Shah Underscores the Threat of Disinformation and Divisive Forces, Emphasizing the Need for a Robust Counter-Ecosystem
NEW DELHI – Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the 37th Intelligence Bureau Centenary Endowment Lecture, highlighting the potent threat disinformation, misinformation, and fake news pose to the nation’s social fabric. He stressed the urgent need to combat these forces, particularly given their amplified impact through modern technology. Shah warned that divisive elements remain active within the country, posing a significant challenge to national unity and progress. He emphasized the crucial role of intelligence agencies, referring to them as "information warriors," in safeguarding the nation from these threats. Their responsibility, he said, lies in identifying, neutralizing threats, and maintaining societal trust and stability.
Shah delineated a wide spectrum of challenges facing India, including Naxalism, terrorism, organized crime, divisive forces, communalism, narcotics, and anti-social elements. He underscored the critical link between security and societal well-being, stating that maintaining public safety is paramount to effectively controlling these issues. The Home Minister urged the development of a comprehensive and robust ecosystem to counter the spread of misinformation and propaganda. This ecosystem, he explained, must incorporate effective strategies, advanced technologies, and constant preparedness.
Looking ahead, Shah emphasized the need for the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to transform into a cutting-edge agency, capable of addressing the complex threats and challenges of a rapidly developing India. He expressed confidence in India’s economic trajectory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, projecting India to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. Shah acknowledged that with progress comes an intensification of competition and the emergence of new obstructive forces. He emphasized the responsibility of young officers in building robust infrastructure, from headquarters to the grassroots level, to counter these evolving threats.
Shah set a long-term vision for a fully developed India by 2047, stressing the crucial importance of proactive threat assessment and the preparation of a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard the nation. He argued that inclusive development, peace, and stability can only be achieved by redefining and reshaping current approaches, enhancing preparedness, and maintaining constant vigilance. The Home Minister highlighted the significant strides made over the past decade under the Modi government in combating terrorism, Naxalism, insurgency, narcotics, and anarchic elements.
Shah underscored the government’s focus on inter-agency and inter-state coordination, strengthening these partnerships through legal backing and legislative amendments. He specifically mentioned the introduction of three new criminal laws, after five years of extensive consultations with stakeholders, claiming personal involvement in their drafting. Shah confidently asserted that the full implementation of these laws will transform India’s criminal justice system into the most modern globally, ensuring justice delivery within three years of filing an FIR, even up to the Supreme Court level.
Shah’s address paints a picture of a nation grappling with evolving internal and external threats. His emphasis on preparedness, technological advancement, and inter-agency cooperation indicates a strategic approach to counter these challenges. The focus on disinformation and its potential to disrupt social harmony reveals a recognition of the increasingly complex information landscape. His ambitious vision for 2047, coupled with the introduction of new criminal laws, suggests a significant push towards strengthening national security and modernizing the criminal justice system. The coming years will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of these strategies and their impact on India’s security landscape.
