BSF Playing Crucial Role in Tackling New Border Threats: Amit Shah

The honour accorded to BSF personnel reflects loyalty, duty, and dedication to the nation

Baljit Singh Brar

New Delhi, May 22

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today attended the Border Security Force (BSF) Investiture Ceremony and Rustamji Memorial Lecture as the Chief Guest in New Delhi. Several dignitaries including the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Secretary (Border Management), and the Director General of the BSF attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Amit Shah said that the Investiture ceremony symbolizes the BSF’s unwavering dedication, commitment to duty, and complete devotion to the nation. He said that after the 1965 war, a detailed assessment of the shortcomings in border security led to the realization that a dedicated force was needed to secure India’s borders even during peacetime. At that time under the leadership of Padma Vibhushan K.F. Rustamji, the BSF was established and has since ensured the security of the country’s borders. He said that the strong foundation laid by Shri Rustamji has enabled the BSF to build an institution in the field of national security, bringing pride to the nation. Shri Amit Shah said that today, several new challenges have emerged in the field of border security. Illegal infiltration, narcotics smuggling, cattle smuggling, counterfeit currency, organized crime, and the smuggling of weapons and narcotics through drones are among the many challenges facing the BSF. However, the BSF has consistently made well-planned efforts to tackle these challenges. Shri Shah said that the BSF has safeguarded the nation by making the best possible use of its resources and effectively confronting all these challenges. He added that in the coming days, the role of the force will have to become even more coordinated and comprehensive. Shri Amit Shah said that border security can no longer rely solely on traditional methods. Strengthening the security grid will require close coordination among State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), other armed forces, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), intelligence agencies, and state administrations.He said that border security should no longer be viewed as an isolated responsibility but as a broader territorial responsibility. Shri Shah also stressed the need to remain vigilant against demographic changes caused by cross-border infiltration and against attempts to weaken the country’s economy through narcotics and fake currency. He said that India must adopt new strategies to address cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and drone-based challenges.