Home News 14 Years Since 26/11: How India Has Strengthened Its Security – Outlook India

14 Years Since 26/11: How India Has Strengthened Its Security – Outlook India

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It has been 14 years since India’s security system faced one of the most threatening challenges of recent times. November 26, 2008 – General 11/26 – 10 heavily armed terrorists belonging to the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkaretaiba (let me) attacked multiple locations in India’s financial hub and most populous city, Mumbai. Since then, 166 innocent people have been killed and more than 300 injured.

The incident was also a major embarrassment for the country’s security forces, as it exposed clear gaps in India’s maritime surveillance and security, information sharing, and coordination between its armed forces. Ten highly motivated terrorists have occupied several prominent locations in the densely populated city and are well trained members of the Mumbai Police, Central Industrial Guard (CISF), National Guard (NSG) and Marines. (Marcos) was able to defeat an experienced security guard who was

The fact that this terrifying episode lasted over 60 hours revealed two things. For one, the terrorist attacks were clearly well-coordinated.The other is various Indian safety The forces involved in counter-operations were unable to strategize and execute tactics as quickly as they would have liked. Fourteen years later, it is worth enumerating the shortcomings of India’s immediate response to 26/11 and the subsequent steps taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

coast guard accident

The fact that Pakistani terrorists infiltrated and carried out a terrorist attack across India’s maritime borders sent shockwaves across India. In an era of mass surveillance capabilities, it is worrisome that such security threats could arrive from the other side of the border. Navy and the Coast Guard. Following the devastating example of 26/11, Indian security agencies have taken a number of steps to prevent such maritime incidents.

This included various consultations between all stakeholders responsible for coast guard. Finally, such as the National Commission for Coastal and Maritime Security in 2009, the Steering Committee for the Coastal Security Review in 2013, and the State and District Level Coastal Security Commission in 2016. After several initiatives, India has now appointed a National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC). ) serves as a hub of coordination between the Navy, the Coast Guard and other agencies responsible for coastal and maritime security.


In addition to this, Sagar Prahali Baru (SPB) was established as a separate unit within the Navy with the objective of preventing terrorist advances such as those that occurred on 26/11. These measures will serve as a strong check against similar attacks if all constituent agencies of India’s maritime security have access to the right information at the right time.

intrusion despite intelligence

One of the most shocking facts to surface in the aftermath of 26/11 was that Indian intelligence had prior knowledge of the attack. The country had been repeatedly warned by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israel’s Mossad of a maritime incursion by Pakistani terrorists planning simultaneous attacks on multiple locations in Mumbai.

Despite knowing this, the Indian military failed to coordinate with each other to prevent terrorist attacks. In fact, the day after the genocide began, India’s then-Director of Research and Analysis (R&AW), Ashok Chaturvedi, met with the then-Prime Minister and offered to resign for failing to stop the attacks. rice field. Even the Mumbai police got information from local fishermen about a suspicious man on the city’s coastline. However, the Indian security services have not been able to make use of all this intelligence information.


This underscores the important point that it is necessary not only to have access to important information, but also to disseminate it to the appropriate authorities and to act swiftly on it. To prevent failure, India has taken the initiative to set up the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), an integrated grid that connects the databases of India’s major security agencies.

It is hoped that this will enhance information sharing between various agencies, especially in regards to counter-terrorism activities. Importantly, NATGRID’s mandate includes 11 central agencies and police in all states and federal territories. This helps improve coordination between states and central agencies. This was probably missing during the 26/11 attack.


chaos without coordination

As mentioned above, once the LeT terrorists unleashed mayhem, there were multiple forces on the ground trying to neutralize the threat. However, the lack of interagency coordination allowed the terrorists to carry out their plans without difficulty. Their intention was to attack places with mixed crowds of Indians and foreigners, as evidenced by the targets at Nariman House, Oberoi Trident, and Leopold Cafe. In an unfamiliar city and with a team of only 10 people, they were able to reach their goal.

In fact, it can be argued that the terrorists were better coordinated despite being in different locations within the city. reportedly helped to better assess countermeasures from the Indian side.

This made clear the need to provide a better Coordination between various security forces Also with the civil sector of society such as the media. However, such adjustments will be made if all the necessary forces are on the ground without wasting time.


Deployment delay


In retrospect, it is quite heartbreaking that it took more than 10 hours for NSG special forces to deploy after witnessing the conflict. These special forces played a very important role in the final hostage rescue and terrorist killing. Had NSG forces been able to arrive earlier, casualty numbers and overall damage could have been greatly reduced.

NSG special forces surrender from a helicopter to Nariman House during the attack on 26/11 Satishbait/The Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Should a similar threat arise in the future, it is imperative that the Federal Interior Office’s elite counter-terrorism unit, the NSG, be deployed early. 5 in this direction New NSG Hub Established in Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad. These hubs ensure geographical division of responsibilities and fast response times.

beyond the horizon


The 26/11 terrorist attacks were arguably a dark moment in independent India’s history. It is currently impossible to predict whether such an attack will be planned against India again.

To this end, India has taken several important steps. Effective collection and dissemination of information, enhanced coordination and rapid response when necessary will undoubtedly put India on track to becoming a safe country free from indoctrinated prejudices. prize.

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