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New terror methods and terror attacks are evolving, influenced by geopolitical instability, digital radicalization, and evolving strategies of extremist groups.
How is the Nature of Terrorism is Changing?
Unpredictability: Terrorism trends are unpredictable, allowing dormant groups like Hamas and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) (Syrian terrorist organization) to resurface with major impact.
The earlier belief that terror groups would not engage in full-scale war but Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 has blurred this predictability.
Self indoctrinated and radicalised youths are leading to unpredictable Lone-wolf attacks. E.g., New Orleans attacks 2025 in the US.
State Sponsored: Both Syria and Afghanistan now governed by terrorist groups (HTS and the Taliban, respectively) prolonging terrorism.
Evolving Tactics: Modern terrorism relies on sympathizers, sleeper cells, ideological debates on use of violence, unconventional attacks like vehicle ramming, and a rising number of educated professionals joining extremist networks.
Expanding Geographic Reach: ISIS-K’s growing presence in Afghanistan threatens South Asia.
Technology as a Force Multiplier: Terrorists are using advanced technology like drones, 3D printing, and cyber tools to boost their capabilities, potentially enabling high-profile attacks that amplify propaganda.
E.g., Houthi attack on Saudi Aramco's oil facilities in 2019 showcased use of precision drones.
Cross-Group Cooperation: Terrorist groups are collaborating to increase their area of influence and threaten regional stability.
E.g., Iran’s Axis of Resistance (Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iraqi militias) against Israel.
Domestic Terrorism in the West: Political polarization in the US and Europe is driving extremism, while immigration tensions risk violence, as seen in the El Paso shooting 2019 in US
Reasons for Changing the Nature of Terrorism
Weakened Global Governance: Institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are proving ineffective in dismantling terrorist network
Emergence of Terror Regime: The collapse of the Assad regime and rise of HTS in Syria indicate potential for strengthening of terror infrastructure due to political shifts.
Global Terrorist Networks: Increased globalization has facilitated the movement of people, money, and weapons across borders.
E.g., Al-Qaeda and ISIS presence in Africa, South Asia, and Europe beyond the Middle East.
Shift in Ideological Motivations: Terrorism now stems from religious extremism, identity grievances, and personal motives, not just political goals.
E.g., the Christchurch shootings 2019 were driven by white supremacist extremism.
Proxy Warfare: State-backed terrorist groups complicate terrorism by fueling instability in rival countries. E.g., Jaish-e-Mohammed carried out attacks in India with Pakistan’s support.
How the Changing Nature of Terrorism Impacting India?
Homegrown Radicalization: Terror organisations have recruited Indian youth, with radicalization cases in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
E.g., India identified 62 locals and 68 overseas Indians linked to ISIS, with 95% from South India.
Low-Cost Attacks: Low-cost, high-impact attacks are rising e.g., low key attacks like Coimbatore car blast 2022 for which resources can be arranged locally.
Radicalization in Local Dilects: Terrorists use social media and encrypted apps for propaganda, recruitment, and planning, while deepfake technology and AI pose rising misinformation threats in local dialects which are hard to detect
UAV-Based Terrorism: Drones are now used to drop arms, explosives, and drugs across the India-Pakistan border.
E.g., Two explosives-laden drones crashed into the Indian Air Force station at Jammu in 2021.
Hawala Transactions: Increased reliance on hawala networks, cryptocurrency transactions, and fake NGOs run by fugitive people like Zakir Naik to fund terrorism.
E.g., channeling of foreign funds for unlawful activities by the now banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
Way Forward
Global Cooperation: Strengthen international counterterrorism frameworks, including the UNSC and FATF, to curb terrorist financing and transnational networks.
India should strengthen intelligence-sharing with neighbors via BIMSTEC and SAARC.
AI & Cybersecurity Measures: Develop AI-driven surveillance and deepfake detection tools to counter online radicalization and misinformation in local languages.
Work with tech companies to curb extremist content and propaganda spread through encrypted apps.
NGO Scrutiny: Strictly monitor NGOs receiving foreign funds to prevent terror financing under the guise of charity.
Counterterrorism Laws: Update laws like UAPA and NIA Acts to tackle new-age threats like one-wolf attack.
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