India: Internal Security Threats 2026 and Response

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, addressed the IB Centenary Endowment Lecture on the subject ‘People-Centric National Security: Community Participation in Building Viksit Bharat’ in New Delhi on December 23, 2025.

During her address apart from congratulating the IB and the Security Forces for the success achieved in eradicating Left Wing Extremism in particular she also highlighted some of the challenges on Internal Security Faced by India as excerpted below-

Traditional Internal Security Threats

India has been facing multi-dimensional security challenges and threats. Tensions in the border areas, terrorism and militancy, insurgency and communal radicalization have been traditional areas of security concern.

Impact of International Developments

Our internal security scenario is also affected by international developments. The world is witnessing geo-political tensions, economic volatility and trade disruptions. These phenomena also have implications for internal security.

Many of our security threats are unique to our national context. In such situations, our solutions must be tailored to address our specific concerns. Community engagement holds the key to resolving such situations.

Economic Impact

Lack of security in any part of the country has economic impacts that go beyond the affected area. Security is among key drivers of economic investment and growth. We can say that building ‘Surakshit Bharat’ is necessary for building ‘Samriddh Bharat’.

She stated that intensive action by forces and agencies engaged in the sphere of internal security has been a key element behind the near-eradication of left-wing-extremism. She noted that a holistic approach was adopted to win the trust of communities through several initiatives. Promoting socio-economic inclusion in tribal and remote areas has proved effective against exploitation of the people by left-wing-extremists and insurgent groups.

Social Media and Misinformation

The President said that social media has transformed the world of information and communication. It has the potential for both creation and destruction.

Protecting people from misinformation is a very challenging task. This task must be carried out continuously and very effectively. There is a need to create a community of active social media users who consistently present fact-based narratives in the national interest.

Technology

The President said that the most complex challenges to national security are non-traditional and digital in nature. Most of these problems originate from cutting-edge technologies.

In this context, there is a need to develop technologically competent communities. The growing problem of digital fraud requires vigilance at the household, institutional, and community levels. Digital platforms can empower citizens to report phishing, digital fraud, and online abuse. They can provide real-time data to relevant agencies.

Predictive Policing

By analyzing such real-time data, predictive policing models can be developed. Vigilant and competent communities of citizens will not only be less susceptible to cybercrimes but will also act as a firewall against such crimes.