Terrorist Attacks in India (1947–2025): Full List & Timeline

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Terrorist Attacks in India (1947–2025): Full List & Timeline

Introduction

Since its independence in 1947, India has faced the persistent threat of terrorism — a challenge that has tested its resilience, unity, and security apparatus. From the partition-era violence to the modern-day complex terror networks backed by both domestic and external forces, terrorism in India has evolved in both scale and complexity.

India’s geopolitical location, combined with internal ethnic, religious, and ideological divides, has made it vulnerable to various forms of terrorism, including insurgency, left-wing extremism, separatism, and religious terrorism. This blog traces the complete history of terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025, providing a detailed timeline of major incidents, their impact, causes, and the nation’s unwavering responses.

Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

Early Years — Post Independence Terrorism (1947–1960) | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

1.1 Partition Riots and Communal Terror (1947–1948)

The birth of independent India was marred by the bloodshed of partition. Over a million people lost their lives in communal violence that engulfed Punjab, Bengal, and other border areas. While not “terrorism” in the traditional sense, the mass killings, riots, and forced migrations set a grim tone for the challenges India would face.

Key Incidents:

  • Massacres in Noakhali, Punjab, Delhi.

  • Attack on refugee trains (“ghost trains”) between India and Pakistan.

1.2 Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi (1948)

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace, was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who believed Gandhi’s policies favored Muslims during partition. Gandhi’s assassination was India’s first major act of politically motivated violence.

1.3 Early Insurgencies

In the late 1950s, insurgent movements began to surface:

  • Nagaland Insurgency (1956 onwards): Demanding independence.

  • Naxalite Movement (Early signs): Peasant uprisings in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

Rise of Insurgencies and Separatist Movements (1960–1980) | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

2.1 Naxalite Movement (1967 onwards)

The Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal, marked the beginning of the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency. Though initially rural and peasant-driven, the movement soon evolved into a full-blown left-wing extremist challenge.

2.2 Kashmir Unrest

By the late 1960s, seeds of separatism were being sown in Kashmir, fueled by political instability, erosion of Article 370 promises, and external interference.

2.3 Early Punjab Militancy

The demand for a separate Sikh homeland, “Khalistan,” began gaining traction, setting the stage for a bloody future in Punjab during the 1980s.

Major Terrorist Incidents of the 1980s | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

3.1 Punjab Insurgency

The 1980s saw the rise of Sikh militancy:

  • Operation Blue Star (1984): Military operation to flush out militants from the Golden Temple, Amritsar.

  • Aftermath: Widespread anger in the Sikh community leading to assassinations and retaliatory violence.

3.2 Assassination of Indira Gandhi (1984)

On October 31, 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star. Her death triggered anti-Sikh riots across India, particularly in Delhi, resulting in over 3,000 deaths.

3.3 Rise of Bomb Attacks

  • Bomb blasts targeting civilians, trains, and government buildings became more frequent.

Escalation — Terrorism in the 1990s | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

4.1 Kashmir Insurgency (1989 onwards)

Fueled by Pakistani support and local grievances, armed insurgency erupted in Jammu & Kashmir.
Notable Incidents:

  • Mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits (1990)

  • Regular attacks on Indian security forces and civilians.

4.2 1993 Bombay Bombings

  • Date: March 12, 1993

  • Casualties: 257 killed, over 1,400 injured.

  • Perpetrators: D-Company (Dawood Ibrahim).

  • Impact: India’s deadliest coordinated terrorist attack.

4.3 Emergence of New Terror Groups

Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) began operating with increasing impunity, focusing on J&K and major Indian cities.

2000s — Terror Hits Indian Metros | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

5.1 2001 Indian Parliament Attack

  • Date: December 13, 2001

  • Casualties: 9 killed (including security staff).

  • Objective: Decapitate India’s political leadership.

  • Aftermath: Indo-Pakistan military standoff.

5.2 2005 Delhi Blasts

  • Date: October 29, 2005 (two days before Diwali).

  • Casualties: 62 dead, over 200 injured.

  • Locations: Paharganj, Sarojini Nagar, Govindpuri.

5.3 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts

  • Date: July 11, 2006

  • Casualties: 209 dead, over 700 injured.

  • Modus operandi: RDX explosives in first-class compartments.

5.4 26/11 Mumbai Attacks (2008)

  • Date: November 26–29, 2008

  • Casualties: 166 killed, over 300 injured.

  • Key Locations: Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident, CST Railway Station, Nariman House.

  • Unique: First use of foreign militants (Pakistani nationals via sea route).

2010s — Evolving Tactics and Major Attacks | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

6.1 2011 Mumbai Bombings

  • Date: July 13, 2011

  • Casualties: 26 killed, over 130 injured.

