Published: 22 February 2026MHA / PIB / Business Standard / DD NewsDefence Security
India Launches 'PRAHAAR': First-Ever National Counter-Terrorism Policy with Zero-Tolerance Framework
On February 23, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled India's first-ever comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy titled 'PRAHAAR' — an acronym meaning 'strike'. The policy was released under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and marks a watershed moment in India's security architecture.
PRAHAAR is built on seven core pillars: Prevention of terrorist attacks, swift and proportionate Response, capacity-building Across security and intelligence agencies, ensuring Human-rights-compliant operations, Addressing root causes of radicalisation, leveraging international cooperation, and promoting societal Resilience and recovery. The policy operationalises the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) for real-time intelligence sharing, shifting from reactive to pre-emptive counter-terrorism.
The legal framework is anchored in UAPA 1967, PMLA 2002, and the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. PRAHAAR specifically addresses emerging threats including drone-based logistics, encrypted digital communication, hybrid warfare, and the nexus between organised crime and extremist violence. It aligns with India's international obligations under UNSC Resolution 1373 and the FATF framework. For Rajasthan, which shares a sensitive border with Pakistan, this policy directly reinforces cross-border terrorism prevention and border security measures.
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Frequently asked questions
What is 'PRAHAAR' and when was it launched?
PRAHAAR is India's first-ever National Counter-Terrorism Policy, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on February 23, 2026. It marks a shift from reactive to proactive, intelligence-led counter-terrorism.
On how many pillars is the PRAHAAR policy built? Name them.
PRAHAAR is built on seven pillars: prevention, intelligence, response, de-radicalisation, human rights compliance, international cooperation, and societal resilience.
Which laws anchor the PRAHAAR counter-terrorism policy?
PRAHAAR is anchored in the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Which agencies coordinate India's counter-terrorism efforts under PRAHAAR?
The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) are the primary coordinating bodies under PRAHAAR.
What modern threats does PRAHAAR specifically address?
PRAHAAR addresses contemporary threats including drone-based terrorism, cryptocurrency financing of terror, and operations conducted through the dark web.
