Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Answer in 250 words)

India’s internal security environment is shaped by state-sponsored coercion and non-state violence operating across physical, digital, financial and informational domains.

Multidimensional challenges

• State actors may support cross-border terrorism, infiltration, arms and narcotics trafficking, espionage and cyber operations.
• Non-state groups use radicalisation, encrypted communication, drones, terror financing, organised crime and online recruitment.
• Hybrid warfare combines disinformation, deepfakes, economic coercion, proxy conflict and attacks on critical infrastructure.
• Left-wing extremism, insurgency and communal polarisation can be amplified by external funding and narratives.

Required measures

• Improve intelligence fusion, inter-agency coordination, coastal and border management, surveillance and forensic capability.
• Harden critical infrastructure and supply chains; strengthen CERT-In, NCIIPC and cyber-skilled personnel.
• Disrupt terror finance through PMLA, beneficial-ownership checks, FATF cooperation and asset seizure.
• Combine calibrated policing with development, rights-sensitive governance, rehabilitation and community trust in conflict areas.
• Build media literacy, counter-narratives and platform accountability while protecting free expression.

Integrated approach

Security, diplomacy, technology, financial intelligence and democratic resilience must operate together; excessive securitisation without justice can itself deepen alienation.

Proxy warfare; hybrid threats; intelligence fusion; terror finance; critical infrastructure; counter-radicalisation; resilience.