PRAHAAR: India's Integrated Counterterrorism Strategy Explained
PRAHAAR integrates intelligence, operations, and law to counter terrorism effectively.
Background Context
Why It Matters Now
Key Takeaways
- •PRAHAAR is India's consolidated strategy for counterterrorism operations.
- •It integrates intelligence gathering, coordinated operations, and legal frameworks.
- •The strategy emphasizes a proactive and coordinated approach.
- •It aims to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks.
- •Effective prosecution of offenders is a key component.
- •Multiple agencies are involved in the implementation of PRAHAAR.
- •Information sharing is crucial for the success of the strategy.
India unveiled its first comprehensive national counterterrorism policy and strategy named 'Prahaar' on Monday, February 24, 2026. The eight-page document, prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in consultation with various agencies including the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), NATGRID, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), aims to combat all forms of terrorism by denying terrorists access to funds, weapons, and safe havens. Prahaar is built on a seven-pillar framework involving intelligence-guided prevention, swift joint responses by states and central forces, use of the latest technology, thwarting radicalization, international cooperation, societal involvement, and adherence to human rights and rule-based processes.
The policy asserts that India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity, nationality, or civilization. It addresses threats including cross-border sponsored terrorism, global terrorist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS, and the misuse of technology such as drones and cyberattacks. The document also highlights the engagement of terrorist groups with organized criminal networks for logistics and recruitment. While not naming Pakistan directly, the document references countries using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.
Prahaar emphasizes a proactive, intelligence-led approach, enhanced inter-agency coordination through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI), and capacity building for state anti-terror units. It also focuses on attenuating conditions conducive to terrorism by addressing poverty, unemployment, and radicalization through community engagement and de-radicalization programs. The policy underscores the need for amending domestic counter-terrorism laws and ensuring uniformity in the structure and methodologies of counter-terror units across states and UTs. This policy is relevant to UPSC exams, particularly in the Polity & Governance section.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper III: Internal Security - Challenges to internal security through extremism.
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS Paper II: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Potential question types: Analytical questions on the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies, critical analysis of the UAPA, and the role of international cooperation.
In Simple Words
PRAHAAR is like a security plan for India against terrorism. It combines information gathering, teamwork between different security groups, and strong laws to stop terrorist attacks before they happen.
India Angle
For the average Indian, PRAHAAR means a safer environment because it aims to prevent terrorist activities. This strategy helps ensure peace and security in our communities by stopping potential threats.
For Instance
Think of PRAHAAR like your apartment complex's security system. It includes security guards (intelligence), coordinated patrols (operations), and rules against suspicious activities (legal frameworks) to keep everyone safe.
It matters because it directly affects the safety and security of every citizen by preventing potential terrorist attacks and ensuring a more secure environment.
PRAHAAR: India's shield against terrorism, keeping us safe and secure.
The article discusses India's counterterrorism strategy, focusing on the PRAHAAR approach. PRAHAAR integrates various elements, including intelligence gathering, coordinated operations, and legal frameworks, to create a comprehensive response to terrorism. It emphasizes a proactive and coordinated approach involving multiple agencies.
The strategy aims to disrupt terrorist networks, prevent attacks, and ensure effective prosecution of offenders. The article highlights the importance of information sharing and collaboration between different security agencies for successful counterterrorism operations.
Expert Analysis
To fully grasp the implications of India's new counterterrorism strategy, 'Prahaar', several key concepts need to be understood. The first is Counter-Terrorism (CT) Strategy itself. This involves a comprehensive approach to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist threats, using a combination of intelligence, law enforcement, military, and diplomatic tools. Prahaar embodies this by integrating intelligence-led prevention with swift response mechanisms and international cooperation, aiming to dismantle terror networks and address radicalization.
Another crucial concept is Inter-Agency Coordination. Effective counter-terrorism requires seamless collaboration between various intelligence and security agencies at the central and state levels. Prahaar emphasizes this through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI), ensuring that intelligence is shared and acted upon in a timely and coordinated manner. This is vital for neutralizing threats and preventing attacks.
Understanding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is also essential. This anti-terrorism law provides the legal framework for designating terrorist organizations and individuals, detaining suspects, and prosecuting offenders. Prahaar aims to strengthen this framework by criminalizing all terrorist acts and denying access to funds and resources. However, it also stresses adherence to human rights and the rule of law, ensuring that legal safeguards are in place.
The concept of De-radicalization is also central to Prahaar. This involves addressing the underlying conditions that lead to radicalization and recruitment, such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. Prahaar advocates for community engagement, education, and rehabilitation programs to counter extremist ideologies and reintegrate affected individuals into society. This pillar recognizes that a purely law enforcement approach is insufficient and that addressing the root causes of terrorism is crucial.
Finally, International Cooperation is vital in combating terrorism, as terror networks often operate across borders. Prahaar emphasizes strengthening global collaboration through treaties, extradition, and information sharing. It also highlights the need to counter the misuse of information and communication technologies (ICT) by terrorists, including the use of encrypted messaging apps and the dark web. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both prelims and mains, particularly in the context of internal security, governance, and international relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is India releasing a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy 'Prahaar' now, in 2026, given that India has dealt with terrorism for decades?
While India has a long history of counter-terrorism efforts, they were often reactive and lacked a cohesive, unified framework. The rise of new threats like drone-based weapon smuggling and the use of cryptocurrency for terror financing likely accelerated the need for a comprehensive, integrated strategy like Prahaar to proactively address these evolving challenges.
2. How does 'Prahaar' differ from existing counter-terrorism measures like the UAPA and the NIA?
The UAPA is a law, and the NIA is an investigating agency. 'Prahaar' is a comprehensive national strategy that integrates intelligence, operations, and law enforcement. It provides a unified framework for these existing measures, ensuring better coordination and a more proactive approach to counter-terrorism.
