Jodhpur, India – Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed plans for a comprehensive national anti-drone unit, underscoring the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to India’s borders. Addressing Border Security Force (BSF) troops during their 60th Raising Day celebrations in Jodhpur, Shah emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating that the “menace” of drones will intensify in the coming years.
Shah highlighted the encouraging results of a recently deployed laser-equipped anti-drone system. This technology has dramatically improved drone detection and neutralization rates along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, increasing from a mere 3% to an impressive 55%. This success demonstrates the potential of advanced technology to combat the escalating drone threat.
The government’s approach to tackling this challenge involves a collaborative “whole of government” strategy. This includes close cooperation between border guarding forces, defense and research organizations, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The planned anti-drone unit will represent a significant step towards bolstering national security, unifying the country’s resources to effectively counteract the growing threat.
Official data reveals a substantial increase in drone interdictions this year. Over 260 drones carrying arms and narcotics have been either downed or recovered from the India-Pakistan border in 2024, compared to approximately 110 in 2023. While Punjab has seen the highest number of interceptions, Rajasthan and Jammu have reported far fewer incidents.
Beyond the anti-drone initiative, Shah provided updates on other key border security measures. He reviewed the progress of the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), currently under construction along the India-Pakistan (2,289 km) and India-Bangladesh (4,096 km) borders. While expressing satisfaction with the CIBMS deployment in Assam’s Dhubri, he acknowledged the need for further refinements.
The minister also highlighted the Modi government’s Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), designed to integrate and develop border villages. Currently operating in approximately 3,000 villages on a pilot basis, the VVP will eventually encompass all frontier villages nationwide. With a significant allocation of ₹4,800 crore, this program signifies a major investment in border security and the well-being of communities residing in remote areas, representing a significant achievement for the government.
Shah confirmed the allocation of a substantial budget for enhancing border infrastructure, including fencing, roads, and other logistical improvements. He asserted that achieving India’s goal of global recognition and a leading position by 2047 depends significantly on the dedicated service of security personnel guarding the nation’s borders.
He also traced the evolution of India’s border security policy, crediting the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi governments for introducing and refining an integrated approach and “One Border, One Force” strategy, respectively. Progress under the current administration includes the completion of fencing along 591 km of the India-Bangladesh border, the installation of floodlights along 1,159 km, and the construction of 579 observation posts. Furthermore, improvements have been made in electricity, water, and solar power infrastructure in border areas, with the addition of 573 new border posts and 1,812 km of new roads in remote regions.
BSF Director General (DG) Daljit Singh Chawdhary corroborated the escalating drone threat, emphasizing the rising number of drones carrying illicit goods from across the Pakistan border. He cited the deployment of a DRDO-made anti-drone system as a key response to this challenge, and reported that over 250 drones have been intercepted this year alone, alongside ongoing training initiatives to bolster the force’s operational capacity.
