In today’s volatile world, knowledge-based decision-making has become essential, particularly in national security. Unlike open military conflicts, where armed forces can directly repel aggression, covert threats such as terrorism can only be countered with accurate and timely intelligence.

Intelligence is more than just information — it is reliable, relevant, futuristic, and confidential. It provides “information for action” and gives nations a hidden advantage. Security failures typically occur due to three reasons: absence of intelligence, delayed communication, or failure to act on it. Even general warnings about potential threats should trigger preventive measures.

To ensure coordinated responses, nations have established institutional mechanisms. In India, the National Security Council Secretariat and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau integrate reports from multiple agencies. On the defense side, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) aligns intelligence flows from the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Terrorism, particularly cross-border attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, remains India’s biggest internal security challenge. Pakistan-backed terror networks, driven by faith-based indoctrination, have destabilized the region and targeted civilians to provoke communal discord. India’s retaliatory strikes across the border have redefined its security doctrine by treating terrorism as an “act of war.”

Globally, terrorism has evolved into a cost-effective substitute for conventional wars. The anti-Soviet jihad in Afghanistan showcased how asymmetric warfare could even cripple a superpower. Today, faith-based terrorism threatens democracies worldwide.

For India, intelligence-led counterterrorism is crucial not just for military efficiency but also for minimizing civilian casualties and ensuring that armed forces operate with precision and restraint. Beyond security, intelligence also shapes governance, highlighting both risks and opportunities, and guiding timely policy adjustments.

As global dynamics shift, India’s intelligence-driven strategies, coupled with stronger Indo-US cooperation, will remain central to safeguarding national and international security.