RBI tells banks to follow changes in UNSC Taliban Sanctions List
The RBI on 30 October 2026 told banks and financial institutions to keep their checks in line with the latest changes to the UNSC Taliban Sanctions List. The direction applies to banks and financial entities; ordinary depositors do not need to do anything.
What this means for you
This direction is for banks, small finance banks, payment banks, co-operative banks, RRBs, NBFCs and other financial institutions, not for ordinary people. If you hold a normal account, you do not need to act. Banks will continue to screen account holders against the list maintained under UAPA.
Key facts
- The RBI direction is dated 30 October 2026.
- Five entries in the UNSC Taliban Sanctions List have been amended.
- The information came from the Ministry of External Affairs, based on UNSC press release SC/16494 of 29 October 2026.
- The changes were made by the UNSC committee set up under resolution 1988 (2011).
- Banks must follow the UAPA Order dated 2 February 2021, amended on 22 April 2024.
What has happened
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a direction on 30 October 2026. It says that five entries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Taliban Sanctions List have been amended. The Ministry of External Affairs passed on this information to the RBI, based on UNSC press release SC/16494 dated 29 October 2026.
What this list is
A UNSC committee set up under resolution 1988 (2011) keeps a list of individuals and entities associated with the Taliban. People on this list face certain restrictions set by the United Nations. The committee adds or changes names on the list from time to time.
What banks have been told
Under Section 51A of the UAPA, banks and financial institutions must not hold any account in the name of a person or entity on this UNSC list. The RBI reminded them to strictly follow Chapter IX of its KYC directions and the procedure laid down in the UAPA Order dated 2 February 2021, amended on 22 April 2024.
Who is affected
This direction is not directly for ordinary depositors or the general public. It is for commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks, urban and rural co-operative banks, RRBs, NBFCs and other financial institutions. These entities have to keep their screening process up to date.
Where to send a de-listing request
The direction says that if a bank receives a request to remove a name from the list, it must forward it electronically to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), Ministry of Home Affairs. Individuals or entities seeking removal can also apply directly to the UNSC Focal Point for Delisting, or through their country.
Where to see the list
The updated lists are available on the UNSC website. They cover individuals and entities linked to ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban. The RBI has asked banks to take note of these changes and ensure full compliance.
Questions and answers
Who is this RBI direction for?
It is for banks and financial institutions. These include commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks, urban and rural co-operative banks, RRBs, NBFCs and other financial entities.
Do ordinary account holders need to do anything?
No, ordinary account holders do not need to do anything because of this direction. It is a compliance instruction for banks.
What is the Taliban Sanctions List?
It is a United Nations list of individuals and entities linked to the Taliban. A UNSC committee updates it from time to time.
What are banks required to do?
Banks must ensure, under Section 51A of UAPA and RBI's KYC directions, that they hold no account in the name of anyone on the list. They must follow the procedure set out in the UAPA Order.
Where can a de-listing request be sent?
A bank must forward any de-listing request electronically to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), Ministry of Home Affairs. Individuals may also apply directly to the UNSC Focal Point for Delisting.
Glossary
- Small finance bank
- RBI-licensed banks that mainly serve small businesses, farmers and low-income households.
Source: RBI, "Implementation of Section 51A of UAPA, 1967: Updates to UNSC’s 1988 (2011) Taliban Sanctions List: Amendment of 05 Entries", 30 October 2026. Read the original notice
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