Amit Shah Calls for Smart, Integrated Border Security; Says J&K Terrorism, Naxalism Curbed Under Modi Government
New Delhi, July 9: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday said that India is adopting a comprehensive and technology-driven approach to border security, asserting that the country's border management system is being transformed into one of the most advanced in the world under the vision of a "Smart Border."
Addressing the Land Border Districts' Superintendents of Police Conference–2026 in New Delhi, Shah said the annual conference has institutionalised a holistic framework for strengthening border security and would serve as a platform to identify challenges, review solutions and formulate long-term policy measures.
The conference was attended by Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Directors General of Police from border states, and senior officials.
Shah said the Centre, in coordination with border guarding forces, state governments, district administrations, central agencies and local communities, is building a robust four-tier security architecture to safeguard the country's borders. He stressed that secure borders, prosperous border villages and a vigilant society together form the foundation of national security.
Highlighting the Centre's security achievements, the Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has significantly curbed Naxalism and terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East, describing it as a collective national success. He further expressed confidence that the country would deal a decisive blow to the narcotics menace within the next three years.
Shah said the government is also developing a comprehensive system to eliminate illegal infiltration and ensure stronger border protection. "Earlier, problems remained permanent while solutions were temporary. The present government is addressing issues at their roots to provide lasting solutions," he said.
The Home Minister stated that investment in border infrastructure has increased by 400 per cent under the Modi Government, accompanied by the adoption of scientific and technology-driven measures to strengthen border management.
Referring to the Vibrant Villages Programme, Shah said the initiative aims to transform border villages by generating employment, preventing migration and ensuring the effective implementation of welfare schemes. He reiterated Prime Minister Modi's vision of treating the country's "last village" as its "first village."
Shah also highlighted the government's focus on monitoring demographic changes in border areas, stating that the newly launched Demography Mission will study abnormal demographic trends, identify contributing factors and recommend corrective measures. He maintained that illegal infiltration remains one of the primary causes of demographic changes in border regions.
Calling for greater vigilance, Shah urged authorities to ensure that information related to demographic changes and emerging security concerns reaches higher levels of governance without delay.
The Home Minister further announced that the Centre is fencing the 1,610-kilometre India–Myanmar border at an estimated cost of ₹31,000 crore. He said the project is aimed at preventing illegal infiltration, proxy warfare, radicalisation, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, drone-related threats, cybercrime and organised crime, while also making border areas safer, more prosperous and less prone to migration.
Reiterating the government's commitment to proactive border management, Shah said India is moving from an isolated border outpost model to an integrated security grid capable of effectively addressing emerging security challenges along the country's frontiers. ANB
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