NIA and State Police Chiefs Strengthen Anti-Terror Strategy Using Data Analytics, New Tech
On the concluding day of the National Security Strategies Conference 2025, top anti-terror experts from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and heads of various state police forces held extensive discussions on leveraging data analytics, financial intelligence, and advanced technologies to fortify India's internal security framework.
According to a senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the day-long deliberations covered a wide range of critical security issues, including aviation and port security, counter-terrorism strategies, left-wing extremism (LWE), and measures to curb narcotics trafficking.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who inaugurated the two-day conference on Friday, called for a robust and uncompromising approach against fugitives involved in terrorism, smuggling, and cross-border criminal activities.
Shah Urges Aggressive Disruption of Terror Networks
In his keynote address, Shah emphasised the urgent need to expose terror financing channels by closely analyzing patterns of financial irregularities. He also warned about the rising influence of foreign-based forces attempting to destabilise India and called for active dismantling of their domestic support structures.
“Only a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach can neutralize emerging threats. NIA and State ATSs must function as a unified front against all enemies of national security,” Shah asserted.
The conference served as a strategic platform for brainstorming new tools, technologies, and inter-agency frameworks required to tackle modern security threats such as:
- Use of encrypted messaging apps by terror financiers
- Evolving narcotics trafficking routes
- Weaponisation of rogue drones
- Terror-criminal syndicate linkages
- Cross-border propaganda networks
Focus on Encrypted Apps and Tech-Enabled Threats
Security officials shared insights on how terror outfits are increasingly using encrypted communication tools and cryptocurrency for coordination and funding. Senior NIA officers highlighted case studies and discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence and blockchain analysis to track suspicious digital trails.
The panel also evaluated drone surveillance systems and counter-drone measures to prevent smuggling of weapons and narcotics via air routes, especially along international borders.
LWE Success Recognised, But States Advised to Stay Vigilant
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also commended the recent progress made in anti-Maoist operations, particularly in central and eastern India. However, he cautioned newly-liberated districts to maintain high vigilance to prevent any resurgence of armed formations.
“Operational success is not the endpoint. Stability and governance must follow,” Shah told the gathering of DGPs and intelligence heads.
He also urged the states to align their security strategies with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous and secure India by 2047, the centenary year of Independence.
Unified Push Against Narcotics and Organised Crime
Among the major concerns flagged during the conference was the rise in organised drug trafficking, especially in coastal and border states. Officials proposed using maritime surveillance, financial forensics, and international cooperation to disrupt the supply chains.
The importance of synchronised action between NIA, State ATS, Intelligence Bureau, and enforcement agencies like ED and NCB was reiterated to comprehensively choke the drug-terror nexus.
Way Forward: Collaboration, Innovation, and Rapid Response
The conference concluded with a commitment from all participating agencies to enhance technological capabilities, ensure seamless data sharing, and foster institutional collaboration at both central and state levels.
Experts noted that national security is no longer limited to conventional borders and threats but has rapidly expanded into cyber, financial, and digital domains — requiring swift adaptation and dynamic policymaking.
Amit Shah’s closing remarks summed up the core message of the event: “Our enemies are evolving fast — we must evolve faster. Technology, intelligence, and unity are our greatest weapons.”