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India’s First National Counter-Terrorism Policy ‘PRAHAAR’

  • 24 Feb 2026

On 23rd February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) launched India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy titled ‘PRAHAAR’, establishing a unified framework to combat evolving security threats.

Key Points

  • First Comprehensive Counter-Terror Policy: ‘PRAHAAR’ formalises a structured, institutionalised national framework to address terrorism in all forms, including cross-border, drone-based and cyber-enabled threats.
  • Meaning of PRAHAAR: The term means “strike” and represents seven core pillars- prevention, swift response, capacity-building, human rights compliance, counter-radicalisation, international cooperation and societal resilience.
  • Zero-Tolerance Approach: The policy reiterates India’s firm stance that terrorism cannot be justified under any pretext and rejects linking terrorism with any religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilisation.
  • Emerging Threat Landscape: The document highlights threats from cross-border terrorism, global groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, drone-based arms smuggling, cyber intrusions, encrypted communication platforms and convergence between terror networks and organised crime.
  • Technology and Hybrid Threats: Concerns include misuse of drones, cryptocurrencies, dark web platforms and attempts to access chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and cyber capabilities.
  • Prevention-Focused Strategy: Intelligence-led operations form the core of the framework, with the Multi Agency Centre and Joint Task Force on Intelligence serving as key coordination nodes for real-time information sharing.
  • Clear Response Mechanism: Local police will act as first responders, supported by specialised counter-terror units and national forces such as the National Security Guard. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will lead terror-related investigations.
  • International Cooperation: India will strengthen intelligence-sharing, pursue extradition of terror suspects and advocate at the UN for designation of terrorist entities and denial of safe havens.