India To Roll Out High-Tech ‘Smart Border’ System Along Pakistan, Bangladesh Frontiers: Amit Shah

NEW DELHI, May 22: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Centre will roll out an ambitious “smart border project” along India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh within the next year, aiming to create an advanced security grid capable of preventing infiltration and strengthening national security.

Addressing the annual Rustamji Memorial Lecture organised by the Border Security Force in New Delhi, Shah said the proposed technology-driven system would cover nearly 6,000 kilometres of sensitive border areas and make the frontiers “impenetrable”.

The event commemorated K F Rustamji, the first Director General of the BSF after the force was established in 1965.

Technology To Strengthen Border Surveillance

The Union Home Minister said the government is preparing to deploy modern surveillance systems, including drones, radars, smart cameras and other advanced monitoring technologies, to improve real-time tracking and detection along the international borders.

According to Shah, the initiative will be implemented as part of the BSF’s 60th foundation year and is intended to modernise border management while reducing illegal infiltration attempts.

He stated that the government has decided to establish a “strong security grid” capable of addressing emerging cross-border challenges through technological integration and rapid response mechanisms.

Officials believe the use of artificial intelligence-enabled monitoring systems and automated surveillance tools could significantly improve border patrolling efficiency in difficult terrain and remote regions.

Government Reiterates Tough Stand On Infiltration

During his address, Shah reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to identifying and deporting every illegal infiltrator residing in the country.

The minister urged BSF personnel to remain vigilant against attempts to alter demographic patterns through illegal cross-border movement, stressing that infiltration posed both security and administrative challenges.

He said state governments in border regions such as Tripura, Assam and West Bengal are cooperating with the Centre in implementing stricter border management measures and preventing unauthorised entry into the country.

According to Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon hold consultations with chief ministers of these states to further strengthen coordination on border security issues.

Focus On Advanced Security Infrastructure

Security experts have increasingly advocated the use of high-tech surveillance systems along India’s international borders due to evolving infiltration methods and rising concerns over transnational smuggling networks.

The proposed smart border project is expected to integrate ground sensors, command-and-control systems and digital communication networks to provide continuous monitoring across vulnerable sectors.

Officials say such systems may help security agencies detect suspicious movement more efficiently, especially in riverine and densely forested stretches where conventional fencing faces operational limitations.

Border infrastructure development has emerged as a major focus area for the government over the past few years, particularly in strategically sensitive regions.

BSF’s Expanding Role In National Security

The BSF remains India’s primary border guarding force along the Pakistan and Bangladesh frontiers and plays a key role in preventing infiltration, smuggling and cross-border crimes.

Established in 1965 following the India-Pakistan conflict, the force has since evolved into one of the country’s largest paramilitary organisations with responsibilities extending beyond border surveillance to internal security and disaster response operations.

At the memorial lecture, Shah praised BSF personnel for their service in safeguarding the country under difficult operational conditions.

He also highlighted the importance of adapting security strategies to changing technological and geopolitical challenges.

Demography Mission To Be Announced

The Home Minister further stated that the Centre would soon announce a high-powered “demography mission” previously referred to by the government.

Though detailed information regarding the proposed mission was not disclosed, Shah indicated that it would focus on issues linked to population patterns and national security concerns in border areas.

Political observers believe the announcement could become a major subject of discussion in the coming months, especially in states sharing international boundaries.

The planned smart border project is expected to become one of the government’s largest border modernisation initiatives, combining technology-based surveillance with coordinated security operations to enhance protection along India’s eastern and western frontiers.