The conference had then focused on the need for a unified approach to deal with terrorism across states in the interest of national security, the officials said, adding that a consensus had then also emerged during the sessions on the importance of a holistic, well-rounded strategy, encompassing the entire national framework extending from the government down to the lowest levels of policing and investigation.

As the tone of last year’s conference saw intense discussions on key terror-related topics and concerns through five thematic sessions, this year’s conference may include some key announcements by the Home Minister.

The previous conference witnessed several announcements made by the Home Minister linked to far-reaching measures to make India’s anti-terror fight more impactful, including the formulation of a national counter-terrorism policy and strategy to fight the entire ‘ecosystem’ of terrorism. The Home

Minister may discuss or share some developments on the policy this year, as suggested by the sources.

Underlining the government’s commitment of ‘zero tolerance’ against terrorism, the Home Minister last year had also emphasised the need for adoption of a coordinated approach, from police stations up to the DGP office, to deal with new challenges like terror funding through illegal drug trade and crypto.

Officials said, ‘During the meet, the Home Minister is going to personally review the progress made on all these counts.’ Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is in the process

of finalising India’s first anti-terror policy, which will provide a template for all states to combat and respond to terror-related incidents, the officials said.

key sessions

• Collecting evidence from foreign jurisdictions

• Digital forensics and data analysis in CT investigations

• Effective trial management

• Addressing radicalisation and espionage

• Tackling hybrid threats to national security

• Disrupting terror financing networks through tools, techniques, and case studies

• Building future-ready counter-terrorism strategies