The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday released India’s first comprehensive national anti-terror policy titled PRAHAAR, outlining a multi-dimensional strategy to counter terrorism, cyber threats and emerging security challenges.
The policy emphasises that while India continues to face “sponsored terrorism” from across the border, it is also increasingly targeted by criminal hackers and nation-states through cyber-attacks. It highlights threats across water, land and air domains, stating that capacities have been developed to safeguard critical sectors of the economy, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic energy.
PRAHAAR clarifies that India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity or nationality, but notes that jihadi terror outfits and their affiliates continue to plan and facilitate attacks. It also flags the activities of global terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, which have attempted to incite violence through sleeper cells and online radicalisation.
The document underlines growing concerns over the use of advanced technologies by terrorist groups, including drones, encrypted messaging platforms, the dark web and crypto wallets for funding and communication. It also highlights challenges related to CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive and Digital) threats and the misuse of robotics and unmanned systems for lethal purposes.
As part of its strategy, the policy calls for the integration of legal experts at every stage of investigation to ensure stronger prosecution of terror cases. It stresses the importance of national action complemented by international and regional cooperation to counter transnational terrorism.
PRAHAAR also addresses radicalisation, stating that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are actively disrupting recruitment efforts targeting Indian youth. A graded response mechanism has been outlined, including legal action where necessary, along with de-radicalisation programmes involving community leaders, moderate preachers and NGOs. Measures to prevent radicalisation within prisons have also been incorporated.
With the release of PRAHAAR, India has formalised a unified counter-terror framework aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, leveraging technology and enhancing resilience against evolving threats in both physical and digital domains.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday released India’s first comprehensive national anti-terror policy titled PRAHAAR, outlining a multi-dimensional strategy to counter terrorism, cyber threats and emerging security challenges.
The policy emphasises that while India continues to face “sponsored terrorism” from across the border, it is also increasingly targeted by criminal hackers and nation-states through cyber-attacks. It highlights threats across water, land and air domains, stating that capacities have been developed to safeguard critical sectors of the economy, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic energy.
PRAHAAR clarifies that India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity or nationality, but notes that jihadi terror outfits and their affiliates continue to plan and facilitate attacks. It also flags the activities of global terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, which have attempted to incite violence through sleeper cells and online radicalisation.
The document underlines growing concerns over the use of advanced technologies by terrorist groups, including drones, encrypted messaging platforms, the dark web and crypto wallets for funding and communication. It also highlights challenges related to CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive and Digital) threats and the misuse of robotics and unmanned systems for lethal purposes.
As part of its strategy, the policy calls for the integration of legal experts at every stage of investigation to ensure stronger prosecution of terror cases. It stresses the importance of national action complemented by international and regional cooperation to counter transnational terrorism.
PRAHAAR also addresses radicalisation, stating that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are actively disrupting recruitment efforts targeting Indian youth. A graded response mechanism has been outlined, including legal action where necessary, along with de-radicalisation programmes involving community leaders, moderate preachers and NGOs. Measures to prevent radicalisation within prisons have also been incorporated.
With the release of PRAHAAR, India has formalised a unified counter-terror framework aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, leveraging technology and enhancing resilience against evolving threats in both physical and digital domains.
