas:
    Though major attacks in cities have declined, vigilance in metropolitan regions remains crucial.

Key Recommendations for India’s Counterterrorism Strategy

  • Increase Cyber Surveillance: Combat radicalization through AI-based monitoring and counter-extremism campaigns.
  • Strengthen Border Security: Enhance fencing, surveillance drones, and intelligence cooperation along sensitive borders.
  • Improve Socio-Economic Development: Investing in education, employment, and infrastructure in terrorism-prone regions can reduce the appeal of extremism.

Conclusion

India’s journey in the Global Terrorism Index from 2012 to 2024 showcases substantial improvements in national security. While challenges persist in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Naxal-affected states, the country’s counterterrorism initiatives have led to a significant decline in terrorist incidents.

Going forward, continued vigilance, technological advancements, and regional cooperation will be key to further reducing terrorism’s impact in India.

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