  • Locations: Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar, Dadar.

  • Modus Operandi: Low-intensity improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

6.2 Pathankot Airbase Attack (2016)

  • Date: January 2, 2016

  • Casualties: 7 security personnel killed.

  • Perpetrators: Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists infiltrated from Pakistan.

  • Impact: Highlighted vulnerabilities at high-value military installations.

6.3 Uri Attack (2016)

  • Date: September 18, 2016

  • Casualties: 19 soldiers killed.

  • Location: Indian Army Brigade HQ, Uri, Jammu & Kashmir.

  • Aftermath: Surgical Strikes by India on terrorist launch pads across LoC.

6.4 Pulwama Attack (2019)

  • Date: February 14, 2019

  • Casualties: 40 CRPF jawans martyred.

  • Perpetrators: Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber.

  • Aftermath: Balakot Air Strikes by Indian Air Force deep inside Pakistan.

2020–2025 — Recent Attacks and Changing Landscape | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

7.1 2021 Amritsar Temple Attack

  • Date: November 2021

  • Casualties: 12 killed, multiple injured.

  • Modus Operandi: Lone-wolf bomber.

  • Impact: Rise of isolated self-radicalized attacks.

7.2 2023 Bengaluru Blast

  • Date: March 2023

  • Casualties: 8 dead, dozens injured.

  • Location: Popular tech park.

  • Perpetrators: Suspected radicalized fringe elements.

7.3 2025 Pahalgam Attack (Latest)

  • Date: April 22, 2025

  • Location: Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir

  • Casualties: 45 killed, 60 injured (survivors).

  • Details: Targeted tourist bus and local shops; claimed by a splinter group.

  • Impact: Sparked national and international condemnation.

👉 Read full updates on Pahalgam Attack 2025 here

Patterns and Analysis — 1947 to 2025 | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

8.1 Key Trends

  • Shift from Mass Riots to Targeted Bombings: Initial communal violence gave way to coordinated bomb attacks.

  • External Involvement: Pakistan-based groups played significant roles post-1989.

  • Urban Targeting: Major metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore) became frequent targets.

  • Use of Technology: Evolution from crude bombs to sophisticated IEDs, satellite phones, internet communications.

  • Lone-Wolf Attacks: Rise of self-radicalized individuals influenced by online propaganda post-2015.

8.2 Government Responses

  • Legislations: POTA (now repealed), UAPA, NIA Act.

  • Security Agencies: Strengthening of National Investigation Agency (NIA), Special Task Forces.

  • Surveillance: CCTV networks, NATGRID.

  • International Diplomacy: FATF blacklisting efforts against terrorism-financing states.

Major Terror Groups Operating Against India | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

Terrorist Group Origin/Backers Main Area of Operation Status (as of 2025)
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Pakistan Kashmir, Indian cities Active
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Pakistan Kashmir Active
Indian Mujahideen (IM) India-based cells Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore Weakened
ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) Assam North-East India Weakened
CPI (Maoist) India (Left Wing) Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha Active but declining

Timeline of Key Attacks (1947–2025) | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

Year Incident Location Casualties
1948 Assassination of Gandhi Delhi 1 dead
1984 Operation Blue Star Aftermath Punjab/Delhi 3,000+ dead
1993 Bombay Bombings Mumbai 257 dead
2001 Parliament Attack Delhi 9 dead
2008 26/11 Mumbai Attack Mumbai 166 dead
2016 Uri Attack Uri (J&K) 19 soldiers
2019 Pulwama Attack Pulwama (J&K) 40 CRPF
2025 Pahalgam Attack Pahalgam (J&K) 45 dead

FAQs | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

 

1. What was the deadliest terrorist attack in India?

  • The 1993 Bombay Bombings were the deadliest, killing 257 people.

2. How many terrorist attacks has India faced?

  • India has faced hundreds of attacks, major and minor, over the last 75+ years.

3. What groups are most active in India today?

  • Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and CPI (Maoist) are among the most active.

4. What measures has India taken against terrorism?

  • Strengthened laws (UAPA), special forces, intelligence cooperation, and international diplomacy.

5. What is the latest terrorist attack in India?

  • The 2025 Pahalgam Attack on April 22, 2025, is the most recent.

Conclusion | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

Terrorism in India has evolved dramatically — from partition-era riots to high-profile urban attacks. However, what remains constant is India’s spirit of resilience. Despite suffering unimaginable tragedies, India continues to stand united, strengthening its national security and global stance against terror.

The history of terrorism in India is a testament to the price of freedom, peace, and sovereignty — and the ongoing determination to protect them at all costs. Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025.


Sources | Terrorist attacks in India from 1947 to 2025

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