Date Published: December 15, 2025
Summary
On November 10, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated outside of the Red metro station in central New Delhi, killing 13 and wounding several others. Indian authorities have arrested multiple individuals in connection with the attack. The alleged mastermind and driver, Umar Un Nabi–who was killed in the explosion–reportedly had ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. This report examines this and other recent terror attacks in India, as well as broader India-Pakistan relations and India’s efforts to counter Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
Recent Attacks
On the evening of November 10, a car parked outside of the Red Metro exploded, killing 13 and injuring 28. Authorities believe the explosive used was triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly unstable compound known for the massive energy produced upon detonation.[1] TATP was previously used in the 2005 London bombings and the 2015 Paris attacks. JeM is one of India’s most active terrorist organizations. With operations being based out of Pakistan and the Jammu & Kashmir region. Their goal is to annex the J&K to Pakistan and increase the divide between India and Pakistan. Radicalization of individuals based in India is a primary method of executing these attacks. Indian intelligence found that Umar Un Nabi studied bomb-making procedures in the weeks leading up to the attack, following communications and guidance from a Pakistan based member of JeM. An increase in terrorist attacks in India with a Pakistan connection may destabilize the region and impact private organizations that frequently move through the region.
This attack is consistent with a pattern of terrorist incidents in India that have received funding and planning support from groups originating in Pakistan. These groups have previously recruited and radicalized Indian locals online and then utilized them to carry out attacks with material and planning support from Pakistan[2]. Most notably, Pakistan-based groups are suspected of orchestrating the recent April attack in Pahalgam; located in India’s Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) union territory, where militants armed with rifles entered the popular Baisaran Valley tourist area and systematically targeted Hindu tourists.[3] This was the deadliest attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks that claimed the lives of 175 people.
Growing Terrorism Threat
India has officially identified 45 terrorist groups operating in the country with the most prominent being The Resistance Front, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.[4] These organizations’ tactics follow opportunistic targeting of members of India’s government, military, tourism sites, and densely populated areas aiming to destabilize the state and install an Islamic fundamentalist-based government.
India has seen a rise in terrorist attacks since 2008, most commonly in bombings and targeted ambushes against law enforcement. Islamic terrorist groups that operate in India are predominantly based in the Kashmir region, the northern area administratively shared by both Pakistan and India. In response to the growing threat, India has re-named and re-established the National Investigation Agency’s ISIS Investigation Research Cell (IIRC) into the Counter Terrorism Research Cell (CTRC) to enhance the investigation and prevention of terrorist activities.[5]
Pakistan Connection
The Jammu and Kashmir region is a mountainous area spanning northern India and Pakistan with shared stewardship by both countries. Its rugged terrain and networks of canals provide an ideal environment for militant groups, offering security and protection from both Indian and Pakistani military incursions. Organizations such as The Resistance Front, LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen all utilize the J&K union territory as home bases to conduct attacks into India and Pakistan. The Indian government has accused Pakistan of enabling these groups by failing to take effective action against them. India, citing Pakistan’s lax approach, conducted airstrikes targeting JeM leadership in Operation Sindoor, further escalating tensions between the two countries.[6] With hostilities already high between the two countries, further terrorist attacks in India by Pakistan-based groups could trigger Indian airstrikes in Pakistan.
Private-Sector Impact
Growing terrorist attacks in populated areas throughout India could have severe detrimental effects on safety and security of companies operating there. Increase in attacks would disrupt pattern of life for locals, deterring travel to high populated areas and potentially impacting tourism to areas that have sustained attacks. Those planning travel to India should be aware that previous terrorist attacks have targeted public places such as hotels; markets; cinemas; mosques; restaurants; trains, and train stations. Attacks can take place anytime, but busy morning and evening hours in markets and crowded places are common. OSAC members with operations near potential targets should increase levels of security and consider standard operating procedures for proper evacuation in the event of an attack in close proximity.
Additional Information
For more information on the security environment in India and across Asia, contact OSAC’s Asia team.
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