Friends, yesterday Ministry of Home Affairs officially unveiled the country’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy titled PRAHAAR. This shifts India’s stance from a reactive model to a proactive, “intelligence-guided” framework. This is aimed at strengthening internal security in the face of evolving threats such as cross-border terrorism, radicalisation, lone-wolf attacks, cyber-terror network, drone-based infiltration, and terror financing through digital channels.
1 Why a New Policy?
India has faced multiple forms of terrorism over the decades, like cross-border terrorism, Left–wing Extremism in Central India, Urban sleeper cells and lone-wolf attacks; drone-based arms and narcotics drops along borders, and Terror funding through hawala, cryptocurrency, and NGOs.
2 Key Pillars of the New Counter-Terror Policy
A Technology –Driven Counter-Terror Grid– The policy emphasise a National Integrated Counter-Terror Grid (NICTG) that connects:
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
- State Anti-Terror Squads (ATS)
- Military Intelligence
- Cyber Crime Units
Key features are- Real-time data sharing across agencies; AI-based threat detection mode; Facial recognition and predictive surveillance in high-risk zones; and Enhanced use of big data analytics.
B Strong Border and Coastal Security– Given concerns about cross-border infiltration and drone usage:
- Deployment of an anti-drone system along the western and northern borders.
- Expansion of smart fencing and sensor-based surveillance.
- Increased coordination between BSF, ITBP, Coast Guard and Navy.
- Satellite monitoring of infiltration-prone areas.
Coastal security in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra has also been prioritised.
C Counter Terror Financing– The policy introduces financial surveillance measures:
- Enhanced monitoring of suspicious digital transactions.
- Crackdown on cryptocurrency misuse.
- Greater coordination with global agencies like FATF.
- Tight scrutiny of NGOs suspected of diversion of funds.
Special financial intelligence units will work closely with the RBI and enforcement agencies.
D Legal and Judicial Strengthening- Key reforms include:
- Fast-track trials.
- Expanded powers for NIA in inter-state and international cases.
- Improved witness protection mechanisms.
- Digital evidence admissibility standards updated for encrypted platforms.
The aim is to ensure faster conviction rates while maintaining legal safeguards.
E Counter-Radicalisation and Community Outreach– Recognising that prevention is as important, the policy includes:
- Online monitoring of extremist propaganda.
- Rehabilitation programs for vulnerable youth.
- Collaboration with community leaders, educators, and religious institutions.
- De-radicalisation centres in sensitive districts.
This reflects a “whole-of-society” approach.
F Cyber and Hybrid Warfare Preparedness– With cyber-terrorism emerging as a serious threat:
- Creation of a National Counter-Terror Cyber Command Unit.
- Protection of critical infrastructure (power grids, banking, telecom)
- Coordination with private tech companies.
The policy also addresses misinformation campaigns linked to hostile foreign actors.
3 Focus on Jammu & Kashmir and Left Wing Extremism Regions
J & K– Continued zero-tolerance stance; Targeted operations against hybrid militants; and development-security integration strategy.
LWE– Infrastructure development alongside security action; Surrender and rehabilitation schemes; and Enhanced surveillance of supply chains to Maoist groups
4 International Cooperation– India aims to
- Strengthening intelligence-sharing agreements.
- Push for a global definition of terrorism at the UN.
- Expand counter-terror partnerships with Quad nations.
- Collaborate on extradition and terror financing tracking.
This aligns with India’s growing geopolitical role.
5 Human Rights and Civil Liberty Concerns– As with the expanded security framework, debates have emerged:
- Concerns over surveillance and privacy.
- Scope of UAPA and detention provisions.
- Safeguards against misuse of anti-terror laws.
The government has stated that oversight mechanisms and judicial review processes will ensure balance between security and democratic rights.
6 Strategic Implications– This 2026 policy signals:
- A shift toward proactive disruption rather than post-attack investigation.
- Integration of AI and digital intelligence into core security operations.
- Greater coordination between the Centre and the States.
- Focus on both kinetic and non-kinetic threats.
It reflects India’s recognition that terrorism today is networked, digital, and hybrid, requiring equally adaptive responses.
In the end, India’s new counter-terror policy represents a comprehensive and forward-looking security strategy. By combining technology, legal reform, financial surveillance, border security, cyber preparedness, and community engagement, the policy seeks to create a multi-layered defence against evolving threats.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
24th February 2026