Arms Smuggling in India: Exploring Links between Crime and Terrorism

Abstract

This article looks at the linkage between arms smuggling and terrorist groups operating in and outside India, focusing on inflow and outflow of weapons through the country. By examining various news reports and using information from security officials, it concludes that the nexus between arms smugglers and terrorists encompasses multiple fronts. These include weapons that enter India mainly from Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Using theories of insurgencies as a reference point, it analyzes how various terrorist/insurgent groups in India have sustained themselves logistically using these linkages to wage war against the Indian state. The article thus tries to tackle the under-researched nexus between arms proliferation and terrorism in India and abroad by providing national, socioeconomic, and political recommendations, a useful reference point for members from the government, security, and research community.