30th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Terrorism and Illicit Financing

Dr. Varun Suthra expressed appreciation for the forum, noting his long-standing participation and the professional and personal value it has brought him over the years. He shared a brief personal anecdote about being unexpectedly recognized as a citizen of Suriname upon arrival, reflecting the warmth of the international community.

Drawing on his lived experience growing up in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Suthra spoke powerfully about India’s decades-long struggle with terrorism, citing atrocities such as the 1998 Wandhama massacre. He emphasized that terrorism has evolved into a global, highly organized threat, now employing hybrid warfare and advanced technologies.

Dr. Suthra underscored that terrorism anywhere is a threat everywhere and called for global solutions. He outlined India’s multi-layered counterterrorism framework, including robust legislation, intelligence coordination, and institutions such as FIU-IND and the National Investigation Agency, alongside cooperation with FATF, INTERPOL, and the G20.

He also highlighted India’s ban on cryptocurrency due to its misuse in terror financing and referenced Kautilya’s Arthashastra to illustrate how ancient principles of intelligence and prevention remain relevant today. He concluded by stressing the importance of unity, information sharing, and interparliamentary cooperation, quoting: “When kings are united, enemies tremble.”