India

Intelligence for Better Decision Making

NIA Cracks Down on Jaish-e-Mohammed Cell After Deadly Red Fort Car Bombing

Dec. 11, 2025 | Non-Interstate Conflict & Security

The National Investigation Agency has intensified its crackdown on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror cell following the November 10 car bomb attack near Delhi’s Red Fort.

**The NIA arrested Dr.**
Bilal Naseer Malla from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, as the eighth suspect in the attack that killed 15 people and injured several others. Charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, he provided shelter and logistical support to the suicide bomber and destroyed evidence linked to the conspiracy.

**Investigators say that Dr.**
Bilal harboured Dr. Umar Un Nabi—a native of Jammu and Kashmir and former employee at Faridabad’s Al-Falah School of Medical Sciences & Research Centre—before the bombing. They allege he helped conceal materials that would have tied the plot back to its handlers.

**The probe focuses on a Jaish-e-Mohammed module recruiting radicalised professionals, particularly white-collar workers.**
Jammu and Kashmir Police first uncovered the network while investigating Jaish posters threatening security personnel in Srinagar’s Nowgam area. That inquiry led to the October 19 arrests of Arif Nisar Dar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar, followed by the detention of a cleric known as “Mufti Sahab,” exposing the plot’s religious and ideological underpinnings.

**Before Dr.**
Bilal’s arrest, the NIA had already detained seven individuals: medical professionals Dr. Muzzamil Ganaie, Dr. Adeel Rather, and Dr. Shaheena Sayeed; religious preacher Maulvi Irfan; and two associates, Amir Rashid Ali and Jasir Bilal Wani (alias Danish). Investigators determined that Umar Un Nabi used Amir Rashid Ali’s identity to acquire the vehicle laden with explosives.

**Authorities also linked this terror module to a major cache of explosive material in Faridabad.**
Working with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police seized about 2,900 kilograms of volatile chemicals at Al Falah University shortly before the Red Fort bombing. On November 15, an accidental detonation of the recovered materials killed nine people, including forensic and police officials handling the evidence.

**Based on intelligence from these suspects, the NIA has carried out coordinated raids in multiple locations, including Mattan in Anantnag, southern Kashmir.**
It continues collaborating with central and state investigative agencies, along with the J&K State Investigation Agency in Srinagar, to map the full extent of the conspiracy and identify everyone involved in planning and executing the attack.

**Dr.**
Bilal Naseer Malla appeared before a court and was remanded to NIA custody for seven days. Investigators also secured a seven-day custody extension for Amir Rashid Ali as they build prosecutable cases against all members of the Jaish-linked network.

Supreme Court Clarifies Citizenship Application Under CAA and Electoral Roll Procedures

Dec. 11, 2025 | Governance & Law

India’s Supreme Court has delineated the procedures for acquiring citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and clarified the Election Commission’s role in electoral roll revisions.

**On December 9, 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed that religious minority migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh cannot automatically acquire Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.**
Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that the Act grants only the right to apply for citizenship; it does not itself confer citizenship. He directed that each applicant prove minority status in the country of origin, establish legal residence in India, and document their status on entry. Authorities may grant citizenship only after verifying these statutory requirements.

**An NGO, Aatmadeep, challenged administrative delays in issuing citizenship certificates and protested the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of West Bengal’s electoral rolls.**
It argued that refusing to accept acknowledgment receipts for CAA applications and dragging out procedures risked rendering beneficiaries stateless and disenfranchised despite Parliament’s explicit protection of these groups. In response, the Court issued notices to the Election Commission of India, the Union Government, and the West Bengal State Election Commission, seeking explanations for procedural hurdles faced by CAA applicants. Further hearings the following week will examine how naturalization, once granted, could facilitate inclusion of these individuals in the electoral rolls, subject to verification and legal procedures.

**The Court also directed the Election Commission to justify why it exempted Assam voters from documentary proof requirements during the roll revision, while enforcing such proof in other states.**
Given Assam’s history of illegal migration from Bangladesh, the Bench demanded an explanation by December 16, 2025.

