RBI orders freeze on terror assets as MEA flags new UN sanctions list

Following an alert from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed all banks and financial institutions to immediately freeze any accounts or assets linked to five individuals named on a newly updated United Nations Security Council (UNSC) terror sanctions list. The individuals are suspected of having links with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida.

The RBI directive, a copy of which was assessed by The Tribune, issued after the MEA conveyed details of a UNSC press release dated August 22, 2025, mandates a global asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo against the five designated extremists.

The listed individuals include Libyan militant Ibrahim Ali Abu Bakr Tantoush, Tunisian extremist Al-Azhar Ben Khalifa Ben Ahmed Rouine, Kuwaiti nationals Sulaiman Jassem Sulaiman Ali Abo Ghaith and Shafi Sultan Mohammed Al-Ajmi, and Tajik commander-turned-IS recruiter Gulmurod Khalimov.

The central bank reminded regulated entities that under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, they are legally required to block all funds and financial services for individuals and organisations designated by the UN as terror-linked. Any requests for delisting received by banks must be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The RBI also emphasised strict adherence to know your customer (KYC) norms and reiterated that meticulous compliance with the UAPA order was non-negotiable.

As a member of the United Nations, India is obligated to enforce these sanctions aimed at combating terrorism financing and extremist activity. Non-compliance could not only expose the country's financial system to misuse but also risk international censure.