'Prahar' Counter-Terrorism Strategy and New Extradition Portal: Boosting Inter-Agency Coordination in International Crime Control
On September 28, 2026, Amit Shah launched a new Extradition Portal aimed at enhancing coordination among central agencies, state police, and international bodies for the return of fugitive offenders. India has brought back 288 fugitive offenders from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026, while 'BHARATPOL' strengthens international police cooperation and information sharing. Launched in February 2026, the 'Prahar' national counter-terrorism policy focuses on prevention, rapid response, human rights, international cooperation, and resilience through seven pillars. It emphasizes strengthening the counter-terrorism framework down to the police station level and improving the coordination of intelligence and rapid response between central and state agencies.
On September 28, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the new Extradition Portal in New Delhi. Its objective is to improve coordination and expedite the process of bringing back fugitive offenders located abroad by facilitating collaboration among central agencies, state police, and international law enforcement bodies. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 288 fugitive offenders were brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026.
Meaning of Extradition and Its Significance in India
Extradition is the legal process by which one country hands over an accused or convicted individual to another country so that they may face trial or serve a sentence. This process is not merely a police action; it involves legal, diplomatic, and international law enforcement cooperation. The return of fugitive offenders is integral to India's internal security strategy against organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and economic offenses.
BHARATPOL and International Police Cooperation
India has developed the BHARATPOL platform to strengthen international police cooperation. This system, developed by the CBI, connects Indian law enforcement agencies with international police cooperation mechanisms. According to the government, BHARATPOL has integrated over 1,400 agencies, thereby streamlining the process of international information sharing. It is particularly significant in cases where perpetrators, financial networks, or criminal activities span multiple countries.
‘PRAHAAR’: India’s National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy
India released the National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy—‘PRAHAAR’—in February 2026. Its objective is to institutionalize a ‘Whole-of-Government’ and ‘Whole-of-Society’ approach to combat terrorism and radicalization. It rests on seven key pillars: prevention of terrorist attacks; swift and proportionate response tailored to the threat; integration of internal capabilities; human rights and the rule of law; mitigation of conditions conducive to terrorism; coordination of international efforts; and recovery and resilience.
Extending the Counter-Terrorism Framework to the Police Station Level
A crucial aspect of ‘PRAHAAR’ is extending counter-terrorism capabilities beyond central security and intelligence agencies down to the police station level. The government has emphasized developing automated and institutionalized counter-terrorism response systems and fostering better coordination between state police and central agencies. The aim is to strengthen local-level capabilities for identifying suspicious activities, sharing information, and ensuring a rapid response.
Broad Relevance for UPSC
This topic is highly significant for GS Paper-III (Internal Security). It can be linked to themes such as cross-border crime, terrorism, radicalization, organized crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, extradition, INTERPOL, international police cooperation, and technology-driven security frameworks. When writing answers for the Mains examination, one can incorporate aspects such as Centre-State coordination, international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and the balance between human rights and the rule of law within India's security framework. The seven pillars of ‘Prahar’ and digital platforms like the Extradition Portal and BHARATPOL serve as examples of institutional and technological reforms in India's internal security mechanism.
