Overview
The Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled ‘PRAHAAR’ on 23 February 2026 as India’s first comprehensive National Counter‑Terrorism Policy and Strategy. The policy aims to prevent terrorist attacks, curb radicalisation, and build resilience through a coordinated ‘whole‑of‑government’ and ‘whole‑of‑society’ approach.
Key Developments
- Formalisation of a seven‑pillar framework covering prevention, swift response, capacity aggregation, rule‑of‑law safeguards, mitigation of radicalisation, international alignment, and recovery.
- Creation of real‑time intelligence sharing via the MAC, linking State police with specialised central forces such as the NSG.
- Integration of advanced technology for securing critical infrastructure and tracking terror financing, including crypto‑wallet tracing and dark‑web monitoring.
- Alignment with FATF norms and use of international treaties to block cross‑border terror funding.
- Institution of an annual ATC organised by the NIA under the Ministry’s aegis.
Important Facts
The policy shifts India from a reactive security stance to a proactive doctrine. It mandates:
- Real‑time intelligence exchange through MAC.
- Protection of critical assets such as power grids, transport hubs and digital infrastructure.
- Community‑based counter‑radicalisation modules that involve civil society, religious bodies and educational institutions.
- Strict adherence to the Rule of Law and human‑rights standards while countering terror threats.
- Phased implementation with layered oversight, regular performance audits and the annual ATC for policy review.
Exam Relevance
Understanding ‘PRAHAAR’ is essential for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Security & International Relations). The policy illustrates:
- How India structures its internal security architecture – useful for questions on ministries, agencies and inter‑agency coordination.
- The role of international bodies like FATF in shaping domestic anti‑terror financing laws – relevant for GS 3 (Economy) and GS 4 (Ethics).
- Application of the rule‑of‑law principle in counter‑terrorism – a classic Ethics and Governance topic.
- Community‑centric approaches to radicalisation, linking security with social development – a cross‑cutting theme for essay and case‑study questions.
Way Forward
Successful implementation will depend on:
- Robust inter‑agency coordination through the MAC and clear command chains.
- Continuous capacity building of state police and central forces like the NSG.
- Effective monitoring of terror financing channels, especially emerging crypto avenues.
- Regular feedback from the ATC to plug operational gaps and update legal frameworks.
- Ensuring that all actions respect human rights, thereby maintaining democratic legitimacy.
As the policy rolls out, aspirants should track its impact on India’s security posture and its alignment with global counter‑terrorism standards.