**In a separate public interest litigation over interim inclusion of CAA beneficiaries in West Bengal’s voter list, the Court ruled that voting rights cannot precede formal citizenship and refused to allow interim electoral participation.**
The Bench urged the government to expedite citizenship application scrutiny and indicated that the Attorney General or Solicitor General may assist at the next hearing on December 17, 2025.

**Clarifying the Election Commission’s role, the Court stated that determining citizenship status falls to the government or Foreigners Tribunals, not to the Commission.**
However, the Commission may investigate cases of doubtful voter eligibility. The Court reaffirmed that constitutional citizenship remains the sole prerequisite for voting under the Representation of the People Act, distinct from statutory requirements of residence and age, and rejected arguments that a self-declaration and proof of residence suffice. It warned that without an inquisitorial function to verify citizenship, voter lists risk including illegal migrants.

Monitored Intelligence for India - Dec. 12, 2025

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India gives tepid response to Russian push for Su-57, long-range drones and submarines

The Hindu | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Russia's recent efforts to enhance defence cooperation with India, which included offers of the Su-57 stealth fighter, long-range drones, and submarines, received a lukewarm response from Indian officials. Despite expectations during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, no significant defence deals involving these advanced platforms were finalized, though 19 agreements to boost bilateral trade were signed. India remains focused on developing indigenous defence products rather than procuring Russian equipment.

The restrained interest coincides with India’s strong push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s transformation in domestic capacity, with defence production soaring to ₹1.51 lakh crore in 2025 from ₹46,000 crore in 2014, and exports increasing to nearly ₹24,000 crore over the past decade. This shift reflects India’s move away from heavy dependence on arms imports.

Although Russia’s Geran drones, derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 kamikaze drones and used extensively by Moscow in Ukraine, were part of the proposals, Indian military services and manufacturers showed little interest. In late October, the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation held its 23rd meeting in Moscow, resulting in a protocol for new collaboration areas. However, major defence deals, including those for the Su-57 and S-500 air defence system, remain elusive.

Adani Group to invest $75 b in energy transition over 5 years

Hindu Business Line | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedEnergy Prices

Adani Group plans to invest $75 billion in energy transition projects over the next five years to support India's green energy goals. Chairman Gautam Adani emphasized the strategic importance of Jharkhand, particularly Dhanbad, highlighting the region's potential for rapid economic growth due to its mining industry, which he described as essential for the new economy.

The group has already commissioned 10 GW of renewable energy capacity and is developing the world's largest renewable energy park in Khavda, Gujarat, covering 520 square kilometers. Expected to be fully operational by 2030, this park will generate 30 GW of green energy, capable of powering over 60 million Indian homes annually.

Adani also noted significant shifts in global trade dynamics, including challenges such as rare earth material conflicts, tariffs, and disrupted international agreements, leading major institutions to reconsider established economic frameworks.

Looking forward to serving India with Starlink: Elon Musk

Hindu Business Line | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

Elon Musk has expressed his intention to launch Starlink satellite internet services in India soon, signaling a commitment to enhance digital connectivity across the country. This statement followed a meeting between India's Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and Starlink Vice President Lauren Dreyer, where both parties discussed strengthening satellite-powered digital access in remote and rural regions.

Minister Scindia emphasized that satellite communication will play a crucial role in accelerating digital inclusion and socio-economic development by extending internet connectivity to underserved areas. The discussions highlighted the potential of satellite-based last-mile access to support India's ongoing digital transformation and bridge the digital divide with support from global satellite communication innovators like Starlink.

Starlink’s website briefly showed a residential plan priced at ₹8,600 per month for unlimited data and a one-time hardware fee of ₹34,000, along with a 30-day trial pack. However, Starlink clarified this was a system glitch and these rates do not represent actual service pricing in India. The company is currently awaiting final government approvals before officially launching services and accepting customer orders in the country.

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