Explained: What is PRAHAAR? India’s First National Counter-Terrorism Policy

In 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs released the first National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy in India named PRAHAAR on February 23, 2026. Also referred to as the Hindi word for strike, the eight pages document formalises a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism in the face of emerging threats such as cross-border attacks and cyber misuse.

Over decades, India has fought the war on terror, sponsored cross-border Jihadis, international terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and technological attacks such as drones in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. 

PRAHAAR creates a common platform to deny any connection between terror and religion, ethnicity or nationality, and emphasizing victim support and uncompromising violence rejection. It incorporates seven prevention, response, and resilience pillars that are a whole-of-society approach.

When and Why was the PRAHAAR Policy Launched?

PRAHAAR was made public on the ministry of home affairs website and was based on Indian experience in fighting terror in the region of instability and uncontrolled territory. 

Authorities celebrated it as a forward-looking step and made practices against the state-sponsored and transnational threats official. 

The policy emphasises an aggressive, intelligence-driven approach without violating human rights or the rule of law.

What were the Threats?

Constant threats involve the Jihadi outfits plotting attacks, ISIS/Al-Qaeda sleeper cells, and the foreign extremists operating drones to carry out logistical operations. 

Terror organizations are using digital technologies such as social media, encrypted applications, dark web, cryptocurrencies as propaganda, recruitment, and financing; and connections to organized crime to acquire arms and logistics. 

New threats include the CBRNED technologies, robotics, and non-state or country-sponsored cyber intrusions of critical infrastructure, including power grids and railways.

Core Pillars of PRAHAAR

PRAHAAR's acronym outlines seven pillars for a multi-layered response.

Source: MHA

What are the Key Strategies?

Prevention focuses on sharing of real-time intelligence using MAC/JTFI to counter the threats before they occur. 

The state forces are given the power to act in response to deterrence by having the NSG backup and NIA-led investigations. 

The radicalisation countermeasures entail religious leaders, non-governmental organisations, and government initiatives addressing poverty/unemployment.

Legal Framework

Fundamental laws are the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosives Substances Act, Arms Act, and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which are supplemented by criminal codes of 2023. 

These guarantee the protection of rights through the Protection of Human Rights Act and by the Supreme Court which is in line with international covenants. The legal experts combine FIR to prosecution in order to have strong cases.

PRAHAAR recommends changes in the law, state CT formations, increased training, and investments in technology in case of the threat. 

It drives global cooperation towards a global anti-terror structure that deprives of safe havens and finances.

Domestic focus: Enhanced inter-agency synergy, and public tech alliances, and resilience based on the victims.

This policy enhances the security architecture of India, against tech conscious terror and integration of the society. Through prevention and global outreach, PRAHAAR will make India a counter-terror leader, which may help decrease the frequency of attacks by destroying proactive ecosystems. It comforts its citizens through rights-based transparent enforcement amid the escalating digital and border threats.

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