Has India Finally Classified Hamas as a Terrorist Group?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a groundbreaking move, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has publicly designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, aligning it with other notable groups like LeT and TRF. This pivotal statement marks a turning point in India's security stance, potentially reshaping its approach to counter-terrorism in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Key Takeaways
- First official designation: Army Chief names Hamas a terrorist group.
- Geopolitical implications: Reflects India's adaptive security strategies.
- Intersection with Kashmir: Expanding the focus of counter-terrorism efforts.
- Global alignment: Aligns India with Western perspectives on Hamas.
- Historical context: Marks a departure from India's previous non-committal stance.
New Delhi, Aug 10 (NationPress) In a pivotal statement, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday identified Hamas as one of the terrorist organizations concerning India, placing it in the same category as groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF).
“The terrorist organizations, including Hamas, LeT, TRF, and others emerging… they will be a consistent concern for India,” Gen Dwivedi remarked at an event at IIT-Madras.
This marks the first occasion an Indian Army chief has openly referred to Hamas as a terrorist group, a designation that India has previously refrained from, even as many in the Western bloc, including the US, UK, and EU, have classified the group in this manner.
Hamas is not included on the United Nations' roster of designated terror organizations and is infamous for its October 7, 2023, assault on Israeli civilians — an attack that instigated the catastrophic Gaza conflict, resulting in over 60,000 fatalities, including countless children. Although Hamas has historically remained uninvolved in the Kashmir conflict, its name emerged within Indian security dialogues earlier this year.
On February 5 — recognized in Pakistan as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ — social media was inundated with images and videos showcasing Hamas members in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) alongside LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and various other Pakistan-backed militant groups. These individuals were observed delivering anti-India speeches and declaring that Kashmir would be “taken from India,” raising alarms within New Delhi’s security apparatus.
Prior to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Israel had been urging India to formally designate Hamas as a terrorist organization. Nevertheless, New Delhi had kept its distance from this classification, likely due to the need for geopolitical balance in West Asia.
Thus, Gen Dwivedi’s statement carries significant strategic weight, indicating a possible adjustment in India’s security strategy and threat assessment.
His comments imply that, following Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terrorism lens may be expanding beyond South Asia to include groups with a global presence, now recognized as intersecting with the Kashmir theater.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the implications of such a designation. General Dwivedi's statement reflects not just a reaction to a changing threat landscape but also positions India within a broader context of global security. It's essential that our nation remains vigilant and adaptive in the face of evolving challenges.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted General Dwivedi to label Hamas a terrorist group?
The classification comes amid rising concerns over Hamas's global activities and their potential impact on India's security, especially in relation to Kashmir.
How does this designation impact India's foreign relations?
This move may align India more closely with Western nations that have already classified Hamas as a terrorist organization, affecting diplomatic relations in the region.
What are the implications for India's counter-terrorism strategy?
General Dwivedi's remarks suggest an expansion of India's counter-terrorism focus beyond South Asia, indicating a strategic recalibration in threat assessment.
