The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all regulated entities to update their records following the removal of three individuals from the UNSC Al-Qaida sanctions list. The RBI issued this notification on October 27, 2026, citing a United Nations Security Council press release dated October 26, 2026.
Key Details of the UNSC Al-Qaida Sanctions List Update
The UNSC removed three individuals under resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011), and 2253 (2015). As a result, the assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo no longer apply to these names. The Committee accepted delisting requests submitted by the designating State under paragraph 75 of resolution 2734 (2024).
The three removed individuals are:
- Shafi Sultan Mohammed Sultan Al-Ajmi (QDi.338) — a Kuwaiti national listed in September 2014 as a fundraiser for Al-Nusrah Front. He was released from a Kuwaiti prison in November 2023 under a special pardon.
- Bassam Ahmad Al-Hasri (QDi.399) — a Syrian national listed in February 2017, formerly identified as a regional leader of Al-Nusrah Front in southern Syria.
- Iyad Nazmi Salih Khalil (QDi.400) — a Jordanian national listed in February 2017, formerly identified as a coastal Syria leader for Al-Nusrah Front.
What This Means for Banks and Regulated Entities
All commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks, co-operative banks, NBFCs, and other regulated entities must act immediately. They should update their internal watchlists and customer screening systems accordingly. Additionally, entities must follow Chapter IX of the RBI’s Know Your Customer Directions, 2025.
Furthermore, the RBI reminded banks to comply strictly with the UAPA Order dated February 2, 2021, as amended in April 2024. Any delisting request received by a bank must be forwarded electronically to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), Ministry of Home Affairs. Meanwhile, individuals seeking removal from the UNSC list may approach the UN-appointed independent Ombudsperson directly.
Updated sanctions lists are available at the UN Security Council website. For full details, refer to the original RBI notification.
Source: RBI Notifications
