Amit Shah Inaugurates Upgraded ₹500 Crore MAC to Combat Terrorism

In a significant step to bolster national security and counter-terrorism efforts, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC) on May 16, 2025. Developed at a cost of ₹500 crore, the upgraded MAC is a centralised, AI-powered intelligence platform housed under the Intelligence Bureau (IB). It aims to facilitate real-time information sharing across 28 key security and law enforcement agencies, including RAW, armed forces, and State police.

Why in News?

The revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC) was officially launched by Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on May 16, 2025. The move is part of India’s broader strategy to modernise intelligence coordination and combat terrorism, organised crime, and cyber threats using futuristic technologies like AI, ML, and GIS.

Background & Significance

• The MAC was first conceptualised post the Kargil War (1999) and established in 2001 to improve intelligence coordination.
• It functions under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) as a counter-terrorism grid.

Key Features of the Revamped MAC

• Developed with an investment of ₹500 crore.
• Connects all police districts and major security forces across India.

Involves 28 organisations, including,

• Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
• Armed Forces
• State Police
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
• Border Security Force (BSF)

Technological Advancements

• Equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities.
• Features Geographic Information System (GIS) integration for spatial analysis.

Enables

• Predictive trend analysis
• Hotspot mapping
• Timeline analysis
• Operational outcomes

Objectives

Strengthen India’s capacity to tackle,

• Terrorism
• Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
• Cyber threats
• Organised crime
• Enhance coordination and real-time data sharing across multiple agencies.
• Integrate siloed databases from different agencies for centralised intelligence analysis.

Associated Initiatives

• Operation Sindoor 2025: Highlighted as a symbol of India’s decisive political will and coordination between intelligence and armed forces.
• Recent anti-Naxal operations at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border also showcase operational synergy.