The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is an institution, serving as the interior ministry of the Government of India, primarily responsible for the maintenance of internal security and domestic policy. Its origin traces back to the Home Department of the British Indian Government, formally established in 1861 following the Indian Councils Act. After India gained independence in 1947, the department was reorganized into the MHA, with the first Home Minister, Vallabhbhai Patel, playing a crucial role in the integration of the 562 princely states.
The MHA works by administering a wide mandate through various divisions, including Internal Security, Border Management, and Foreigners. It is the Cadre Controlling Authority for the Indian Police Service (IPS) and manages the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), such as the CRPF and BSF, which assist states in maintaining law and order and guarding borders. The Ministry formulates policies and laws pertaining to internal security, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and is involved in the reformulation of the criminal justice system, including the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It also handles Centre-State relations, the administration of Union Territories, and matters related to the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution.
The MHA connects to the intelligence architecture through the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Recently, the Ministry has undergone significant changes, including the unveiling of India's new national counter-terrorism policy, 'Prahaar', in February 2026. Furthermore, the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified under Section 30 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, amended the registration process for foreigners. The new rule allows eligible foreigners to complete registration at any point before the completion of 180 days from the date of arrival in India, replacing the earlier rule that required registration within 14 days after the 180-day period ended.