PRAHAAR: Home Ministry Announces India's First Comprehensive Counter-terrorism Policy

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Monday announced India's first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, titled PRAHAAR. It addresses threats ranging from cross-border terrorism, cyberattacks, and the misuse of drones. The policy emphasizes how criminal hackers and other countries target India through cyberattacks, in addition to cross-border terrorism.

Where is India at risk?

It states that India faces terrorist threats on land, water, and air, and that capabilities have been developed to secure vital sectors of the economy, such as power, railways, aviation, ports, defense, space, and atomic energy, against both government and non-government actors.

What's in the Home Ministry's document?

The strategy document, uploaded on the Home Ministry's website, states that "India does not associate terrorism with any particular religion, caste, nationality, or civilization." It also states that the country has long been affected by cross-border “sponsored terrorism,” in which “jihadi terrorist organizations and their front organizations” plan and execute attacks.

Which terrorist organizations are mentioned in the document?

The PRAHAAR policy names global terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), stating that they have attempted to incite violence in India through sleeper cells, while violent extremists operating from other countries have conspired to promote terrorism.

How technology is being used against India?

It also emphasizes the use of advanced technology, including drones, by cross-border handlers, especially in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The policy states that terror groups are increasingly connecting with organized criminal networks for logistics and recruitment.

What are the challenges on the digital front?

On the digital front, the document highlights the use of social media platforms, instant messaging applications, encryption tools, the dark web, and crypto wallets for propaganda, funding, and operational guidance, which could lead to anonymous activity.

How will the Home Ministry take action?

The Home Ministry has suggested involving legal experts at every stage of investigation, from filing FIRs to prosecution, to strengthen cases against perpetrators. The policy emphasizes that national measures must be complemented by international and regional cooperation to combat transnational terrorism. It also notes that groups based abroad are increasingly relying on local infrastructure, logistics, and terrain knowledge to carry out attacks.