1. Why in News?

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reported over 92% conviction rate in 2025, along with major successes such as:

• Extradition of Tahawwur Rana (2008 Mumbai attacks accused)
• Arrests in Pahalgam and Delhi terror attacks
• Crackdown on terror, insurgency, organised crime, and human trafficking networks

2. About the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

4. Legal Framework Governing NIA

NIA Act, 2008

• Empowers NIA to investigate Scheduled Offences
• Allows:
  • Special NIA Courts
  • Attachment of terror-linked assets
  • International cooperation

2019 Amendment (Key Points)

• Expanded jurisdiction to:
  • Human trafficking
  • Cyber-terrorism
  • Offences under Explosive Substances Act
• Permitted NIA to investigate crimes committed outside India targeting Indian interests

• State Police
• Central Armed Police Forces
• Intelligence agencies

10. Importance of NIA for Internal Security

Strengths

• High conviction rate
• Specialised investigation
• National-level coordination
• International cooperation

Role in National Security

• Dismantles terror and crime ecosystems
• Targets financing, logistics, and leadership
• Supports India’s counter-terror diplomacy

11. Challenges Faced by NIA

• Federal concerns over State police powers
• Dependence on international cooperation for extradition
• Increasing complexity of cyber and transnational crimes