India's top security and intelligence officials are set to deliberate on emerging national security threats, including attempts by Bangladesh-based terror groups to revive their networks in West Bengal and neighbouring states, at a two-day conference scheduled to be held in New Delhi next week.
The National Investigation Agency's (NIA) Anti-Terror Conference 2026 is likely to take place on November 19 and 20, bringing together senior intelligence officials, security agencies and anti-terrorism squads (ATS) from across the country to discuss evolving security challenges.
The agenda is expected to cover infiltration through India's porous borders, the smuggling of drugs, arms and explosives by anti-India elements, and the online radicalisation and recruitment of young men by a Pakistan-backed gangster-terrorist network allegedly led by Shahzad Bhatti.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the conference and issue important directions to the NIA and the ATS units of all states and Union Territories.
Bangladesh-based terror groups, border infiltration on agenda
One of the key concerns likely to feature prominently in the discussions is the alleged attempt by Bangladesh-based terror organisations to reactivate their modules in West Bengal and other neighbouring states.
Security officials are also expected to examine how India's porous borders, particularly in Bengal and the north-eastern region, are being exploited by anti-India elements to facilitate infiltration and smuggle narcotics, weapons and explosives.
An official familiar with the preparations said infiltration through the porous borders in the north-east and West Bengal, along with the smuggling of drugs, arms and explosives, would be among the major subjects discussed at the meeting.
The deliberations are expected to focus on strengthening coordination among central and state agencies to identify and disrupt such networks.
Pakistan-backed gangster-terrorist networks under scrutiny
Another major issue on the agenda is Pakistan's alleged use of proxy warfare through gangster networks operating across borders.
Investigators are expected to discuss the online radicalisation and recruitment of young men by a Pakistan-backed network allegedly headed by Shahzad Bhatti.
Officials will also examine instances in which Indian men have allegedly been recruited or used by Pakistani gangster networks to carry out attacks on police stations, police personnel, offices of political parties, businessmen and celebrities.
Such incidents have been reported in Punjab, Haryana and other parts of the country, raising concerns about the growing overlap between organised crime and terrorism.
The conference is expected to assess the methods used by these networks and explore ways to strengthen intelligence-sharing and coordinated action against their operations.
NIA databases to strengthen intelligence-sharing
At the previous annual NIA conference, two dedicated databases were launched to help central and state agencies access information on organised crime and weapons.
One database focuses on organised criminal networks, while the other contains information about looted, lost and recovered weapons.
Both platforms are accessible to central and state security agencies and provide ready information about organised criminals, their modus operandi, previous cases and weapons associated with them.
The databases are intended to improve coordination between investigating agencies and help officials track criminal networks operating across state and national boundaries.
Amit Shah's earlier security policy emphasis
The upcoming conference follows a separate meeting organised by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in August, where Shah stressed the need to frame India's security policy in view of changing global circumstances.
The Home Minister had said national security planning must account for global instability, vulnerabilities surrounding energy and natural resources, disruptions to supply chains, increasing radicalisation and the growing threat posed by cyber misinformation.
These concerns are expected to form part of the broader security discussions as agencies assess the changing nature of terrorism, organised crime and cross-border threats.