#345: PRAHAAR: India's Counter-Terror Strike
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The Ministry of Home Affairs has released PRAHAAR, India’s first publicly articulated national counter-terrorism strategy. The document provides a consolidated framework to address evolving security challenges such as cross-border terrorism, global jihadist networks, cyber threats, and radicalisation.
What is PRAHAAR?
A comprehensive national counter-terror strategy integrating existing laws, institutions and operational mechanisms.
Emphasises a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
Seeks to unify intelligence, law enforcement, community participation and diplomatic efforts under a single framework.
Maintains a zero-tolerance approach while avoiding linkage of terrorism with any religion or identity.
Key Pillars of PRAHAAR
Intelligence-led prevention and real-time inter-agency coordination.
Swift operational response through local police backed by specialised forces.
Capacity building via police modernisation and standardised training.
Rule of law and human rights compliance during counter-terror operations.
De-radicalisation and community engagement, especially youth and women.
International cooperation through intelligence sharing, extradition and multilateral diplomacy.
Recovery and resilience involving civil administration, NGOs and local communities.
Strategic Focus Areas
Disrupting terror financing, sleeper cells and propaganda networks.
Strengthening border management and travel screening.
Tackling online radicalisation and encrypted communication misuse.
Preventing recruitment through socio-economic outreach programmes.
Comparison with Western Counter-Terror Frameworks
United States (USNSCT)
Clearly defined objectives and measurable outcomes.
Annual assessments and accountability mechanisms.
United Kingdom (CONTEST)
Structured around four pillars: Prevent, Pursue, Protect, Prepare.
Detailed departmental responsibilities and implementation clarity.
India (PRAHAAR)
Principle-driven strategic framework.
Less operational detailing compared to US and UK models.
Primary focus on cross-border and jihadist terrorism.
Concerns and Implementation Challenges
Limited public oversight and measurable indicators.
Lack of granular implementation roadmap.
Gap between policy intent and ground-level execution.
Need for stronger state-level capacity and coordination.
Requirement of clear role definition for agencies and specialised forces.
UPSC Relevance (GS-3: Internal Security)
Demonstrates India’s evolving counter-terror doctrine.
Highlights intelligence integration and cooperative federalism in security.
Important for questions on:
Counter-terrorism strategy in India
Radicalisation and cyber security challenges
Comparative analysis of global security frameworks
Institutional reforms in internal security
One-Line Exam Summary
PRAHAAR represents India’s shift toward an integrated, intelligence-driven and community-centric counter-terror strategy, with success dependent on effective implementation and institutional coordination.