EP-403 | 'PRAHAAR': India’s First National Counter-Terror Policy Explained | Ex-NSG Chief MA Ganapathy

M.A. Ganapathy is a former NSG Chief and senior IPS officer with decades of experience in internal security, counter-terrorism, and policing. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ganapathy breaks down ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s first national counter-terror policy, and explains what it means for the country’s security strategy.

He talks about the lessons India can draw from the West Asia conflict, the importance of building capabilities as a deterrent, and why clear objectives are critical in any conflict. He also discusses the growing threats of drone warfare, cyber attacks, and radicalisation, and why India needs a “whole of society” approach to tackle terrorism. The conversation covers the role of intelligence agencies, coordination between police forces, and how sleeper cells operate in urban environments.

*Timestamps*

00:00 – Introduction

00:46 – US & Israel’s Objectives in Iran

05:08 – Role of Intelligence in Wars

06:50 – India’s Approach to Iran War

07:49 – ‘PRAHAAR’ Counter-Terror Policy

13:48 – Interstate Coordination

16:31 – State Police Forces

20:39 – De-radicalisation in India

29:12 – Naxal Networks

32:27 – How Criminal Networks Support Terror

34:28 – Can Police Tackle Tech-Driven Terror?

40:00 – Surveillance and Apps in Modern Warfare

45:57 – Tackling Sleeper Cells

48:58 – Training Citizens to Recognise Terror

52:24 – Role of the NSG

56:41 – How the CBI Investigates Cases

1:00:09 – Reality of OTT Series

1:02:27 – Police Mental Health & Physical Fitness

1:05:09 – Why Pakistan Isn’t Mentioned in ‘PRAHAAR’