3. If a Mains question asks me to 'critically examine' Prahaar, what are some potential drawbacks or areas of concern I should address?
A 'critically examine' answer should include a balanced perspective. Possible points to consider are: * Potential for overreach or misuse of powers, especially concerning civil liberties. * Challenges in inter-agency coordination despite the policy's intent. * Effectiveness in addressing radicalization, which requires a nuanced societal approach. * The need for continuous adaptation to evolving terrorist tactics and technologies.
- •Potential for overreach or misuse of powers, especially concerning civil liberties.
- •Challenges in inter-agency coordination despite the policy's intent.
- •Effectiveness in addressing radicalization, which requires a nuanced societal approach.
- •The need for continuous adaptation to evolving terrorist tactics and technologies.
4. Which specific aspect of 'Prahaar' is most likely to be the focus of a Prelims question, and what kind of trap might UPSC set?
A likely Prelims question could focus on the seven-pillar framework. UPSC might create a trap by: * Listing only six pillars and asking if the statement about 'Prahaar' is correct. * Including a pillar that sounds plausible but isn't actually part of the framework (e.g., 'Military intervention in neighboring countries'). * Mixing up the pillars with those of another government scheme.
- •Listing only six pillars and asking if the statement about 'Prahaar' is correct.
- •Including a pillar that sounds plausible but isn't actually part of the framework (e.g., 'Military intervention in neighboring countries').
- •Mixing up the pillars with those of another government scheme.
Exam Tip
Memorize the seven pillars using a mnemonic to avoid confusion in the exam hall. Pay close attention to the wording of each pillar.
5. How does Prahaar's emphasis on 'societal involvement' translate into practical action on the ground?
Societal involvement likely includes: * Public awareness campaigns to counter extremist narratives. * Community policing initiatives to gather intelligence and build trust. * Rehabilitation programs for former terrorists or radicalized individuals. * Educational programs promoting tolerance and understanding.
- •Public awareness campaigns to counter extremist narratives.
- •Community policing initiatives to gather intelligence and build trust.
- •Rehabilitation programs for former terrorists or radicalized individuals.
- •Educational programs promoting tolerance and understanding.
6. Given the focus on technology in 'Prahaar', which GS paper is this most relevant to, and what specific keywords should I associate with it?
Prahaar is most relevant to GS Paper 3 (Security). Keywords to associate with it include: * Counter-terrorism * Internal Security * Technology in law enforcement * Cybersecurity * Intelligence gathering * Inter-agency coordination
- •Counter-terrorism
- •Internal Security
- •Technology in law enforcement
- •Cybersecurity
- •Intelligence gathering
- •Inter-agency coordination
Exam Tip
When answering a Mains question on internal security, citing 'Prahaar' as an example of a comprehensive, technology-driven approach will add significant value.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s ‘Prahaar’ Counter-Terrorism Policy: 1. It links terrorism to a specific religion, ethnicity, or nationality. 2. It advocates for a ‘whole-of-society’ approach in countering terrorism. 3. It prioritizes intelligence gathering and dissemination to executive agencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: 'Prahaar' explicitly states that India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity, nationality, or civilization. Statement 2 is CORRECT: 'Prahaar' advocates for a ‘whole-of-society’ approach in countering terrorism, involving public-private partnerships and community engagement. Statement 3 is CORRECT: 'Prahaar' prioritizes intelligence gathering and its dissemination to executive agencies for the neutralization of threats. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
2. In the context of India's 'Prahaar' Counter-Terrorism Policy, what is the primary role of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC)?
- A.To conduct independent investigations of terror-related cases
- B.To coordinate military operations against terrorist groups
- C.To facilitate intelligence sharing among various agencies
- D.To provide financial assistance to victims of terrorism
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) is a platform under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) that facilitates intelligence sharing among various central and state agencies involved in counter-terrorism efforts. It enhances coordination and ensures that relevant information is disseminated effectively to prevent and respond to terrorist threats. The other options are incorrect as they describe roles that are not primarily performed by the MAC.
3. Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a threat addressed by India’s ‘Prahaar’ Counter-Terrorism Policy?
- A.Cross-border sponsored terrorism
- B.Global terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS
- C.Misuse of technology such as drones and cyberattacks
- D.Political instability within neighboring countries
Show Answer
Answer: D
While 'Prahaar' addresses cross-border sponsored terrorism, global terrorist groups, and the misuse of technology, it does not explicitly mention political instability within neighboring countries as a direct threat. Although instability in the neighborhood can indirectly contribute to terrorism, it is not listed as a specific threat in the document. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
4. Assertion (A): India's 'Prahaar' Counter-Terrorism Policy emphasizes adherence to human rights and the rule of law. Reason (R): Anti-terrorism laws often lead to the violation of fundamental rights if not implemented with due diligence. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: B
Assertion A is true because 'Prahaar' explicitly designates human rights as a key pillar. Reason R is also true as anti-terrorism laws, if not implemented carefully, can lead to the violation of fundamental rights. However, R is not the direct explanation for A. 'Prahaar' emphasizes human rights as a matter of principle and legal compliance, not merely as a response to potential violations. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Source Articles
What India’s consolidated PRAHAAR strategy document entails | Explained News - The Indian Express
Beyond Zero Tolerance: Inside ‘Prahaar’, India’s New 7-Pillar War on High-Tech Terror and Drones
Explained: What is ‘Prahaar’, India’s first counter-terrorism policy? | India News - The Indian Express
UPSC Key-24th feb, 2026-Counter-terror policy 'Prahaar', IEA, AI stack
About the Author
Anshul MannPublic Policy Enthusiast & UPSC Analyst
Anshul Mann writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.
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