Subject: Internal Security

India faces multifaceted security challenges along its borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, requiring a coordinated response from various security forces to maintain territorial integrity and internal stability.

Major Security Threats Along Different Borders

Myanmar Border

• Insurgency Surge: Post-2021 Myanmar coup has led to increased cross-border insurgency and criminal activities, challenging India's security apparatus.
• Free Movement Regime: The traditional arrangement faces restrictions due to security concerns and increased cross-border movements.
• Drug Trafficking: The Golden Triangle connection makes this border vulnerable to narcotics trade and arms smuggling.

Bangladesh Border

• Record Seizures: The Border Security Force (BSF) seized contraband worth Rs 461.07 crore in 2024, marking the highest annual seizure in a decade.
• Illegal Migration: Continuous challenges of unauthorized border crossings and human trafficking.
• Cattle Smuggling: Organized criminal networks operate along the porous border regions.

Pakistan Border and LoC

• Cross-Border Terrorism: Significant reduction in infiltration with zero infiltration reported until June 2023, compared to 14 terrorists in 2022.
• Narco-Terrorism: Integration of drug trafficking with terrorist activities poses a severe security threat.
• Drone Challenges: Increasing use of drones for weapons and narcotics smuggling.

Role of Security Forces

Border Security Force (BSF)

• Multi-dimensional Role: Primary border guarding force conducting regular patrols and anti-smuggling operations.
• Special Operations: Deployment of battalions in Manipur during ethnic violence for internal security.
• Technology Integration: Use of smart surveillance systems and thermal imaging for border management.

Indian Army

• Counter-Infiltration: Maintaining robust defense along the LoC with Pakistan.
• Intelligence Coordination: Regular meetings with ITBP for improved border management and intelligence sharing.
• Multi-agency Operations: Collaboration with state police and intelligence agencies.

The effective management of these complex border security challenges requires continued modernization of security forces, enhanced intelligence sharing through platforms like the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), and strengthened international cooperation with neighboring countries for comprehensive border security.