National Weapons Database

In a major boost to India’s internal security architecture, the Union Government has launched the country’s first-ever national weapons database to track firearms that have entered illegal circulation. The initiative is aimed at strengthening efforts against terrorism, organised crime, extremism and insurgency by improving the tracing and recovery of government-owned weapons.

Database Dedicated at Anti-Terror Conference 2025

The ‘Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm’ (LLR Firearm) database was formally dedicated to the nation by Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, during the inaugural session of the Anti-Terror Conference 2025.

The two-day conference is organised annually by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has developed the digital platform under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The launch reflects India’s broader push to modernise its counter-terrorism and policing infrastructure.

What the National Weapons Database Covers

The database maintains comprehensive records of government-owned firearms that have been:

Lost
Looted
Stolen
Recovered during operations

These weapons primarily belong to State Police forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Each entry includes identification details that help trace the weapon’s origin, history and recovery status.

A secure digital interface, hosted by the NIA, enables controlled access for authorised agencies while ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

Nationwide Integration and Real-Time Access

The platform integrates inputs from all States and Union Territories, including:

Jammu & Kashmir
North-Eastern states
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)–affected regions

By serving as a centralised, real-time repository, the system allows police, paramilitary units and investigative agencies to quickly identify whether a firearm recovered in a crime or terror incident originated from government stock.

Officials believe this capability will significantly enhance:

Inter-agency coordination
Speed and quality of investigations
Detection of diversion patterns and security lapses

Strategic Significance for Internal Security

The database addresses a long-standing vulnerability where looted or stolen service weapons were difficult to trace once they entered illegal networks. By closing this information gap, the initiative strengthens India’s ability to disrupt terror supply chains and prevent the reuse of official weapons in violent activities.