Home Ministry unveils India’s first national counter-terror framework ‘PRAHAAR’; key highlights

The eight-page document, made publicly available on the MHA website, formalises a unified and institutionalised approach to counter-terror operations that India has followed over the years amid increasingly complex threats.

Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance, the policy states that terrorism cannot be justified under any pretext and rejects attempts to link terror with any religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilisation, IANS reported. It also emphasises support for victims and strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.

The strategy adopts a multi-layered approach focusing on prevention, swift and proportionate response, enhanced inter-agency coordination and accountability through established legal and judicial processes.

The term ‘PRAHAAR’, meaning “strike”, represents seven core pillars: prevention of terrorist attacks; swift and proportionate response; capacity-building across security and intelligence agencies; ensuring human rights-compliant operations; addressing conditions conducive to radicalisation; strengthening international cooperation; and promoting societal resilience and recovery, IANS reported.

Policy flags cross-border terror, drone, and cyber threats

The threat assessment section highlights persistent and emerging challenges to India’s security architecture. Cross-border terrorism remains a major concern, with extremist groups attempting to activate sleeper cells and incite violence. Global outfits such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS are cited as continuing efforts to influence or inspire attacks.

The document also flags the growing use of advanced technologies by terror handlers, including drones in sensitive regions such as Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. It notes increasing convergence between terror networks and organised crime groups that facilitate logistics, recruitment and financing.

Digital platforms have become key enablers for terrorist activities, enabling anonymous communication through social media, encrypted messaging applications, dark web platforms and cryptocurrencies for propaganda, recruitment and operational coordination.

The policy also raises concerns over attempts to access chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive and cyber capabilities, along with rising cyber intrusions by non-state actors and hostile entities.

Prevention remains central to the framework, with emphasis on intelligence-led operations and coordinated surveillance. Institutions such as the Multi-Agency Centre and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence will serve as core nodes for real-time intelligence sharing and threat assessment.

Security agencies are tasked with dismantling terror support ecosystems, including overground worker networks, illegal arms supply chains and terror financing channels. Border management will be strengthened through advanced surveillance and detection technologies across land, maritime and aerial domains.

Focus on infrastructure security and rapid response

Critical infrastructure — including power plants, railways, aviation networks, ports, defence installations, space assets and atomic energy facilities — will receive enhanced protection.

Under the response mechanism, local police will act as first responders, supported by specialised state counter-terror units and elite national forces such as the National Security Guard for major operations. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will lead investigations into terror-related offences, focusing on effective prosecution and high conviction rates.

The policy also calls for modernisation of equipment, training and infrastructure, standardisation of counter-terror mechanisms across states and bridging operational gaps.

Addressing radicalisation, the framework outlines community engagement initiatives, outreach through civil society and religious leaders, youth programmes, prison monitoring and socio-economic interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability.

At the international level, India will strengthen intelligence-sharing arrangements, pursue extradition of terror suspects and continue efforts at the United Nations to designate terrorist entities and deny safe havens.

Described by officials as a dynamic and forward-looking framework, ‘PRAHAAR’ adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to dismantle terror ecosystems, safeguard national security and enhance long-term resilience.

(With IANS inputs)

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