India's Leading Role in the Counter-Terror Cooperation in South Asia

Abstract: After decades of being a victim of terrorism, India has started leading the South Asia region in cooperation for counterterror measures. The menace of terrorism in this region is deeply rooted in the cultural, historical, political, ideological, and socio-economic conditions of the region. The Afghan War of 1980, along with the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan's arms support against the Soviet invasion, is the mother of the genesis of terrorism in this region. Due to the unorthodox way of partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 on religious grounds, Pakistan has been sponsoring terrorism in the Kashmir region of India. In the last 75 years, India has seen several of the worst cases of terror attacks on its soil by Pakistan-supported terror groups. The South Asian Region (SAR) has seen the maximum number of deaths due to terrorism compared to any other reason. Terrorism also poses a significant threat to the political stability, economic development, national security, peace and harmony of the region. This paper explores how India is trying to bring unanimity and cooperation among the South Asian nations in counterterror measures.