India announces phased PRAHAAR counter-terrorism strategy

On August 12, 2026, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed Parliament that the government is committed to the progressive and phased implementation of 'PRAHAAR', India's first comprehensive National Counter Terrorist Policy and Strategy. Unveiled on February 23, 2026, PRAHAAR provides a national counter-terrorism framework based on seven pillars: prevention of terror attacks, swift and proportionate responses, aggregating internal capacities, human rights and rule of law, attenuating conditions conducive to terrorism, aligning international efforts, and recovery and resilience. The strategy shifts India from a reactive to a proactive security stance by formalizing real-time intelligence sharing through the India — Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), securing critical infrastructure, and deploying coordinated command chains involving state agencies and specialized forces like the India — National Security Guard (NSG). It also integrates technology, upholds human rights, implements counter-radicalization modules, and counters terror financing by tracing crypto wallets, choking dark web crowdsourcing, and seizing assets. The strategy aligns with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and uses international treaties to block cross-border terror funding. Implementation will be phased, prioritizing institutional integration and performance assessment through layered oversight, including annual Anti-Terror Conferences organized by the India — National Investigation Agency (NIA).