PRAHAAR

Executive Summary The Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled ‘PRAHAAR’ on February 23, 2026, as India's first comprehensive National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy. It establishes a proactive, seven-pillar framework focused on "whole of government" and "whole of society" approaches to prevent terrorism and radicalization. The policy mandates a phased implementation process, supported by real-time intelligence sharing and an annual ‘Anti-Terror Conference’ (ATC) to review effectiveness.

Key Points / Main Content

The Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR

• Prevention and Response: Focused on protecting citizens through swift, proportionate responses to threats.
• Capacity and Synergy: Aggregating internal government capabilities to ensure a unified counter-terrorism front.
• Legal and Ethical Standards: Ensuring all mitigation processes are based on the ‘Rule of Law’ and human rights.
• Radicalization and Resilience: Attenuating conditions conducive to terrorism and fostering recovery through community-collaborative modules.
• Global Alignment: Shaping international efforts and treaties to block cross-border state-sponsored terror networks.

Operational Doctrine and Technology

• Proactive Intelligence: Shifting from a reactive to a proactive stance via real-time intelligence sharing through the Multi Agency Centre (MAC).
• Command and Coordination: Establishing a swift chain of command between State Police/agencies and Specialized Central Forces like the National Security Guard (NSG).
• Infrastructure and Tech: Securing critical infrastructure and integrating cutting-edge technology into security frameworks.

Countering Terror Financing

• Financial Tracking: Tracing crypto wallets and choking crowdsourcing efforts on the dark web.
• Asset Seizure: Empowering Central Agencies to seize assets in alignment with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Phased Implementation: Prioritizing immediate institutional integration followed by performance assessments.
• Layered Oversight: Utilizing oversight mechanisms to evaluate outcomes and identify administrative gaps.
• Annual Review: The NIA, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will organize an annual Anti-Terror Conference (ATC) for policymakers and security officials to recommend reforms.

Impact Analysis

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) Impact These bodies are responsible for the national rollout, oversight, and the evolution of the counter-terrorism framework. Action Required Coordinate the phased implementation of the strategy and organize the annual Anti-Terror Conference to review and strengthen national security measures.

State Police and Specialized Central Forces (e.g., NSG) Impact These agencies are now integrated into a formalized, coordinated chain of command for emergency responses. Action Required Adopt real-time intelligence-sharing protocols via the Multi Agency Centre and collaborate on swift, proportionate response operations.

Central Financial Agencies Impact Agencies are tasked with higher levels of scrutiny regarding modern terror financing methods. Action Required Monitor cryptocurrency transactions and dark web activity to seize assets and block state-sponsored funding networks in line with FATF standards.

Intelligence Organizations and Legal Experts Impact The policy shifts the focus to proactive intelligence and ensures that all counter-terrorism actions adhere to the Rule of Law. Action Required Identify operational/administrative gaps and recommend policy, legal, and institutional reforms during annual reviews.