Editorial 1: Why India Needs a National Counter-IED Policy
Context
The recent Red Fort blast investigation revealed the use of highly potent improvised explosive devices (IEDs), highlighting the urgent need for a national strategic framework to prevent, detect, and neutralize IED threats.
Background
- IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) are widely used by terrorist groups due to their low cost, easy availability of raw materials, and ability to create high casualties without direct risk to the perpetrator.
- India faces persistent IED threats in conflict zones such as Jammu & Kashmir, Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, and Punjab, and increasingly in urban centers.
- Terror outfits often use ammonium nitrate, fuel oil (ANFO), military-grade explosives, metal balls, and chemical triggers to build lethal IEDs.
Why IEDs Remain a Major Security Challenge
1. Easy Fabrication and Raw Material Availability
- Components such as batteries, switches, containers, and trigger systems are easily procured from common commercial sources.
- Ammonium nitrate, a common fertilizer, is widely misused to cook explosive mixtures.
2. Low-Risk, High-Impact Weapon for Terrorists
- Does not require direct confrontation; can be remotely triggered.
- Causes maximum casualties and psychological shock.
3. Technological Support from Across Borders
- Pakistan supplies commercial explosives and detonators to cross-border terror groups.
- Drones increasingly used to smuggle magnetic IEDs and explosive material.
4. Rising Use in Urban Areas
- Recent blasts like the Rameshwaram Café blast (Bengaluru) and attempts near Red Fort signify expanding threat beyond known conflict zones.
Current Institutional Mechanisms
- National Security Guard (NSG) maintains the National Bomb Data Centre for explosion signatures and blast forensics.
- PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) regulates commercial explosives and detonators.
- However, issues remain:
- Limited manpower and monitoring capacity
- Lack of real-time intelligence coordination
- Pilferage of explosives during transportation and storage
Need for a National Counter-IED Policy
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Requirement
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Purpose
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Unified national framework
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Integrate intelligence, technology, response and regulation
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Strengthening border management
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Prevent drone and courier smuggling routes
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Technological upgrades
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AI-based surveillance, explosive-detection sensors, robotics
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Special training for police & disaster units
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Enhancing first-response capability
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Regulation of explosive precursor chemicals
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Control supply chain leakages
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Community policing & awareness
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Reduce local support networks
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Database-driven forensic analysis
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Identify terror group signatures
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Way Forward
- Develop a dedicated national Counter-IED doctrine under MHA with standardized operating procedures.
- Deploy technology-enabled detection systems (scanners, jammers, drone-interception systems).
- Improve coordination among NSG, NIA, IB, state police and defence forces.
- Strengthen border surveillance & anti-drone systems.
- Regulate chemical precursors and strengthen supply-chain tracking using digital monitoring.
- Promote R&D in indigenous anti-bomb robotics and forensic technologies.
Conclusion
The evolving sophistication of IED attacks, cross-border support for terrorism, and the increasing targeting of urban civilian zones demand a proactive and coordinated national response. A comprehensive Counter-IED Policy is essential for safeguarding national security, protecting lives, and strengthening India’s internal security architecture.