National Investigation Agency (NIA) | 02 Jan 2026

Source: TH

In 2025, the National Investigation Agency recorded a landmark counter-terror performance with an over 92% conviction rate, reflecting a significantly strengthened internal security enforcement framework.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

• Status & Mandate: The NIA is India’s federal counter-terror agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting terrorism, insurgency and national security crimes of pan-India impact.

• Legal Powers: Established in 2009 under the NIA Act, 2008  and strengthened by the NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019, it can take over cases from States, investigate across State boundaries without prior consent, and exercise extra-territorial jurisdiction.

• Core Functions: The NIA collects, analyses and disseminates counter-terror intelligence, coordinates with domestic and international law-enforcement agencies, and conducts capacity-building programmes to strengthen national security enforcement.
• Taking Up a Probe: Under Section 6 of the NIA Act, 2008, cases can be referred by States or taken up suo motu by the Centre, including for offences committed outside India, with Central Government sanction required for prosecution under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and other scheduled offences.
• Specialised Focus & Trial: The NIA has dedicated mechanisms for Left Wing Extremism (LWE) terror-financing investigations, can probe connected offences during investigation, and presents cases before designated NIA Special Courts for trial.