‘Prahaar’ Finally Unveiled: India Launches First-Ever National Counter-Terrorism Policy Built on Zero Tolerance
After years of anticipation, the Centre on Monday formally rolled out Prahaar, India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism doctrine — a structured national framework aimed at confronting extremist violence through prevention, precision intelligence, and coordinated enforcement.
Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the long-awaited policy signals a decisive consolidation of India’s security architecture.
It seeks to systematically choke terror ecosystems by cutting off funding channels, dismantling logistical networks, denying access to weapons and technology, and eliminating safe havens — whether domestic or overseas.
A Seven-Pillar Architecture
Prahaar rests on seven foundational pillars:
- Prevention and early disruption
- Swift and calibrated response mechanisms
- Strengthening internal institutional capacities
- Upholding human rights and rule-of-law principles
- Countering radicalisation and enabling conditions
- Alignment with global counter-terror frameworks
- Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach
The doctrine underscores that counter-terrorism is not merely a law enforcement exercise but a coordinated national effort integrating intelligence agencies, financial watchdogs, cyber experts, and civil society stakeholders.
Clear Signal on Cross-Border Terror
Without naming specific countries, the document pointedly notes that certain states in the region have, at times, deployed terrorism as an instrument of state policy.
At the same time, it reiterates India’s position that terrorism cannot be linked to any religion, ethnicity, or civilisation.
The policy affirms India’s longstanding stance: violence has no justification, and the country will adhere to an uncompromising zero-tolerance approach.
It explicitly references India’s prolonged exposure to cross-border sponsored terrorism, including attacks orchestrated by jihadi organisations and their front entities.
Global terror networks such as Al Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are cited as having attempted to incite violence within India through sleeper cells and digital radicalisation.
Evolving Threat Landscape: Technology and Tactics
Prahaar acknowledges that modern terrorism is increasingly transnational and technologically sophisticated.
Operatives based abroad have allegedly used drones to facilitate attacks in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Organised crime syndicates are also being leveraged for recruitment, logistics, and supply chains.
The policy flags emerging risks in:
- Encrypted communication platforms
- Dark web marketplaces
- Cryptocurrency wallets
- Drone and robotics-based attacks
- Cyber warfare and hacking operations
The document warns that both state and non-state actors may exploit advanced technologies, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, and digital (CBRNED) materials.
It recognises that encryption and anonymity tools create significant hurdles for investigators tracking terror financing and operational coordination.
Cyber Countermeasures and Online Disruption
With extremist groups increasingly weaponising social media and instant messaging platforms for propaganda, recruitment, and operational guidance, Prahaar emphasises proactive cyber surveillance and disruption.
Intelligence and counter-terror agencies are tasked with dismantling online terror networks, intercepting digital communications, and curbing the spread of extremist narratives.
Community Reintegration and Prevention
Beyond hard security responses, the policy adopts a broader societal lens.
The government plans to engage doctors, psychologists, legal professionals, NGOs, and religious and community leaders to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals vulnerable to radicalisation.
This “whole-of-society” model reflects an understanding that long-term counter-terror success depends on prevention, social resilience, and public participation — not merely force.
A Strategic Shift
With Prahaar now in effect, India transitions from reactive counter-terror measures to a codified national doctrine.
The framework not only strengthens internal coordination but also positions India as a more assertive participant in shaping international counter-terror efforts.
The unveiling of this policy marks a significant milestone in India’s security strategy — formalising an approach that blends zero tolerance with legal safeguards, technological preparedness, and societal engagement.
