World Anti-Terrorism Day: A Call for Global Unity Amid Rising Cross-Border Threats from Pakistan

Every year on May 21, World Anti-Terrorism Day is observed to reaffirm the global community’s resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The day marks the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who fell victim to a suicide bombing in 1991, reminding the nation of the devastating impact terrorism can have on society, politics and national security. While the commemoration serves as a tribute to victims of terrorism, it also becomes an occasion for introspection, strategic recalibration and global cooperation in the face of a threat that continues to evolve.

In 2025, the significance of this day is more pronounced than ever, especially for India. The country has been grappling with repeated instances of cross-border terrorism emanating from its western neighbour, Pakistan. Despite international pressure, regional dialogues and counterterrorism agreements, Pakistan’s soil continues to be used as a breeding ground for terror outfits targeting Indian civilians and security forces particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The recent spate of attacks in the region underscores the continued threat and challenges in neutralizing such operations.

In April 2025 alone, major attacks rocked the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, killing several innocent civilians and injuring many more. These attacks, reportedly carried out by groups with ties to Pakistan-based terror organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed not only claimed lives but also aimed at disrupting peace and creating communal disharmony. Intelligence agencies have revealed that these groups were receiving logistical support, funding and ideological backing from handlers across the border. It is a grim reminder of how deeply embedded and coordinated these terror infrastructures are.

These incidents are not isolated. They are part of a larger strategy that seeks to destabilize India’s democratic and secular fabric, particularly in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The attacks are meticulously timed and often coincide with political activities or developmental milestones in the region, signaling the intent to derail progress. Over the years, India has invested heavily in securing its borders and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, but the threat continues to morph with terrorists now using more sophisticated means and even recruiting local youth through digital propaganda.

Pakistan’s role in exporting terror is no secret. Numerous international reports and documents, including those from the Financial Action Task Force have highlighted the country's lax control over terror financing and the free rein given to groups that operate with relative impunity. While the Pakistani state officially denies any involvement, its tacit support, failure to curb terrorist sanctuaries and selective crackdown on anti-India groups suggest otherwise. India's repeated calls for action and accountability have often been met with denial and deflection by Islamabad.

World Anti-Terrorism Day also opens the debate on the responsibility of the international community. The global fight against terrorism cannot be successful without collective will and unbiased action. When countries harbor double standards condemning terrorism in one region while ignoring or downplaying it in another it weakens the entire security framework. India’s stance has been clear and consistent: there is no good or bad terrorism. Any act of violence aimed at civilians or meant to destabilize a region must be condemned unequivocally.

In the last two decades, India has faced some of the deadliest terrorist attacks, from the 2001 Parliament attack to the 2008 Mumbai carnage and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing. Each time, the nation has responded with resilience and dignity, refusing to bow to the threats. At the same time, India has worked on improving its counterterrorism strategies, expanding cooperation with countries like the United States, Israel and France and leveraging technology for better surveillance and response. The changing face of terrorism also calls for a change in strategy. Traditional counterterrorism approaches, focused solely on physical security are no longer sufficient. Today’s terrorists are digitally savvy, using the internet to radicalize youth, spread propaganda, raise funds through cryptocurrencies and plan attacks in real time. India's security agencies have begun to adapt to this shift, but the battle is far from over. The narrative war is as crucial as the physical one.

In regions like Kashmir, this ideological war is particularly intense. Terrorist groups exploit grievances, amplify local discontent and sow seeds of distrust between communities. This makes it imperative for the government and civil society to work together to counter radical ideologies with messages of unity, development and hope. Development projects, youth engagement programs, skill training and social awareness initiatives can go a long way in insulating communities from falling prey to extremist ideologies. The recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir have once again put the spotlight on India's counterterrorism policy. The government has vowed to respond strongly and security forces have been on high alert. Operations to flush out militants and dismantle their hideouts are ongoing. At the same time, there is a renewed push to increase surveillance along the Line of Control, use drones for border monitoring and invest in cyber intelligence to intercept digital communication among terrorist handlers and their foot soldiers.

Another challenge that India faces is the role of misinformation and social media manipulation. Terror outfits have mastered the use of fake narratives and emotional manipulation online. They produce professional-quality videos, run sophisticated online campaigns and infiltrate digital communities. This psychological warfare poses a significant challenge in Kashmir and elsewhere, where young minds can be easily influenced. Addressing this requires a combination of community outreach, digital education and effective counter-narratives.

On the international front, India has been consistent in pushing for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations. Proposed by India in 1996, the convention seeks to criminalize all forms of terrorism and deny terrorists, their supporters and sympathizers any legal or moral support. However, due to geopolitical divides and conflicting national interests, the convention remains in limbo. This inertia only emboldens state and non-state actors who exploit legal grey areas to their advantage.

World Anti-Terrorism Day, therefore, is not merely a day of remembrance. It is a day of resolve a reminder that complacency is not an option. Terrorism thrives in apathy, in loopholes and in delayed action. Whether it is the international community’s failure to hold state sponsors accountable or the internal lapses that allow sleeper cells to function undetected, each gap in the system endangers countless lives.

The road ahead requires sustained political will international cooperation and grassroots participation. India’s security forces have shown exemplary courage in dealing with terrorism. But they need support not just from governments and policymakers but from citizens, media and the youth. Every community must act as a bulwark against radicalization. Every citizen must stay alert and report suspicious activity. And every policymaker must ensure that security measures do not compromise democratic values or human rights.

World Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 comes at a time when the specter of terrorism continues to haunt the Indian subcontinent, especially from across the western border. Pakistan's continued reluctance to dismantle terror infrastructures within its territory poses a serious threat to regional peace. The recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir have added urgency to the fight against terrorism, underlining the need for proactive measures, strategic counteraction and international solidarity. As India commemorates the sacrifices of its citizens and security personnel, it must also lead the charge in demanding a terror-free world one where peace is not held hostage by extremist ideologies or state complicity.