• New initiative to enhance border security amid rising UAV threats.
• Says interceptions soar to over 260 in 2024
• Highest Drone interceptions of arms & drugs in Punjab, few in Jammu
Jammu, Dec 08: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced that India will soon create a comprehensive anti-drone unit to enhance border security, as the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is expected to escalate in the coming years.
Speaking at the 60th Raising Day celebration of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Shah emphasised the growing significance of drones in border security, especially along the India-Pakistan border.
The Union Minister highlighted that the initial success of a “laser-equipped anti-drone gun-mounted” system has been promising, with the technology proving effective in intercepting unauthorised drone activities. “We are going to create a comprehensive anti-drone unit for the country in the coming time,” said Shah.
According to official data, over 260 drones have been intercepted or recovered from India’s border with Pakistan this year, a sharp increase compared to around 110 in 2023. The highest number of drone interdictions have occurred in Punjab, with significantly fewer cases in Jammu and Rajasthan.
Shah attended the Raising Day Parade as the Chief Guest, where he was joined by Union Minister for Water Resources, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary, among other dignitaries.
In his address, the Home Minister praised the contributions of the BSF in securing the nation’s borders and highlighted the force’s evolution from its inception with just 25 battalions in 1965 to its current strength of 193 battalions, making it the largest border guarding force in the world, with 2.7 lakh personnel.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a major transformation in the country’s security scenario. The BSF’s contribution will be written in golden letters,” said Shah. He acknowledged the sacrifice of 1,992 BSF personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation, emphasizing their courage and valor.
The Home Minister also spoke about India’s evolving border security policy, which has been strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He pointed out that the BSF has not only played a pivotal role in guarding the borders but has also been instrumental in combating counterfeit currency, drug trafficking, and left-wing extremism through several operations.
A key point in Shah’s address was the significant strides made in infrastructure development along the country’s borders. He revealed that fencing has been completed along 591 kilometers of the India-Bangladesh border, and floodlights have been installed along 1,159 kilometers. Additionally, the government has constructed 573 border outposts and 579 observation posts, along with providing 685 locations with electricity connections and 570 solar plants to ensure power supply.
Shah also lauded the Modi government’s Vibrant Villages Program, which has been launched with a budget of ₹4,800 crore to develop villages along the northern border, focusing on improving connectivity, healthcare, employment, and basic amenities. This initiative aims to address migration issues in border areas by improving the quality of life for local populations. The program is currently being implemented in approximately 3,000 villages, with plans for a nationwide extension.
The Home Minister further highlighted the development of the National Coastal Police Academy in Okha, which trains state police and border forces to secure maritime boundaries, and the introduction of an Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). This system has already shown promising results in its pilot project in Dhubri and will be expanded across the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Addressing the growing threat of drone intrusions, Shah explained that the government has implemented advanced anti-drone measures, with a laser-equipped anti-drone system already in operation. “55% of drone intrusions along the international border with Punjab have been intercepted and neutralized, a significant improvement from around 3% earlier,” he noted. The Home Minister expressed confidence that, in the near future, India will have a dedicated anti-drone unit in place to counter the menace.
Shah praised the BSF’s role as the first line of defense, noting that the soldiers endure challenging conditions away from their families, serving with utmost dedication. “Every step, struggle, and victory of these soldiers instills in the nation the belief that India is invincible and cannot be defeated,” said Shah.
In his concluding remarks, the Home Minister acknowledged the Modi government’s efforts to improve the welfare of security forces. He pointed out that under the Ayushman CAPF scheme, over 41 lakh personnel and their families have been issued Ayushman cards for access to healthcare, with claims worth ₹1,600 crore already settled. He also highlighted the construction of 13,000 houses for security personnel over the last five years and the allocation of 111 barracks.
