India marks 17 years of Mumbai 26/11 with tributes, warnings and new security upgrades

India on Wednesday marked the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks with tributes across the city, renewed calls for accountability, and an outline of new security measures being developed to counter future threats.

At the Mumbai Police headquarters, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid floral tributes to the personnel who lost their lives while fighting the terrorists in 2008. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and state minister Ashish Shelar also offered tributes at the martyrs’ memorial at the Police Commissioner’s Office in south Mumbai. Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and other officials were present.

Family members of the policemen who died in the attack laid wreaths in their memory. Several citizens paid homage at locations targeted on November 26, 2008, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Cama and Albless Hospital, and other sites. Tributes were also offered at “Prerana Sthal”, the statue of Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Ombale, who was killed while capturing terrorist Ajmal Kasab at Girgaon Chowpatty.

#Maharashtra #DevendraFadnavis #2611Heroes pic.twitter.com/bwJAhUiPi8

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) November 26, 2025

The 26/11 attacks were carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba militants who entered Mumbai by sea and launched coordinated strikes at multiple locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, CSMT and Nariman House. Over the 60-hour siege, 166 people were killed and more than 300 were injured. The attack prompted wide international condemnation and led to significant changes in India’s counter-terrorism architecture.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked the anniversary by reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. “On this very day in 2008, terrorists carried out a cowardly attack on Mumbai and committed heinous and inhuman acts,” Shah wrote on X. He said terrorism is a threat to humanity and noted that India’s counterterrorism efforts now command broad global support.

वर्ष 2008 में आज ही के दिन आतंकियों ने मुंबई पर कायराना हमला कर वीभत्स और अमानवीय कृत्य किया। मुंबई आतंकी हमलों का डटकर सामना करते हुए अपना बलिदान देने वाले वीर जवानों को नमन करता हूँ और इस कायराना हमले में अपनी जान गँवाने वाले सभी लोगों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ।

आतंकवाद…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 26, 2025

Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam, who was the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 case, said Ajmal Kasab’s execution delivered only partial justice. He told PTI Videos that the masterminds of the attack remain protected in Pakistan. Nikam said Pakistan continues a “sham legal process”, claiming arrests but providing no details on trials, and called for global accountability for figures including Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. Referring to the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, he cautioned that India must remain alert to attempts aimed at creating internal tensions and said unity must prevail over religion, caste or identity.

As the 17th anniversary was observed, a senior Maharashtra Police official said the state police are drafting a drone-use policy to strengthen security and surveillance across key cities, including Mumbai. He said earlier assessments had warned that future attacks may involve unconventional methods, prompting upgrades to training, equipment and technology.

The official said the drone policy blueprint has been prepared by the elite Force One unit with support from central agencies. Once the force is fully equipped and trained, dedicated drone units will be established in city police forces, including Mumbai. Deployment will depend on situational needs, and drones will also assist surveillance in Naxal-affected areas.

He said coastal security remains a priority, given that the 26/11 attackers used the sea route and explosives for the 1993 serial blasts were also brought the same way. The government has ordered 20 new interceptor boats in addition to existing marine police assets. Coordination among police, the Coast Guard and the Navy has been strengthened, with regular meetings to prevent any threats in the Arabian Sea. All landing points along Mumbai and other coastal districts are now secured, he added.

The official said Mumbai is under extensive CCTV surveillance, enabling quick response. After two earlier phases that installed a total of 10,511 cameras, the government has sanctioned Rs 2,140 crore for the third phase, which includes 866 additional CCTVs. Existing systems are being upgraded with facial recognition and AI-enabled video analytics. “Mumbai will be one of the safest cities in the world in the next couple of years,” the official said.

In the evening, the National Security Guard (NSG) scheduled a commemorative “Neverever” memorial and pledge gathering at the Gateway of India, with participation from citizens and families of the victims.

(With inputs from agencies)