Left-wing terrorism in the context of Naxalite–Maoist insurgency

Far-left politics encompasses a range of ideologies, such as anarchism, communism, Maoism, Leninism, Stalinism and Marxism, that are situated on the leftmost end of the political spectrum. The term is also used to describe various forms of authoritarianism and characterize groups that advocate revolutionary socialism, communist ideologies, anti-capitalism, anti-imperialism and anti-globalisation. Far-left terrorism consists of terrorism that is engaged in by extremist, militant, or insurgent groups that attempt to realize their ideals through political violence rather than democratic processes.

Terrorism in India, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs, poses a significant threat to the people of India. Compared to other countries, India faces a wide range of terror groups. Terrorism found in India includes Islamist terrorism, ultranationalist terrorism, and left-wing terrorism. India is one of the countries most impacted by terrorism.

A common definition of terrorism is the systematic use or threatened use of violence to intimidate a population or government for political, religious, or ideological goals.

The Naxalite–Maoist insurgency, a conflict waged by left-wing extremist (LWE) groups following a Maoist political ideology and claim to be fighting a rural people's war against the Indian government, began with the 1967 Naxalbari uprising and the subsequent split from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), leading to the formation of a Marxist–Leninist faction that later splintered into smaller groups. Declared terrorist organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of India (1967), the Naxalites' armed wing, the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, has been responsible for the deaths of over 4,000 civilians and 2,500 security personnel since the 2000s.

Because of the government's people-oriented infrastructure development and counter-insurgency efforts, the Naxals' influence zone – the red corridor in Central and East India – has shrunk dramatically from a peak of nearly 180 districts in the late 2000s to just 12 districts by 2025, with over 10,000 insurgents surrendering between 2015 and 2025.