15 years of 26/11: Terrorists created havoc in Mumbai

After the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai 15 years ago, many fundamental changes have been made in India's security system. These changes include measures ranging from tightening maritime security and plugging gaps in the intelligence grid to strengthening the legal framework to combat terrorism and setting up special agencies to investigate terror cases.

After 26/11, the Navy was given full responsibility for maritime security. It was entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating with the hundreds of new marine police stations coming up on the Indian coast. The government has made it mandatory for all ships longer than 20 meters to have an automatic identification system, which identifies them and releases information.

The Multiagency Center (MAC) of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been strengthened. Its primary function is to coordinate the exchange of intelligence between central agencies, armed forces and state police. Regular meetings to exchange information and its charter has been expanded to include the terrorist ecosystem.

The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act was amended to expand the definition of terrorism. National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act passed by Parliament to create the first true federal investigation agency in the country. NIA has the power to take suo motu cognizance of terrorism cases in any state.

In view of the failure of local police despite the bravery of some police officers and jawans, the Center has focused on modernization of state police forces. The Center has provided more funds to the state to modernize police stations, train police personnel to deal with the challenges of modern policing, including terrorism, etc.

Despite these efforts, there are still some shortcomings in the security grid. Due to political interference, the state police forces are not adequately equipped and trained. For maritime safety reasons, there are limited options for tracking ships that do not broadcast AIS signals. Many of the country's small shipping vessels have no transponders.