India Unveils First Anti-Terror Doctrine ‘PRAHAAR’; Focus on Cross-Border, Cyber and Drone Threats
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday released India’s first comprehensive anti-terror doctrine, titled “PRAHAAR”, outlining a multi-pronged strategy to tackle threats ranging from cross-border terrorism and cyber-attacks to the misuse of drones and emerging technologies.
The policy document, published on the MHA’s official website, highlights that in addition to terrorism sponsored from across the border, “criminal hackers and nation states continue to target India through cyber-attacks.” It underscores that India faces security challenges across land, air and sea, necessitating enhanced preparedness across sectors.
Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure
The doctrine states that capacities have been strengthened to protect critical sectors of the economy — including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic energy — from both state and non-state actors.
Importantly, the document clarifies that “India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilisation,” even as it notes the persistent threat of “sponsored terrorism” from across the border. It references global extremist organisations such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (ISIS), stating that they have attempted to incite violence in India through sleeper cells and foreign-based networks.
Emerging Technology and Drone Threat
The policy flags the increasing use of advanced technologies by terror handlers, including drones, particularly in border states such as Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. It also notes that terror outfits are leveraging organised criminal networks for logistics and recruitment.
On the digital front, the doctrine points to the misuse of social media platforms, encrypted messaging applications, the dark web and cryptocurrency wallets for propaganda, funding and operational coordination.
The document further highlights the challenge of preventing terrorist access to CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive and Digital) materials, and warns of the potential misuse of drones and robotics for lethal purposes.
Strengthening Legal and Investigative Framework
As part of its roadmap, the MHA has recommended involving legal experts at every stage of investigation — from the filing of FIRs to prosecution — to improve conviction rates in terror cases.
The policy also stresses the importance of international and regional cooperation to combat transnational terrorism, noting that foreign-based groups increasingly rely on local infrastructure and terrain knowledge to execute attacks.
Focus on Counter-Radicalisation
Addressing radicalisation, the doctrine states that terror groups continue efforts to recruit Indian youth. Authorities have adopted a graded response mechanism, initiating legal action based on the level of radicalisation identified.
The MHA also emphasised community participation, stating that moderate religious leaders and NGOs are being engaged to spread awareness about the dangers of extremism. Additionally, the policy calls for youth engagement initiatives and prison-based de-radicalisation programmes to prevent vulnerable individuals from being drawn into extremist networks.
Positioned as a comprehensive framework, PRAHAAR aims to address evolving security threats through coordinated legal, technological and community-driven measures, marking a significant step in India’s counter-terror strategy.
