India’s actions on multiple fronts are increasingly fueling the next global escalation of terrorism. While the world has long focused on traditional hotspots of extremist activity, India’s policies and regional interventions are creating conditions that could lead to greater instability and the rise of a new wave of global terrorism. From state-sponsored transnational assassinations to its handling of internal conflicts and foreign relations, India’s role in escalating tensions cannot be ignored.
One of the most concerning aspects is India’s use of extrajudicial killings beyond its borders. The assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023 exposed how India is extending its security operations into foreign countries. This incident and similar reports from the United States and the United Kingdom suggest a disturbing pattern. India has been accused of targeting dissidents and activists who challenge its government’s policies. Such actions are illegal under international law and provoke strong reactions from affected communities. When states resort to covert killings rather than diplomacy, they create a cycle of revenge, leading to further violence. History has shown that state-sponsored assassinations often encourage extremist responses, fueling radical elements who seek retribution.
India’s internal policies are also exacerbating terrorism risks. The situation in Kashmir remains a major flashpoint. After revoking Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, India has intensified its military presence in the region. Reports from human rights organizations indicate mass arrests, media suppression, and extrajudicial killings. The United Nations has documented cases of enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions. These actions have not reduced militancy but have instead given extremist groups more material to justify their recruitment efforts. Frustrated young men, seeing no political solution, are drawn to violence. A study by the Washington-based Wilson Center found that armed insurgencies tend to rise in regions where political dialogue is absent, making India’s approach highly counterproductive.
Beyond Kashmir, India’s treatment of its own minorities is contributing to unrest. The rising wave of Hindutva ideology, which promotes Hindu supremacy, has led to widespread violence against Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. The 2020 Delhi riots saw over 50 people killed, most of them Muslims, in what international observers called a state-backed pogrom. Mob lynchings over accusations of cow slaughter have become common, with groups like Human Rights Watch reporting that over 90 people, mostly Muslims, were lynched between 2015 and 2022. When a state fails to protect its minorities and instead allows or encourages persecution, it creates conditions where radicalization becomes inevitable. Many historical conflicts, including those in the Middle East, have shown that systematic oppression often breeds violent resistance.
India’s influence in neighbouring countries is also causing destabilization. In Afghanistan, New Delhi has sought to expand its strategic presence by supporting factions opposed to Pakistan’s interests. India’s intelligence agency, RAW, has been accused of using Afghan soil to support separatist movements in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. Pakistani authorities have frequently highlighted links between Indian intelligence and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has carried out deadly attacks in Pakistan. In 2016, an Indian intelligence officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, was arrested in Balochistan and confessed to carrying out sabotage operations. These activities directly contribute to unrest in South Asia, creating a ripple effect that strengthens extremist networks. The recent train hijacking incident that happened on 11th March 2025 is also a sequel to the series.
India’s tensions with China are another factor adding to global instability. The 2020 clashes in the Galwan Valley led to military confrontations between the two nuclear-armed nations. While full-scale war was avoided, the incident has fueled an arms race in the region. China has strengthened its ties with Pakistan and increased its military presence in contested areas, leading to further polarization. The more countries get involved in territorial disputes, the greater the risk of proxy conflicts where militant groups can thrive. The South Asian region, already a hotspot for global terrorism, is now being shaped by increasing geopolitical rivalries, with India playing a key role in the escalation.
India’s close alignment with Western powers has also contributed to the problem. International media has turned a blind eye to India’s domestic crackdowns and regional interference due to its strategic interests in countering China. This selective approach damages global counterterrorism efforts. When powerful nations ignore human rights abuses in allied countries, they create resentment among affected populations. This has historically been a key driver of radicalization. A report by the International Crisis Group in 2023 noted that double standards in addressing terrorism concerns, where actions of some states are ignored while others are punished, often lead to a rise in extremist activities. India’s ability to act without accountability could, therefore, contribute to greater global instability.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that India was the world’s largest arms importer from 2018 to 2022. Increased militarization, especially when coupled with aggressive rhetoric, often leads to heightened conflict risks. A region flooded with weapons, particularly in the hands of a state that is engaged in multiple disputes, is a recipe for further violence. The South Asian arms race is not just a local issue; it affects global security by increasing the likelihood of conflict that could spill beyond the region.
India’s actions are laying the groundwork for the next wave of global terrorism. By engaging in extrajudicial killings, suppressing political dissent, marginalizing minorities, interfering in neighbouring states, and fueling regional conflicts, it is creating conditions that extremist groups can exploit. The international community must take notice before the situation escalates further. Unchecked state aggression, especially in a volatile region like South Asia, has historically led to far-reaching consequences. If India’s current trajectory continues, it risks becoming a key factor in the next global escalation of terrorism.
