India unveils its first-ever counter-terrorism policy; proportionate reply to attacks part of 'Prahaar'
Times of India
by BHARTI JAINFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India has unveiled its first-ever comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, named **Prahaar**, marking a significant shift in its approach to combating terrorism. The policy, described as "pro-active and intelligence-guided," aims to address both traditional threats from neighboring countries and emerging challenges posed by modern technologies and global terror networks. Prahaar focuses on seven key pillars: prevention, proportionate responses, aggregation of internal capacities, safeguarding human rights, attenuating conditions that enable terrorism, aligning international efforts, and fostering recovery through societal collaboration.
The policy emphasizes a graded police response to radicalization, with legal actions tailored to the level of threat. It also underscores the importance of addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities and implementing de-radicalization programs to counter the appeal of extremist ideologies among vulnerable groups. Additionally, Prahaar highlights the need for modernizing law enforcement agencies with advanced tools and technologies to disrupt terrorist networks effectively.
A critical aspect of the policy is its focus on international cooperation. Given the transnational nature of terrorism, India stresses the importance of global collaboration to tackle issues like the misuse of information and communications technology (ICT), encryption, and dark web platforms used by terrorists. The policy also calls for strengthening international treaties and processes, such as extradition and deportation, to combat terrorism more effectively.
Prahaar marks a proactive shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy, aiming to starve terrorists of resources while ensuring adherence to the rule of law and human rights principles. By addressing both domestic and global challenges, the policy positions India as a key player in shaping international efforts against terrorism, offering a model for other nations facing similar threats.
This policy is significant not only for India but also for the broader global community, as it addresses modern terrorist tactics
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026