Identify, eliminate threats before they grow big: Amit Shah urges security agencies

Published 2026-08-26 · Updated 2026-08-26 · 3 min · 545 words

UPSC CSE Context

Why in News

Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Intelligence Bureau's National Security Strategy Conference, outlining a forward-looking security policy.

Syllabus Connection

Internal Security, Governance, and International Relations.

Exam Relevance

Provides current examples for answers on internal security challenges, technology in policing, and Centre-State coordination.

Core Issue

India's security policy must anticipate emerging threats.

Key Development

Amit Shah urged security agencies to identify and eliminate threats before they escalate.

Stakeholders

• Ministry of Home Affairs
• State police forces
• Central Armed Police Forces
• Central agencies

Static Knowledge

High-Value Background

• Internal security is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule, but the Centre provides coordination and resources.

Exam Linkage

• Useful for questions on internal security architecture, emerging threats, and technology integration in policing.

Concepts in Context

• CCTNS, ICJS, NatGrid, and NAFIS are integrated databases for crime and criminal tracking.
• The 'Prahar' framework is an anti-terror policy document.

Institutions and Mechanisms

• National Security Strategy Conference (NSSC) is a forum for security agencies to discuss long-term challenges.
• Narcotics Control Vision Document 2026-2029 guides the drug-free India initiative.

Dynamic Analysis

Internal Security

• Shift from reactive to proactive security posture aims to prevent threats from maturing.
• Focus on 'infiltrator-free' and 'narcotics-free' India links border management with internal stability.
• Emphasis on dismantling 360-degree terrorist networks indicates a holistic counter-terror approach.
• Success in hotspots like Left-wing extremism and Northeast unrest is attributed to coordinated efforts.

Governance

• Implementation of new criminal laws within a year aims to expedite justice delivery and increase conviction rates.
• Integrated databases and AI use in policing enhance data-driven decision-making.
• Centre-State coordination is highlighted through PFI ban and narcotics control.
• Fugitive extradition efforts strengthen legal deterrence against economic offenders.

International Relations

• Global challenges like geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions are integrated into national security policy.
• Cyber misinformation campaigns are recognized as cross-border threats requiring international cooperation.
• Extradition of fugitives from abroad reflects diplomatic and legal engagement with other nations.

Technology and Security

• AI is proposed for data integration, analysis, and identifying criminal modus operandi.
• Integrated databases enable seamless information sharing among law enforcement agencies.
• Technology is seen as a force multiplier for predictive policing and threat prevention.

Mains Value Addition

Arguments

• Proactive security policy is essential to address non-traditional threats like cyber misinformation and radicalization.
• Technology integration can improve policing efficiency but requires robust data protection and privacy safeguards.
• Legal reforms like new criminal laws can reduce pendency and enhance public trust in the justice system.

Examples

• Coordinated nationwide action against PFI and its subsequent ban exemplifies effective Centre-State coordination.
• 274 fugitives brought back to India between 2019 and 2026 demonstrate success in extradition efforts.

Data Points

• New criminal laws aim to dispose of cases up to Supreme Court within three years and increase conviction rates by 25%.

Counterpoints

• Over-reliance on technology may raise privacy concerns and require robust legal safeguards.
• Proactive identification of threats could risk targeting dissent if not carefully implemented.
• Achieving an 'infiltrator-free' India is challenging given porous borders and humanitarian considerations.

Way Forward

• Strengthen inter-agency coordination through regular joint exercises and intelligence sharing.
• Invest in advanced surveillance and data analytics while ensuring privacy protections.
• Enhance border infrastructure and technology for effective infiltration detection.
• Implement new criminal laws with adequate training for police and judiciary.
• Foster international cooperation for extradition and countering cyber threats.

Primary/reference source: National News