RBI Directs Banks To Comply With Updated UN Sanctions List Under UAPA

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks and other regulated entities to take note of the latest amendment to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

It has asked them to ensure strict compliance with the applicable anti-terror financing requirements.

The update follows amendments made by the UNSC to the particulars of one listed individual, requiring banks and other regulated entities to take appropriate action in accordance with the RBI's Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, 2025.

The circular, issued by the Department of Regulation on 9 July 2026, is addressed to commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks, cooperative banks, regional rural banks, local area banks, non-banking financial companies, asset reconstruction companies, and all India financial institutions.

The RBI stated that the Ministry of External Affairs had informed it of the UNSC's 8 July 2026 press release amending one entry on the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List maintained under Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015). The amendment relates to the entry of Hamidah Nabaggala (QDi.439), including updates to her date of birth, passport and identification details.

According to the updated entry, Hamidah Nabaggala, a Ugandan national residing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is alleged to have acted as a mediator in financing channels for ISIL in Central Africa, financed a bombing in Kampala in 2021, and attempted to coerce her three children to join ISIL camps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In light of the amendment, the RBI advised regulated entities to take appropriate action under Chapter IX of the RBI's KYC Directions, 2025, and strictly follow the procedure prescribed under the UAPA Order dated 2 February 2021, as amended on 22 April 2024.

The RBI also reminded regulated entities that updated lists of individuals and entities linked to ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban are available on the UNSC website and should be referred to for ongoing compliance. It further reiterated the Ministry of Home Affairs' instructions that any request for delisting received by a bank must be forwarded electronically to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA for consideration.

Finally, the RBI directed all regulated entities to take note of the latest UNSC communication and ensure meticulous compliance with their obligations under Section 51A of the UAPA and the applicable KYC Directions.

Notification: RBI/2026-27/176; DOR.AML.REC.149/14.06.001/2026-27