Arpita Anant replies: It is important to first clarify the phrase “military attacks during peacetime” in the question. This phrase lends itself to multiple interpretations. However, in the context of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), the issue pertains to actions of the armed forces during the armed conflict. So, the reply that follows uses the latter phraseology.

Arpita Anant replies: At the United Nations (UN), discussions on the subject of terrorism that are in public domain take place mainly in the General Assembly and the Security Council. There are several discussions especially in the Security Council that take place behind closed doors. Discussions related to terrorism are held in the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly under the heading “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism”.

Prasad P. Rane replies: Terrorism finance is one of the financial crimes, but the wider domain includes, among others, money laundering, sanctions (evasion and circumvention), corporate frauds, narcotics trade, human trafficking and illegal arms trade. In India, there are no formal degree courses, neither on counter terrorism finance in particular nor related to any of the financial crimes. The absence of degree courses in financial crimes is due to sheer dynamism of the domain.

Vivek Chadha replies: The broad contours of India’s counter terrorism policy have not changed over the years. These contours have evolved and matured through experience and very much in keeping with country’s unique socio-political conditions. The changes, however subtle, have only ensured that the policy remains localised in its approach in order to effectively address the specific conditions of a particular area.

There are certain major pillars on which the Indian counter terrorism policy rests: