India Launches Prahaar Anti-Terror Policy Framework

India has unveiled its first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, titled “Prahaar”, aimed at strengthening national security against evolving threats. Released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the framework seeks to enhance prevention, coordination and response mechanisms across land, air and maritime domains. The policy comes amid rising concerns over cross-border terrorism, cyber warfare and the misuse of emerging technologies.

Prahaar is positioned as an integrated legal, technological and community-driven strategy to counter both traditional and non-traditional security risks.

Addressing Persistent and Emerging Threats

The policy identifies cross-border terrorism as a continuing challenge, particularly from networks operating across India’s western frontiers. It notes the increasing use of drones in regions such as Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir for arms and narcotics smuggling.

Prahaar also flags cyber operations conducted by hostile states and criminal hacker groups targeting critical infrastructure. Key sectors identified as vulnerable include power grids, railways, aviation, ports, defence installations, space assets and atomic energy facilities. The document underlines that terrorism is not linked to any religion, ethnicity or nationality, but warns of sustained efforts by foreign-based extremist networks to incite violence.

Technology, Financing and Organised Crime Links

The framework highlights the growing nexus between terror outfits and organised crime for funding and logistics. It points to the use of social media platforms, encrypted messaging services, the dark web and crypto assets for recruitment, propaganda and financial transactions.

The policy further cautions against potential misuse of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials, alongside explosive substances and digital tools. Advanced technologies such as drones and robotics are identified as emerging threats with lethal potential if exploited by non-state actors.

Legal Reforms and Global Cooperation

Prahaar proposes the integration of legal experts at every stage of investigation, from FIR registration to prosecution, to strengthen conviction rates in terror cases. It emphasises enhanced intelligence-sharing and collaboration with international and regional partners to tackle transnational terrorism networks.

The policy acknowledges that foreign-based groups often depend on local facilitators and infrastructure, necessitating tighter surveillance and inter-agency coordination within India.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for internal security in India.
• Counter-terror operations in India often involve agencies such as the NIA and Intelligence Bureau.
• Drones have increasingly been used along the India-Pakistan border for smuggling.
• CBRN stands for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats.

Counter-Radicalisation and Community Outreach

Prahaar lays emphasis on preventing radicalisation, particularly among youth. It outlines a graded response mechanism, with legal action determined by the level of involvement. Community engagement through religious leaders, NGOs and civil society groups forms a core component of the strategy.

Prison-based de-radicalisation programmes and youth outreach initiatives are also proposed to address the root causes of extremism. The policy aims to balance security enforcement with preventive social interventions, marking a comprehensive shift in India’s counter-terror architecture.