Counter Terrorism

About Centre

As the origins, scope and impact of terrorism and violent extremism extend beyond conventional security and military paradigms — covering religious, political, socio-economic, demographic and at times historical vectors— the onus for developing effective and comprehensive counter-terrorism and counter-radicalization campaigns falls within the purview of eminent research institutes like the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).

It is for this reason that the MP-IDSA has established the Counter Terrorism Centre, which will look into various aspects of terrorism as well as ways of developing effective counter-terrorism strategies and campaigns. In addition to studying the complexities involved in the process of terrorism, the centre would seek to develop counter radicalisation and counter terror financing strategies and programmes.

The Purpose

The purpose of MP-IDSA’s Counter Terrorism Centre is four-fold:

Collect, collate and build database of terrorism-related activities and incidents, covering radicalization, terror financing and cyber-terrorism domains for empirical analyses and research at the provincial, national and international levels.
Devise, develop and test counter-terrorism measures, programmes and policy initiatives, covering counter-radicalization, terror financing and cyber-terrorism campaigns at the provincial, national and international levels
Build synergies by developing networks with relevant provincial, national and international experts, officials, institutions, forces, initiatives and campaigns involved in activities related to counter-terrorism.
Teach, disseminate and build general awareness of security forces, national and international institutions, academic centers and the general population over issues related to terrorism and counterterrorism measures and operations.

The Mission

To be the premier counter-terrorism center of the country in terms of research and analyses, for developing policy studies and campaigns through enhanced connectivity and network with relevant institutions, forces, experts and officials at the regional, national and international levels.

Terror Tracker New Digest

Terror Tracker is a newsletter that zeroes in on recent terrorism-related activities and issues unfolding around the world. It even tracks and analyzes various counter-terrorism measures and campaigns at the international level. With particular focus on the South Asian region, the newsletter seeks to inform and update policy makers, security forces as well as the general public about the changing contours of the highly elusive, yet ever lurking global threat.

Malhama Tactical: Now Jihadists for Hire

A conglomerate of elite jihadists called Malhama Tactical, a commercial enterprise driven by a for-profit agenda and not constrained by a specific ideology and defined enemies, has emerged as a serious threat as it can potentially connect and facilitate terrorist organisations worldwide.

Is the Threat of Islamic State Khorasan a Red Herring?

The rising threat of Islamic State Khorasan (ISK) since the Taliban’s capture of Afghanistan could be a red herring as it seems to be overplayed by Pakistan to mainstream and help the Taliban regime.

Trial of the 2015 Attacks: France’s Pre-emptive Counter Terrorism

The 2015 terrorist attacks in France have seriously tested the nation’s faith in liberal and secular values as well as its tolerance for Political Islam. Taking a hands-on approach to combat terrorism, France has initiated what is being described as the “biggest trial” in its modern history.

Saman Ayesha Kidwai
September 22, 2021
IDSA Comments

Boko Haram and Female Suicide Bombers

The reported death of Abu Bakr Shekau may herald the imminent end of Boko Haram, but the impact of its heinous atrocities, particularly its use of female suicide bombers, has set a dangerous precedent for other terrorist groups to adopt.

Aarushi Gupta
September 06, 2021
IDSA Comments

The Storming of Capitol Hill: Implications for US Polity

The January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by White Supremacists and members of far-right militias brought to stark attention the political divisiveness in the United States.

Savini Mehta
March 25, 2021
IDSA Comments

Jihadist Radicalisation in Tamil Nadu

Greater attention needs to be focused on effectively countering threats of radicalisation affecting India from Southeast Asia.

Erdogan’s New Foreign Policy Volte Face

It remains to be seen to what extent Turkish President Recep Tayyeb Erdogan’s recent efforts to mend broken regional ties and address concerns over domestic policies will succeed.

Adil Rasheed
December 23, 2020
IDSA Comments

France Counters Islamist Radicalisation

In the aftermath of Samuel Paty’s beheading, France is taking measures that seek to reverse the processes through which individuals become ‘terrorists’. If successful, other countries could emulate such policy interventions in their own counter-radicalisation efforts.

FATF: In Need of Darker Shades of Grey

The three list categorisation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)—white, grey, and black—has been largely ineffective when dealing with jurisdictions like Pakistan. There need to be more gradations between the grey and blacklists as it may increase policy options and leverage.

Why Fewer Indians Have Joined ISIS

Unlike other parts of the Muslim world, spanning North Africa to Southeast Asia, that have remained under the theological and cultural influence of Arabia, India has been able to develop its own versions of Islam and holds its own against West Asian influences.