BSF NEEDS NEW PERSPECTIVE AMID EVOLVING THREATS: UNION MINISTER

New Delhi, May 26, 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the role of the Border Security Force must now be viewed from a “new dimension” in view of evolving security challenges and technology-driven threats along the India-Pakistan border.

Addressing the Prahari Sammelan at the historic Sanchu Border Outpost in Bikaner, Shah said the BSF’s traditional responsibilities such as preventing infiltration, monitoring smuggling and maintaining border vigilance must now expand to address emerging threats involving advanced technology.

He said adversaries were increasingly using technological means to target national security, prompting the government to strengthen coordination between security forces, state governments and civil administration in border areas.

“Any illegal construction within 50 kilometres of the border must be immediately reported to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police. Likewise, demographic changes in border villages should also be brought to the government’s notice,” Shah said.

Highlighting concerns over drone-based narcotics smuggling and anti-national activities, the Home Minister stressed the need for enhanced surveillance and stronger communication networks with local administration and police.

“We must monitor where drones land, who receives them, and how they are used. A strong communication network with civil administration and district police is essential,” he said.

Linking border security with local development, Shah said villages along the frontier were being transformed under the Vibrant Villages Programme. He added that coordination among the BSF, the Army, alert citizens and state government machinery could create a “quadrilateral security grid” that would be difficult to breach.

The Home Minister also called for regular engagement with school students and youth to spread awareness on national security issues.

Commending BSF personnel for their role during Operation Sindoor, Shah said the force had demonstrated courage and resilience while maintaining high morale.

“Our soldiers stood strong, faced challenges with unwavering resolve, and played a significant role in maintaining high morale. As always, whenever the situation demanded, they delivered a befitting reply to Pakistan,” he said.

Referring to the historical significance of the Sanchu post, Shah recalled the events of the 1965 India-Pakistan war and said intelligence inputs at the time had suggested Pakistan planned to capture the post. He said personnel of the 3rd Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) and the 13th Grenadiers launched a successful counter-attack, forcing Pakistani forces to retreat and ensuring the post remained under Indian control.

The Home Minister also announced major infrastructure projects, including the construction of a 1,096-km lateral road and a 520-km axial road across Rajasthan’s desert region to improve mobility and connectivity for security forces. He said work on new-design border fencing was underway and piped drinking water supply had been completed for around 180 BSF border outposts in Rajasthan.

Shah also inaugurated women’s barracks at the border post and reiterated the government’s commitment to greater participation of women in security forces.

“The daughters of the nation are contributing significantly to national security and will receive equal opportunities in every sphere,” he said.

He added that all essential facilities for women personnel would be ensured by 2030. According to Shah, 79 women’s barracks have been sanctioned in Rajasthan at a cost of nearly Rs 40 crore.

The Home Minister further said India’s armed forces and border infrastructure were being modernised rapidly.

“The government has adopted a policy of responding ruthlessly if terrorists attempt infiltration. At the same time, we must ensure such attempts are prevented altogether,” he said.

During his nearly 90-minute visit to Sanchu, Shah interacted with BSF personnel, shared breakfast with troops, surveyed the Pakistan border and Zero Point through binoculars, and planted a Khejri sapling, describing it as a “Kalpavriksha for the desert”.

He also said security personnel had planted 73.5 million trees over the past seven years and praised the BSF for safeguarding the country under extreme weather conditions.