India Launches First Comprehensive National Anti-Terrorism Strategy Named 'PRAHAAR'
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made a significant announcement on Monday, unveiling India's inaugural comprehensive anti-terrorism policy, officially designated as "PRAHAAR." This landmark strategy document systematically identifies and addresses the multifaceted security threats confronting the nation, ranging from persistent cross-border terrorism and sophisticated cyber-attacks to the emerging dangers posed by drone technology misuse and other advanced technological developments.
Multi-Dimensional Threat Assessment and Critical Infrastructure Protection
The policy provides a detailed threat assessment, emphasizing that India faces terrorist dangers across all domains: water, land, and air. Beyond the well-documented issue of cross-border sponsored terrorism, the document highlights that "criminal hackers and nation states continue to target India through cyber-attacks." In response, the MHA reports that substantial capacities have been developed to secure the nation's critical economic sectors. These include power generation and distribution networks, railway systems, aviation infrastructure, major ports, defense installations, space facilities, and atomic energy establishments, all fortified against potential threats from both state and non-state actors.
The policy explicitly states that "India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilisation." However, it acknowledges the country's long-standing struggle with "sponsored terrorism" originating from across its borders, noting that "Jihadi terror outfits as well as their frontal organisations" persistently plan and execute attacks within Indian territory.
Global Terror Networks and Technological Exploitation
PRAHAAR identifies specific global terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), detailing how these groups have attempted to incite violence in India through established sleeper cells. The document further reveals that violent extremists operating from foreign soil have consistently hatched conspiracies aimed at promoting terrorism within the country.
A particularly concerning trend highlighted in the policy is the increasing use of advanced technologies by handlers operating across borders. The strategic exploitation of drones, especially in sensitive regions like Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, is flagged as a major area of concern. Additionally, terror groups are increasingly collaborating with organized criminal networks to facilitate logistics, recruitment, and other operational needs, creating complex security challenges.
Digital Battlefield and Emerging Technological Threats
On the digital front, the policy document meticulously outlines how terrorist entities leverage modern technology for malicious purposes. Social media platforms, encrypted instant messaging applications, sophisticated encryption tools, the dark web, and cryptocurrency wallets are all being utilized extensively for propaganda dissemination, terror funding, and operational guidance, enabling near-anonymous activity that complicates detection and interception efforts.
The policy explicitly states: "Disrupting/Intercepting terrorist efforts to access and use CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) material remains a challenge for Counter Terrorism (CT) agencies." It further identifies the threat of both state and non-state actors misusing drones and robotics for lethal purposes as another critical area requiring urgent attention and innovative countermeasures.
Legal Framework, International Cooperation, and Community Engagement
As part of its strategic roadmap, the MHA has proposed associating legal experts at every stage of the investigative process—from the initial registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) through to prosecution—to strengthen legal cases against perpetrators and ensure successful convictions.
The policy strongly emphasizes that national counter-terrorism measures must be robustly complemented by enhanced international and regional cooperation to effectively address the inherently transnational nature of modern terrorism. It notes a growing trend where foreign-based terror groups increasingly rely on local infrastructure, logistics support, and detailed terrain knowledge provided by domestic elements to carry out attacks.
Addressing Radicalization and Youth Recruitment
On the critical issue of radicalization, the MHA policy confirms that terror groups continue persistent attempts to recruit Indian youth. The framework outlines a graded police response for identified individuals, where "Legal action is initiated against the individual based on their level of radicalisation."
The document significantly underlines the vital role of community and religious leaders in prevention efforts. It details how moderate preachers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are being engaged to spread awareness about the severe consequences of radicalization and extremist violence. Furthermore, PRAHAAR calls for constructive youth engagement programs and specific steps within prison systems to prevent the radicalization of vulnerable inmates, alongside implementing structured de-radicalization programs for those already influenced.
Ultimately, the PRAHAAR policy positions itself as a comprehensive, forward-looking framework designed to address India's evolving security landscape through a coordinated triad of legal, technological, and community-based responses, marking a new chapter in the nation's counter-terrorism architecture.
