Published: 23 February 2026Business StandardGovernance
MHA Unveils 'PRAHAAR': India's First National Counter-Terrorism Policy with Seven-Pillar Framework
The Ministry of Home Affairs on February 24, 2026 released India's first comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled 'PRAHAAR'. The policy adopts a zero-tolerance approach and is built on a seven-pillar framework: Prevention, Response, Aggregating capacities, Human rights and rule of law, Attenuating radicalization conditions, Aligning international efforts, and Recovery and resilience.
The policy operationalises the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) for real-time intelligence sharing. It specifically addresses modern threats including drone attacks, cyber-terrorism, encrypted messaging, dark web activities and cryptocurrency financing. The strategy shifts from post-incident response to pre-emptive disruption.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the significance of the seven-pillar PRAHAAR counter-terrorism policy unveiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs in February 2026 for tackling contemporary threats like drones, cyber-terrorism and cryptocurrency financing.
Answer (50 words):
PRAHAAR, India's first national counter-terrorism policy released by MHA on February 24, 2026, adopts a zero-tolerance seven-pillar framework covering prevention, response, capacity-aggregation, human rights and recovery. It operationalises the Multi Agency Centre and JTFI for real-time intelligence sharing, targeting drones, dark web and cryptocurrency financing, marking a pre-emptive strategic shift.
6-axis classification
CoverageNationalTypePolicySubjectNationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceBusiness Standard
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India's LFPR for persons aged 15+ reached what level in December 2025?
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Frequently asked questions
What is **PRAHAAR** — India's first **National Counter-Terrorism Policy**?
**PRAHAAR** is India's first **National Counter-Terrorism Policy** unveiled by the **Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)** with a **seven-pillar framework** covering prevention, intelligence, response, and rehabilitation.
What are the **seven pillars of PRAHAAR** counter-terrorism policy?
The **PRAHAAR seven-pillar framework** covers: **Prevention of terror attacks; swift and proportionate Responses; Aggregating internal capacities; Human rights and Rule of Law based processes; Attenuating conditions enabling terrorism; Aligning international efforts; and Recovery and resilience**.
Who announced **PRAHAAR** and what is its significance for India's internal security?
The **Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)** announced **PRAHAAR**, India's first comprehensive **national counter-terrorism policy**, marking a shift from reactive to proactive, structured counter-terrorism governance.
How does **PRAHAAR** address **cross-border terrorism** in India?
**PRAHAAR** includes provisions for **intelligence sharing, border hardening, financial flow monitoring**, and inter-agency coordination specifically targeting **Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism** in J&K and Northeast India.
What agencies are involved in implementing India's **PRAHAAR counter-terrorism policy**?
**PRAHAAR** involves coordination among **NIA, NSG, IB, RAW, state police forces, and paramilitary units** under a unified national framework to counter all forms of terrorist threats to India.
