India Unveils 'PRAHAAR' Counter-Terrorism Policy

India's India===Interior ministry has unveiled 'PRAHAAR', the country's first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. This multi-layered framework is based on 'zero tolerance' and intelligence-led prevention, aiming to disrupt extremist violence and deny terrorists access to funds, weapons, and safe havens. The policy addresses threats from cross-border terrorism, global groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, cyber-attacks, drones, and the misuse of advanced technologies such as encrypted communication and cryptocurrencies. It emphasizes prevention through intelligence gathering, coordinated responses involving local police, the India===National Security Guard, and investigations led by the India===National Investigation Agency. 'PRAHAAR' also focuses on capacity building, legal safeguards, de-radicalization programs, and strengthening international cooperation, including efforts at the United Nations. The policy adopts a 'whole-of-society' approach to enhance preparedness and resilience.