September 21 – GS3/Internal Security and Disaster Management: 2025 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: Analyze the challenges faced by India in maintaining internal security in the current scenario. (250 words)

Introduction 

Internal security is a crucial issue for every nation, and India is facing significant challenges in this area. The country is dealing with various threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, and insurgency, which are impacting its internal security.

Terrorism

• Terrorism poses a serious threat to India, with the country experiencing numerous attacks from different groups, including separatist movements and religious extremists.
• High-profile incidents, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks where ten terrorists targeted multiple locations, resulting in 164 deaths and over 300 injuries, highlight the severity of this issue.

Cybercrime

• Cybercrime has emerged as a significant concern for India, with the country becoming more vulnerable to cyber-attacks from hackers, cybercriminals, and state-sponsored groups.
• Incidents like the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which affected computers in India, underscore the growing threat of cybercrime.

Insurgency

• India faces challenges from various separatist movements, including the long-standing Naxalite insurgency that has been active since the 1960s.
• These movements are driven by different groups, including ethnic and religious minorities, and pose a significant threat to internal security.

Border Security

• Border security is a major concern for India due to its large and porous borders with several neighboring countries.
• These borders can be exploited for smuggling weapons, illegal drugs, and other contraband, posing a threat to internal security.

Illegal Immigration

• India also faces the challenge of illegal immigration from neighboring countries, which adds to security threats and puts pressure on the country’s resources.

Measures Taken by the Government

Combat Terrorism:

• The government established the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in 2011 to coordinate efforts against terrorism.
• The NCTC has improved the country’s response to terrorist attacks by coordinating various government agencies.

Tackling Cybercrime:

• The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) was set up in 2004 to combat cybercrime.
• CERT-In coordinates efforts among government agencies to respond to cyber-attacks, enhancing the country’s cyber defense capabilities.

Addressing Insurgency:

• The Indian government has used military force against separatist groups to address the threat of insurgency.
• A strong intelligence network is maintained to gather information and prevent potential attacks.
• Development initiatives in the North-East region aim to reduce poverty and unemployment, which are root causes of insurgency.

Tackling Left-Wing Extremism:

• The government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackle Left-Wing Extremism, combining security-oriented, development-oriented, and rights-based strategies.
• A special task force has been established to improve coordination among agencies dealing with Left-Wing Extremism.

Conclusion

• There is a need for a more comprehensive and effective strategy to improve internal security in India.
• This includes strengthening border security to prevent infiltration by terrorists and illegal trafficking of arms and drugs.
• Enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing capabilities is also crucial to detect and prevent terrorist attacks.