Implementation of Section 51A of UAPA: Updates to UNSC ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions List

RBI/2026-27/236
DOR.AML.REC.204/14.06.001/2026-27

August 19, 2026

The Chairpersons/ CEOs of the Commercial Banks,
Small Finance Banks, Payment Banks, Urban Co-operative Banks,
Rural Co-operative Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Local Area Banks,
Non-Banking Financial Companies, Asset Reconstruction Companies,
All India Financial Institutions

Madam/Dear Sir,

Implementation of Section 51A of UAPA, 1967: Updates to UNSC’s 1267/ 1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List: Amendment of 21 Entries

Please refer to Chapter IX on “Requirements/obligations under International Agreements - Communications from International Agencies” of the Reserve Bank of India - Know Your Customer, Directions, 2025 dated November 28, 2025 (amended as on December 29, 2025) (“Directions”), as applicable, as per which, regulated entity shall ensure that in terms of section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAPA) Act, 1967 and amendments thereto, it does not have any account in the name of individuals / entities appearing in the lists of individuals and entities, suspected of having terrorist links, which are approved by and periodically circulated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

2. In this connection, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India has informed about the UNSC press release SC/16435, dated August 18, 2026 wherein the Security Council pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al‑Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities enacted the amendments specified with strikethrough and underline in the entries mentioned in Annexure 1 on its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2734 (2024), and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

3. Press release dated August 18, 2026 regarding the above can be found at
   https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16435.doc.htm
   Further, in accordance with paragraph 61 of resolution 2734 (2024), the Committee has made accessible on its website the narrative summaries of reasons for listing of the above entries at the following URL:
   https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries

4. The details of the sanction measures and exemptions are available at the following URL:
   https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267#further_information

5. In view of the above, regulated entities are advised to take appropriate action in terms of Chapter IX of the aforementioned Directions and strictly follow the procedure as laid down in the UAPA Order dated February 02, 2021 (amended on April 22, 2024) annexed to the Directions.

6. Updated lists of individuals and entities linked to ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and Taliban are available at:
   www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list
   https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials

7. Further, as per the instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), any request for de-listing received by any bank is to be forwarded electronically to Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA for consideration. Individuals, groups, undertakings or entities seeking to be removed from the Security Council’s ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List can submit their request for delisting to an independent and impartial Ombudsperson who has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General. More details are available at the following URL:
   https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson/application

8. Regulated entities are advised to take note of the aforementioned UNSC communications and ensure meticulous compliance.

Yours faithfully,

(Sirin Kumar)
General Manager