India is witnessing a sharp decline in Naxalite militancy, marking the near end of a decades-long insurgency. Once rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology, the Naxalite movement has weakened due to sustained security operations, leadership crises, and loss of territorial control, especially in the Dandakaranya region. The government projects the insurgency could end by mid-2026, a milestone in India’s internal security.
Globally, however, terrorism continues to evolve. Islamic State (IS)-inspired lone-wolf attacks remain a threat, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) adds a dangerous dimension. Experts warn that AI could aid terrorists in planning attacks, weaponising bio-agents, or even acting beyond human control, heightening fears of future instability.
India’s counterinsurgency model differs from aggressive global counter-terror campaigns, as it balances security force action with social and political considerations. Meanwhile, misuse of terms like “urban naxals” risks blurring lines between dissent and militancy, underscoring the need for precision in security discourse.
As Naxalism fades, India strengthens its internal stability, while the world braces for more complex and AI-driven terror threats.
