India Launches ‘Prahaar’: New National Counter-Terrorism Policy Sets Zero-Tolerance Framework

The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched ‘Prahaar’, India’s new national counter-terrorism policy which is outlining a zero-tolerance framework against terrorism. Announced on the February 23, 2026, the strategy aims to tackle evolving terror threats through prevention, intelligence-led coordination, technological upgrades, and adherence to the rule of law. The government reiterated that terrorism has no religion, nationality, or community, and that violence cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Objectives of ‘Prahaar’: A Whole of Government Approach

The Prahaar counter terrorism policy is built on prevention, response, capacity building, and legal safeguards.

Key Goals

• Prevent terror attacks before they occur
• Enable swift and proportionate responses
• Strengthen coordination between central and state agencies
• Protect human rights within the rule of law
• Reduce conditions that enable radicalization
• Strengthen community resilience

The policy emphasises a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating intelligence, law enforcement, and community engagement.

Tackling Evolving and High-Tech Terror Threats

The Prahaar national counter-terrorism strategy 2026 addresses emerging challenges such as,

• Cross-border terrorism and extremist networks
• Use of drones in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir
• Online propaganda and encrypted communication
• Dark web and crypto-wallet funding channels
• Threats involving Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive and Digital (CBRNED) materials
• Cyber-attacks by state and non-state actors

The policy recognises the growing misuse of advanced technologies by terror outfits.

Intelligence-Led Prevention: Role of MAC, JTFI and NIA

India’s response under Prahaar will be proactive and intelligence-driven.

Key institutional mechanisms include,

• Multi Agency Centre (MAC) for real-time intelligence sharing
• Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) for coordinated action
• National Investigation Agency (NIA) for specialised investigations
• National Security Guard (NSG) as the nodal counter-terror force

Local police will act as first responders, supported by specialised state and central forces. High prosecution rates aim to deter future attacks.

De-Radicalisation and Community Engagement

A major focus of the Prahaar counter terrorism policy is preventing extremist ideologies.

Measures Include,

• Engagement with community leaders and NGOs
• Collaboration with moderate religious figures
• Youth and women empowerment programmes
• Preventing radicalisation in prisons and schools
• Addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities

The approach aims to tackle root causes such as poverty, alienation, and misinformation.

Legal Safeguards and Human Rights

The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasised that all counter-terror actions under Prahaar will operate within the framework of law.

Key safeguards,

• Equal application of anti-terror laws
• Judicial oversight and legal redressal mechanisms
• Protection of fundamental rights
• The strategy seeks to balance strong security measures with democratic values.

International Cooperation Against Terrorism

Given the transnational nature of terrorism, Prahaar strengthens India’s global partnerships.

The policy prioritises,

• Intelligence sharing with global partners
• Extradition cooperation
• Terror designation processes
• Consensus-building at international forums

India will continue advocating coordinated global action against terror networks.

Question

Q. ‘Prahaar’ is related to which sector?

A) Cyber Security Only
B) National Counter-Terrorism Policy
C) Defence Procurement
D) Border Trade Policy