Decades of Struggle: Is India's Battle with Maoists Reaching Its End?

Thu Oct 23 2025 00:04:41 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Recent developments in Chhattisgarh raise questions about the future of the Maoist movement as the Indian government claims significant victories against the insurgency.

With the death of prominent Maoist leader Basavaraju and a notable decline in violence, the Indian government asserts it is gaining the upper hand in its long conflict with Maoists. However, experts warn that the ideological battle for the hearts and minds of indigenous communities continues, suggesting that while organizational strength may wane, underlying issues remain unresolved.

After many years of conflict, India may be witnessing a pivotal moment in its protracted war against the Maoist insurgency. The death of Nambala Keshava Rao, known as Basavaraju, along with 26 others in a significant security operation in Chhattisgarh, has been dubbed “the most decisive strike” against the Maoists by Home Minister Amit Shah. This incident not only marks a tactical advantage for the government but also reveals critical shifts in the very foundation of Maoist resistance in the region.

Since the insurgency began in the late 1980s, Maoists have formed a stronghold in India, creating a “red corridor” that extends across central and eastern parts of the country. This movement, recognized as the greatest internal security threat by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, claims to champion the rights of marginalized indigenous tribes and the rural poor. However, the ongoing struggle has resulted in nearly 12,000 deaths since the year 2000, according to the South Asian Terrorism Portal.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government aims to eradicate Maoism by March 2026, the situation presents a critical juncture. While officials like MA Ganapathy, a senior figure in the home ministry, suggest Maoist ideology is losing relevance among the youth, observers like journalist N Venugopal propose that a lull in the fighting may precede potential resurgence in Maoist influence.

Chhattisgarh remains the epicenter of Maoist activity in India, with the majority of related violence occurring in the state. Despite the government's claims of success—evidenced by a 48% reduction in incidents of Maoist violence from 2013 to 2023—concerns linger about rising casualties among security forces due to intensified operations in critical areas.

The successes reported against the Maoists are attributed to improved state-led strikes, bolstered by enhanced coordination between state forces and central paramilitary troops. Moreover, the accessibility of mobile phones, social platforms, and improved infrastructure has changed public sentiment, making many less supportive of an underground movement.

Many hold that the Maoists have faltered due to their inability to develop a cohesive political framework, despite initially delivering social justice in regions like Telangana. Critics point out that the revolutionary vision of establishing isolated zones free from state control is increasingly out of touch with contemporary India.

The remaining pockets of support for Maoism largely reside in areas rich in natural resources, like Chhattisgarh, which boasts substantial mining prospects. As the government capitalizes on the weakened state of the insurgency to facilitate mining endeavors, some experts predict that the socio-political anger could manifest in new forms of resistance, even if the Maoist title transforms or fades.

While some in civil society advocate for ceasefires and negotiations, the political turmoil surrounding resource-rich regions remains potent. The push for peace might not signify the end of discontent among marginalized groups but may mark a transition towards new movements or ideologies emerging from past grievances.