What is India’s first anti-terrorism principle strike, what effect will it have on the common people?

Updated: 23-02-2026, 12.14 PM

The Union Home Ministry has released the country’s first comprehensive anti-terrorism policy. The policy released on Monday has been named Prahar. It states that India is at risk of cross-border terrorism and cyber attacks. Along with this, efforts are being made to target the country’s security by misusing drones and new technology. This policy emphasizes that apart from cross-border sponsored terrorism, criminal hackers are targeting India through cyber attacks. With this, strict action will also be taken against those people living inside the country who have been involved in radical activities. Although, it will not have any effect on the common people, but the problems of the people involved in unethical activities may increase.

India faces terrorist threats in all three domains: water, land and air. In such a situation, preparations have been made to protect important sectors of the economy (electricity, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and nuclear energy).

India has been troubled by Jihadi terrorism

The Home Ministry has stated that India does not link terrorism with any specific religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilization. However, the country has long been affected by cross-border sponsored terrorism, with jihadi terrorist organizations and their affiliates increasingly planning and carrying out attacks. The policy names global terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, saying they have tried to incite violence in India through sleeper cells, while violent extremists operating from foreign countries have hatched conspiracies to promote terrorism.

Stopping terrorist activities is a big challenge

The counter-terrorism policy states that terrorist groups are increasingly linking up with organized criminal networks for logistics and recruitment. On the digital front, the document points to the use of social media platforms, instant messaging applications, encryption tools, the dark web and crypto wallets for campaign financing and operational guidance, enabling anonymous activity. “Disrupting/preventing terrorist attempts to access and use chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, digital materials remains a challenge for counter-terrorism agencies. Misuse of drones and robotics also remains a concern.

Terrorists depend on local people

The policy said that as part of its action plan, the Home Ministry has suggested involving legal experts at every stage of investigation, from registration of FIR to prosecution, to strengthen the cases against criminals. The policy emphasizes that combating international terrorism requires national measures as well as international and regional cooperation. It also said that foreign groups are increasingly relying on local infrastructure, logistics and geographical information to carry out attacks.

Anti-radicalism program necessary

On the issue of radicalization, the Home Ministry said that terrorist groups are continuing efforts to recruit Indian youth. Upon identification, phased action is taken by the police against such persons and legal action is initiated against them depending on their level of radicalization. The policy also emphasizes the role of community and religious leaders, stating that moderate preachers and NGOs have been engaged in spreading awareness about the consequences of radicalization and extremist violence. It also calls for constructive youth engagement and anti-radicalisation programmes, along with steps to be taken within prisons to prevent radicalization of vulnerable prisoners. This document presents Prahaar as a framework to address emerging security threats through coordinated legal, technical and community-based responses.