On February 23, 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs officially launched ‘Prahaar’, India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy.
The policy introduces a strict “zero-tolerance” approach and aims to create a strong, coordinated system to deal with both traditional and emerging terror threats.
What Are the Seven Pillars of ‘Prahaar’?
The strategy is based on seven core pillars:
Prevention – Stop attacks before they happen through better intelligence and surveillance.
Response – Ensure quick and coordinated action during any terror incident.
Aggregating Capacities – Improve coordination between central, state, and local agencies for a unified response.
Human Rights – Make sure all counter-terror actions follow the Rule of Law and legal safeguards.
Attenuating Conditions – Address root causes such as radicalisation and social vulnerabilities.
Aligning International Efforts – Strengthen global cooperation against terrorism in line with India’s national interest.
Recovery & Resilience – Help communities recover quickly after incidents through a whole-of-society approach.
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Key Highlights of the Policy
Focus on Technology:
The policy highlights growing threats from misuse of drones, cryptocurrency, and the dark web for funding and planning attacks.
CBRNED Threats Identified:
It recognises risks from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, and Digital threats, showing preparedness for advanced and unconventional dangers.
‘Duty-to-Share’ Intelligence Model:
Instead of limiting information to a “need-to-know” basis, the policy promotes a “duty-to-share” system. The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) will play a key role in real-time intelligence sharing between the Centre and States.
No Religion-Based Linking:
The policy clearly states that terrorism will not be linked to any religion, ethnicity, or nationality. At the same time, it mentions concerns about “sponsored terrorism” from India’s neighbourhood.
Legal Strengthening:
Legal experts will be involved from the FIR stage to trial to ensure strong prosecution and maintain high conviction rates in terror cases.
Overall, ‘Prahaar’ signals a major shift toward a more structured, technology-driven, and legally integrated counter-terror framework for India.
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