Terrorism is no longer confined to guns and grenades. It travels through encrypted messages, hides in crypto wallets, flies in through drones, and strikes across land, air, water and even cyberspace. Recognising this evolving threat landscape, India has released its first-ever national anti-terror policy, titled PRAHAAR. Unveiled by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on February 23, 2026, PRAHAAR marks a significant shift in India’s counter-terror framework. For decades, India has responded to terrorism through operational measures and legal tools. Now, for the first time, there is a unified doctrine designed to address both traditional and emerging forms of terror in a coordinated and strategic manner.

Beyond Borders: Terror in a Digital Age

The PRAHAAR policy acknowledges that while cross-border terrorism remains a persistent threat, new challenges have emerged. The document highlights that criminal hackers and hostile nation-states are increasingly targeting India through cyber-attacks. From power grids to railways, aviation to ports, defence to atomic energy, critical sectors of the economy are now seen as potential targets. In today’s interconnected world, a cyber breach can be as damaging as a physical attack. The policy underlines that safeguarding these sectors is no longer optional—it is a national security imperative. Handlers operating from across the border are reportedly using advanced technologies, including drones, to facilitate attacks, particularly in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Terror networks are also collaborating with organised criminal groups for logistics, recruitment, and financial support, blurring the line between crime and terrorism.

Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future

The idea of a national counter-terror strategy was first announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2024. The draft gained urgency after the April 22, 2025, terror incident in Pahalgam, which exposed the need for better coordination and preventive measures. Following that attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) held consultations with anti-terror units across States to streamline response strategies. PRAHAAR emerges as the structured outcome of those consultations and reflections. The policy also builds upon earlier frameworks, such as the 2015 National Policy and Action Plan for Left Wing Extremism. However, PRAHAAR expands the focus beyond specific insurgencies to address the full ecosystem of terrorism.

The Technology Threat: Encryption, Dark Web and Drones

Modern terrorist groups no longer rely solely on physical training camps. They use social media platforms and instant messaging applications for propaganda, recruitment, and operational guidance. Encryption technologies, the dark web, and crypto wallets allow them to operate anonymously and move funds discreetly. The policy flags the growing concern over CBRNED threats  Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, and Digital materials. Preventing access to such materials remains a serious challenge for counter-terror agencies worldwide. Another major concern is the misuse of drones and robotics for lethal purposes. Low-cost drones can now carry explosives, conduct surveillance, or drop payloads across borders. In such a scenario, counter-terror preparedness must evolve just as quickly as the threats themselves.

Legal Strength and Uniform Response

One of the notable features of PRAHAAR is its emphasis on legal robustness. The policy recommends involving legal experts from the very beginning of investigations, starting from the registration of the FIR through prosecution. This aims to strengthen cases in court and ensure convictions are secured effectively. The Ministry also proposes creating a more uniform anti-terrorism structure across States. Standardised procedures and coordinated action would enable faster, more synergistic responses during crises. Terrorism does not respect State boundaries; neither should the response mechanisms. Additionally, the policy seeks to criminalise all forms of terrorist activity comprehensively and to deny terrorists, financiers, and supporters access to funds, weapons, and safe havens.

Countering Radicalisation and Protecting Youth

PRAHAAR recognises that the fight against terrorism is not only about eliminating attackers but also about preventing recruitment. Indian intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been actively working to prevent extremist groups from radicalising Indian youth. The policy highlights de-radicalisation programmes and constructive engagement initiatives aimed at promoting communal harmony. Prison authorities are also being cautioned to prevent vulnerable inmates from being influenced by hardened extremists. This human-focused approach reflects an understanding that terrorism feeds on alienation and misinformation. Addressing these root causes is as important as tactical operations.

PRAHAAR: A Name That Signals Precision, Power and Pre-Emptive Resolve

PRAHAAR, which literally translates to “strike” or “decisive blow,” is more than just the title of India’s first anti-terror policy; it is a statement of intent. The name reflects a shift from reactive defence to proactive disruption, signalling that the country aims not merely to absorb attacks but to anticipate, intercept and neutralise threats before they materialise. In the context of cross-border terrorism, cyber warfare, drone misuse and digital radicalisation, PRAHAAR conveys speed, sharpness and strategic clarity. It suggests a focused, forceful response designed to dismantle terror networks at their roots, protect critical infrastructure and send an unmistakable message that India will respond to evolving threats with equal intensity and precision.