Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.

India's internal security is challenged not only by internal fault lines but by external state and non-state actors who deliberately exploit them, making the threat multidimensional and hybrid in nature. State actors wage proxy war while non-state actors act as their instruments alongside autonomous networks.

Challenges from external actors

• Cross-border terrorism and proxy war: state sponsorship of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, evident in the 26/11 Mumbai and Pulwama attacks.
• Border management: infiltration, tunnels, ceasefire violations and the two-front concern along the LoC and LAC.
• Cyber and information warfare: attacks on critical infrastructure and power grids, disinformation, and online radicalisation of youth through social media.
• Terror financing: fake Indian currency notes, hawala and narco-terrorism, with the Golden Crescent feeding drugs and funds into Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
• Weaponised drones and technology: cross-border drops of arms and narcotics along the western border.
• Insurgency support: external arms, funds and cross-border sanctuary to Left-wing extremist and North-East groups exploiting internal grievances.
• Maritime and economic threats: sea-borne infiltration, as in 26/11, and circulation of fake Indian currency notes to destabilise the economy.

Measures required

• Strengthen border infrastructure through the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and modernise the armed and paramilitary forces with counter-drone and surveillance technology.
• Enhance intelligence fusion through NATGRID, the Multi-Agency Centre and the post-26/11 coastal security grid.
• Sharpen legal-financial tools via the UAPA, the NIA and FATF-driven action on terror financing.
• Build cyber defences for critical infrastructure and counter online disinformation.
• Pursue diplomacy to isolate state sponsors and run counter-radicalisation to build community resilience.

A whole-of-government approach blending hard power, technology, financial vigilance and diplomacy, backed by winning the trust of border and affected populations, is essential to blunt these evolving hybrid threats.