PRAHAAR: India’s First Publicly Articulated National Counter-Terror Strategy

Why in News ?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released PRAHAAR, India’s first publicly articulated national counter-terror (CT) strategy document. The eight-page framework outlines India’s comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, consolidating past measures, existing mechanisms, and future priorities under a unified doctrine.

Background & Context

India has faced terrorism in multiple forms over decades — cross-border militancy, insurgencies, urban terror attacks, and global jihadist influences. Groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State have attempted ideological penetration through digital propaganda and online recruitment.

India’s counter-terror architecture has evolved through institutions such as:

• National Investigation Agency (NIA)
• National Security Guard (NSG)
• Multi Agency Centre (MAC)
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
• Legal tools like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)

However, until now, India lacked a single publicly declared national counter-terror strategy document. PRAHAAR fills this gap by providing a unified doctrinal framework.

What PRAHAAR Outlines

Nature of the Threat

PRAHAAR frames terrorism as multi-dimensional, shaped by:

• Cross-border violence
• Global extremist networks
• Use of emerging technologies:
  • Drones
  • Encrypted communication platforms
  • Dark web tools
  • Cryptocurrency financing
  • Cyberattacks
  • Potential access to CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives, Drones)

Importantly, it avoids associating terrorism with any specific religion or identity.

The Seven-Pillar Response Framework

1. Intelligence-Led Prevention

Proactive disruption of propaganda networks, sleeper cells, terror financing, and arms supply chains through real-time coordination.

2. Swift and Proportionate Response

Police-led operations backed by specialised CT forces to ensure calibrated action.

3. Capacity Aggregation

Modernisation of police, standardised training, and inter-agency coordination.

4. Rule of Law & Human Rights

Commitment to due process, civil liberties, and legal safeguards.

5. De-radicalisation & Community Engagement

Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, especially youth and women.

6. International Alignment

Strengthened global cooperation via intelligence sharing, extradition treaties, and multilateral designations.

7. Recovery & Resilience

Whole-of-society approach involving civil administration, NGOs, and communities to rebuild affected regions.

What Is New About PRAHAAR ?

Unified Public Framework

Most instruments cited — NIA, NSG, MAC, UAPA — already existed. PRAHAAR does not create new agencies or legal powers.

Its novelty lies in:

• Consolidating scattered CT elements into a single doctrine.
• Public articulation of national CT policy.

Elevation of Human Rights

Explicit recognition of rule of law and civil liberties as pillars of CT policy.

Linking Security with Development

The document connects counter-terrorism with:

• Education
• Employment
• Housing
• Women’s empowerment
• Poverty alleviation

Clear Political Messaging

Affirms zero tolerance for terrorism while rejecting religious profiling — carrying diplomatic significance.

Comparison with Western Counter-Terror Strategies

United States

The United States Government National Strategy for Counterterrorism is detailed and includes measurable commitments, annual assessments to Congress, and defined lines of effort.

United Kingdom

The Government of the United Kingdom follows the CONTEST framework (Prevent, Pursue, Protect, Prepare), offering detailed operational roles and oversight mechanisms.

Key Differences

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Clear zero-tolerance doctrine.
• Explicit rejection of religious profiling.
• Integration of development and security.
• Whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

Weaknesses

• Limited operational detail in public version.
• No clearly defined measurable benchmarks.
• Absence of structured oversight or review mechanisms.
• Implementation challenges at district and grassroots policing levels.

Significance of PRAHAAR

Institutional Coherence

Provides strategic clarity to India’s CT architecture.

Democratic Legitimacy

Public articulation enhances transparency and policy communication.

International Signalling

Projects India’s commitment to rule-based and rights-respecting counter-terrorism.

Strategic Preparedness

Addresses emerging technological threats including drones and cyber tools.

Societal Resilience

Recognises prevention and community engagement as essential components.