Delhi blast: Ex-IB Chief Yashovardhan Azad on India’s security gaps

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, former IPS officer and security expert Yashovardhan Jha Azad speaks about the recent bomb blast in Delhi and what it reveals about India’s internal security landscape. Drawing on his decades of experience in the Intelligence Bureau and the Government of India, Azad describes the attack as an inflection point—one that exposes gaps in policing, community vigilance, intelligence coordination and the limits of over-reliance on technology. Azad explains how the module behind the blast operated undetected for over two years, why human intelligence remains irreplaceable despite digital tools, and how radicalisation among educated professionals poses a long-term national threat. He also reflects on federal security management, the evolving nature of terrorism beyond Kashmir, and the need for political leadership in counter-terror strategy. Highlights: -Why the Delhi blast is a “reality check” and an inflection point for India’s internal security -How over-dependence on technology has weakened human intelligence networks -The dangers of radicalisation among educated youth, doctors and professionals -Why community policing and societal vigilance failed to detect the module -The need for political leadership, state-driven deradicalisation, and reinstating trust in democratic processes Perfect for those interested in: -Internal security, policing and counter-terrorism in India -The evolution and tracking of terror networks -Radicalisation patterns and challenges for intelligence agencies -Naxalism, Manipur’s crisis and shifting national security priorities -Policy debates on human intelligence, surveillance, and federal-state cooperation Credits: Host: Ashutosh Sharma Camera: Vedaant Lakhera and Vitasta Kaul Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Mridula Vijayarangakumar and Kavya Pradeep M Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Originally published on December 2, 2025 Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia Twitter - / frontline_india Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295