The Resurgence of Naxalism: How Great a Threat to India?

Despite its remarkable recent growth and dynamism, India still faces a number of challenges to its internal security and further development. Of these, the threat posed by Naxalism, a Maoist insurrection active in the eastern half of the country for over 4 decades, is the most overlooked and analytically neglected in Western academic and security circles. In the past 7 years, Naxalite activity has grown in scope, breadth, and violence, in a Red Corridor stretching from Nepal to Tamil Nadu, and killed or displaced tens of thousands of people. By 2006, the problem was so severe that Indias Prime Minister characterized the insurgency as the greatest internal security threat ever faced by his country. Given Indias bloody history with separatist and communal violence, such a pronouncement is truly startling. This thesis undertakes an historical analysis of the Naxalite movement to assess how great a danger its current iteration truly poses, and what the implications might be for Indias continued rise. Soberingly, it finds that the insurgency is indeed stronger and more dangerous today than at any time in the past. Furthermore, while this insurgency does not pose an existential threat to the state in the same way as its counterpart in Nepal, it will prove extremely disruptive to Indias further growth and development if not swiftly and effectively countered. New Delhis efforts in this regard are so far unimpressive, but it is not too late to act. The United States has a vested interest in the emergence of a strong and stable India, and it may be able to help its new strategic partner address the challenge of Naxalisms resurgence.