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RBI Updates UNSC Sanctions List: Removal of 7 Entities

Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2026-27/93 · issued 22 May 2026 · ~1 min read

Quick answerRBI updates UNSC's 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List, removing 5 individuals and 2 entities. Banks must review and update their customer due diligence processes.

Sanctions-list safety note. This circular refers to a specific UN Security Council / UAPA designated-entities list update as it stood on the date above — sanctions lists change often, and a newer update almost certainly exists today. Never use this page, or any single dated circular, as your current screening list. Always screen against the live, current list at the official UAPA proscribed-organisations list and the UN Consolidated List, and confirm the obligations for your bank on the official rbi.org.in source below.

The rule, in the simplest words

The UNSC (United Nations Security Council) removed 5 people and 2 groups from its list of bad guys linked to ISIL and Al-Qaida.
Banks must check their customer lists and update their records so they don't accidentally freeze accounts of these removed people or groups.
Banks need to look at their customer checks (due diligence) to make sure they follow the new list.
The changes started on May 21, 2026, so banks must act quickly to update their systems.

How it plays out — a real example

A KYC & compliance officer in Indore, Priya, reviews her bank's customer database after the RBI update. She finds that a customer named Majeed Abdul Chaudhry, previously flagged under sanctions, is now removed from the list. Priya updates the system to unfreeze his account and notes the change in her compliance records, ensuring her bank follows the new rules.

What changed

The UNSC has removed 5 individuals and 2 entities from its ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List. The RBI has informed banks about these updates, effective from May 21, 2026.

What it means for you

Banks must review and update their customer due diligence processes to ensure compliance with the updated sanctions list. This includes verifying the identities of customers and checking for any links to the removed entities.

What you must do

Review and update customer due diligence processes to ensure compliance with the updated sanctions list
Verify the identities of customers and check for any links to the removed individuals and entities
Update internal systems and procedures to reflect the changes in the sanctions list

Who it affects

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

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Stated effective date effective from May 21, 2026
Decoded by BankPulse 2026-06-17 13:02 IST

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

What is the impact of the updated sanctions list on banks?

Banks must review and update their customer due diligence processes to ensure compliance with the updated sanctions list.

What are the key steps banks must take to comply with the updated sanctions list?

Banks must verify the identities of customers and check for any links to the removed individuals and entities, and update internal systems and procedures to reflect the changes in the sanctions list.

What is the deadline for banks to comply with the updated sanctions list?

The updates are effective from May 21, 2026, and banks must take immediate action to comply.

📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI

RBI/2026-27/93
 DOR.AML.REC.81/14.06.001/2026-27
 May 22, 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: Removal of 7 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 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/16365 dated May 21, 2026 wherein the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities removed the entries below from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List. Therefore, 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, no longer apply to the names set out below.
 A. Individuals 
 QDi.054 Name:  1: MAJEED 2: ABDUL CHAUDHRY 3: na 4: na
 Title:  na  Designation:  na  DOB: a)  15 Apr. 1939  b)  1938  POB:  na  Good quality a.k.a.: a)  Majeed, Abdul  b)  Majeed Chaudhry Abdul  c)  Majid, Abdul  Low quality a.k.a.:  na  Nationality:  Pakistan  Passport no:  na  National identification no:  na  Address:  na  Listed on:  24 Dec. 2001 ( amended on 1 May 2019, 8 Nov. 2022, 2 Feb. 2023 )   Other information:  Reportedly deceased. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) was concluded on 1 Jun. 2010. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:   https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals 
 QDi.056 Name:  1: MOHAMMED 2: TUFAIL 3: na 4: na
 Title:  na  Designation:  na  DOB:  5 May 1930  POB:  na  Good quality a.k.a.: a)  Tufail, S.M.  b)  Tuffail, Sheik Mohammed  Low quality a.k.a.:  na  Nationality:  Pakistan  Passport no:  na  National identification no:  na  Address:  na  Listed on:  24 Dec. 2001 ( amended on 19 Jan. 2011, 1 May 2019, 8 Nov. 2022, 2 Feb. 2023 )   Other information:  Served as a director of Ummah Tameer e-Nau (UTN) (QDe.068). Reportedly deceased. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) was concluded on 1 Jun. 2010. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:   https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals 
 QDi.306 Name:  1: MUSTAFA 2: HAJJI 3: MUHAMMAD 4: KHAN
 Name (original script):  مصطفى حجي محمد خان
 Title:  na  Designation:  na  DOB: a)  (Between Aug. and Sep. 1977)  b)  1976  POB: a)  Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia  b)  Sangrar, Sindh Province, Pakistan   Good quality a.k.a.: a)  حسن غول  (Hassan Ghul; Hassan Gul; Hasan Gul)  b)  Khalid Mahmud  Low quality a.k.a.: a)  Ahmad Shahji  b)  Mustafa Muhammad  c)  Abu Gharib al-Madani  d)  أبو شيماء  (Abu-Shaima; Abu- Shayma)  Nationality: a)  Pakistan  b)  Saudi Arabia  Passport no:  na  National identification no:  na  Address:  na  Listed on:  14 Mar. 2012 ( amended on 15 Nov. 2021, 11 Mar. 2025 )   Other information:  Al-Qaida (QDe.004) facilitator, courier and operative. As of 2010, facilitated activities for senior Pakistan-based Al-Qaida operatives. Reportedly killed in a drone strike on 1 October 2012 in Waziristan, Pakistan. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2368 (2017) was concluded on 15 November 2021. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:   https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals 
 QDi.307 Name:  1: HAFIZ 2: ABDUL SALAM 3: BHUTTAVI 4: na
 Title: a)  Maulavi  b)  Mullah   Designation:  na  DOB:  1940  POB:  Gujranwala, Punjab Province, Pakistan   Good quality a.k.a.: a)  Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhattvi  b)  Hafiz Abdusalam Budvi  c)  Hafiz Abdussalaam Bhutvi  d)  Abdul Salam Budvi  e)  Abdul Salam Bhattwi  f)  Abdul Salam Bhutvi  g)  Mullah Abdul Salaam Bhattvi  h)  Molvi Abdursalam Bhattvi  Low quality a.k.a.:  na  Nationality:  Pakistan  Passport no:  na  National identification no:  na  Address:  na  Listed on:  14 Mar. 2012 ( amended on 15 Nov. 2021, 19 Dec. 2023 )   Other information:  Founding member of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (QDe.118) and deputy to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba leader Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (QDi.263). Confirmed deceased. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2368 (2017) was concluded on 15 November 2021. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:  https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals 
 QDi.312 Name:  1: AAMIR 2: ALI 3: CHAUDHRY 4: na
 Name (original script):  عامر علی چوہدری
 Title:  na  Designation:  na  DOB:  3 Aug. 1986  POB:  na  Good quality a.k.a.: a)  Aamir Ali Chaudary  b)  Aamir Ali Choudry  c)  Amir Ali Chaudry  Low quality a.k.a.:  Huzaifa  Nationality:  Pakistan  Passport no:  Pakistan number BN 4196361, issued on 28 Oct. 2008 (expiring 27 Oct. 2013)   National identification no:  Pakistan 33202-7126636-9  Address:  na  Listed on:  18 Oct. 2012 ( amended on 1 May 2019, 8 Nov. 2022, 2 Feb. 2023 )   Other information:  Electronics and explosives expert for Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) (QDe.132). Involved in attack planning for TTP. Provided financial and logistical support for TTP and participated in TTP-sponsored militant training. Reportedly deceased. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 8 November 2022. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:   https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals 
 QDi.352 Name:  1: MAULANA 2: FAZLULLAH 3: na 4: na
 Title:  na  Designation:  na  DOB:  1974  POB:  Kuza Bandai village, Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Province, Pakistan   Good quality a.k.a.: a)  Mullah Fazlullah  b)  Fazal Hayat  Low quality a.k.a.:  Mullah Radio  Nationality:  na  Passport no:  na  National identification no:  na  Address:  (Afghanistan / Pakistan border region)   Listed on:  7 Apr. 2015 ( amended on 1 May 2019, 30 Oct. 2023, 19 Dec. 2023 )   Other information:  Confirmed deceased on 13 June 2018. Commander of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) (QDe.132) since 7 Nov. 2013. Led the local TTP in Pakistan’s northwest valley of Swat from 2007 to 2009. Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) was concluded on 21 Feb. 2019.Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) was concluded on 30 October 2023. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:   https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals 
 QDi.433 Name:  1: ABDUL 2: REHMAN 3: MAKKI 4: na
 Title:  na  Designation:  na  DOB:  10 Dec. 1954  POB:  Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan   Good quality a.k.a.: a)  Abdur Rehman Makki  b)  Abdur Rahman Makki  c)  Abdul Rahman Makki  d)  Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki  e)  Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki  f)  Hafiz Abdul Rehman  Low quality a.k.a.:  na  Nationality:  Pakistan  Passport no: a)  Pakistan number CG9153881, issued on 2 Nov. 2007  b)  Pakistan number A5199819  National identification no: a)  Pakistan 6110111883885  b)  Pakistan 34454009709  Address:  Tayyiba Markaz, Muridke, Punjab Province, Pakistan   Listed on:  16 Jan. 2023  Other information:  He is deputy Amir/Chief of LASHKAR-E-TAYYIBA (LET) (QDe.118) a.k.a JAMAAT-UD-DAWA (JUD) and Head of Political Affairs Wing JUD/LET. He also served as head of LET’s foreign relations department and member of Shura (governing body). He is the brother-in-law of JUD/LET Chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (QDi.263). Father’s name is Hafiz Abdullah Bahwalpuri. Photo is available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:   https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals 
 3. Press release dated May 21, 2026 regarding the above can be found at https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16365.doc.htm 
 The UNSC press releases concerning amendments to the list are available at URL: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/press-releases 
 4. 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.
 5. 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 
 6. 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 
 7. Regulated entities are advised to take note of the aforementioned UNSC communications and ensure meticulous compliance.
 Yours faithfully,
 (Veena Srivastava)
 Chief General Manager

Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2026-27/93 · issued 22 May 2026. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.

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Who does what — compliance checklist

💻 IT / Systems

Update internal systems and procedures to reflect the changes in the sanctions list

📜 Compliance

Review and update customer due diligence processes to ensure compliance with the updated sanctions list
Verify the identities of customers and check for any links to the removed individuals and entities

Grouped from the action items above — a single circular may involve more than one team.

Worked example & action-note template

Example: if you are a Compliance officer at a bank this circular applies to (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), your first concrete step on “RBI Updates UNSC Sanctions List: Removal of 7 Entities” is: “Review and update customer due diligence processes to ensure compliance with the updated sanctions list” (RBI issued this 22 May 2026).

Circular: RBI/2026-27/93 -- RBI Updates UNSC Sanctions List: Removal of 7 Entities
Issued: 22 May 2026
Action required: Review and update customer due diligence processes to ensure compliance with the updated sanctions list
Action required: Verify the identities of customers and check for any links to the removed individuals and entities
Action required: Update internal systems and procedures to reflect the changes in the sanctions list
Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________

Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.

💬 Banker Discussion

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BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 02 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly).
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=13460&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.