Delhi: The Union government on Monday introduced Prahaar, India’s first full-spectrum counter-terrorism policy, marking a major shift toward a tougher, intelligence-focused approach to deal with extremist violence. The new framework is built on the principle of zero tolerance and aims to block terrorists and their backers from accessing money, weapons, technology and safe hideouts.
Released by the Union Home Ministry, the policy underlines that terrorism has no excuse under any circumstances and must be tackled through prevention, fast response and coordinated action across all government agencies.
Seven-Pillar Strategy to Tackle Evolving Threats
Prahaar is structured around seven broad pillars that guide India’s counter-terror strategy. These include early prevention, effective response, strengthening internal capabilities, following human rights and rule of law, addressing factors like radicalisation, shaping global anti-terror efforts, and ensuring recovery and resilience through public participation.
The policy notes that instability in neighbouring regions has often created spaces where extremist groups operate freely. It also flags the use of terrorism as a tool by certain state and non-state actors, while clearly stating that India does not associate terrorism with any religion, community or nationality.
Focus on Cross-Border and Global Terror Groups
The document highlights India’s long experience with sponsored cross-border terrorism and continued threats from jihadist groups and their front organisations. It also points to attempts by international terror networks such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State to influence and radicalise individuals within the country.
Emerging methods like the use of drones for arms and narcotics delivery, especially in border states and conflict-prone regions, have been identified as growing risks. The policy also warns about the increasing links between terrorist outfits and organised crime groups.
Digital Space and New Technology Under Scanner
Prahaar raises concern over the misuse of social media, encrypted messaging apps, the dark web and crypto assets for propaganda, recruitment and funding. It stresses the need to stop terrorists from gaining access to dangerous materials, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive and digital tools.
Cyber attacks, hacking, misuse of drones and robotics by hostile actors are described as serious future challenges that demand constant technological upgrades.
Intelligence, Policing and Border Security
The strategy places intelligence at the centre of prevention. Platforms like the Multi Agency Centre and joint intelligence task forces are tasked with real-time information sharing. Police forces are focusing on breaking online terror networks, dismantling local support systems and cutting off funding channels using legal measures.
Security has been strengthened across land, air and sea routes, along with critical sectors such as power, transport, aviation, ports, defence and atomic energy. Local police are designated as first responders, backed by specialised national forces. Terror investigations are to be handled by national and state agencies with a strong emphasis on securing convictions.
Laws, Rights and Social Measures
The policy states that India’s anti-terror laws, including existing security legislation and new criminal codes, operate within the framework of human rights and offer multiple legal safeguards. At the same time, it recognises that social factors play a role in radicalisation.
Programmes involving community leaders, civil society groups and moderate voices are encouraged. Welfare schemes targeting poverty, unemployment and social exclusion are seen as long-term tools to reduce vulnerability to extremist influence.
Global Cooperation and Recovery Focus
International partnerships remain a key part of Prahaar. India plans to deepen cooperation through extradition treaties, legal assistance agreements and joint working groups to ensure terrorists cannot escape justice. Collaboration with private companies and technology firms is also seen as essential to counter digital threats.
The policy also stresses post-attack recovery, with doctors, counsellors, legal experts and civil society groups playing a role in helping affected communities rebuild and heal.
