National Security Vital for Developed India: HM Amit Shah
Jun 05, 2026Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that ensuring the safety and security of the nation is an absolute prerequisite for achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, a vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the Prahari Sammelan at the Lankamura Border Outpost along the India-Bangladesh international border in Agartala, Mr. Shah emphasized that complete development cannot be realized without first securing the country against both internal and external threats. He underlined the need to eliminate multi-dimensional challenges such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, cattle smuggling, and the circulation of fake currency, which he said undermine the nation’s economy and social fabric. He also stressed the importance of protecting the youth from the menace of drug abuse.
Highlighting the government’s strategy to curb cross-border infiltration and smuggling, the Home Minister announced that the Centre is in the final stages of implementing the Smart Border Project. The initiative aims to transform traditional border management into a synchronized, technology-driven security framework. Under the proposed integrated grid, specific security responsibilities will be assigned to District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, police station officers, village Patwaris, and Sarpanches, ensuring close coordination between local civil administration and security forces.
Mr. Shah informed that a pilot phase of the Smart Border Project will be launched next year at seven to eight sensitive locations where the Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are deployed. He lauded the dedication and service of BSF personnel guarding the sensitive frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Turning to concerns about demographic changes in border areas, the Home Minister reiterated that the Union Government has an “ironclad resolve” not to allow any illegal demographic shifts along the porous stretches of Tripura, West Bengal, and Bihar. To strengthen border infrastructure, he said that 119 kilometres of newly designed fencing have been sanctioned in Tripura, with construction of the first phase already underway.
Coinciding with World Environment Day, Mr. Shah also participated in a mass plantation drive organised by the BSF at Lankamura, where he planted an Agar (Aquilaria) tree. He noted that Central Armed Police Forces personnel have planted 6.40 crore trees across the country since 2019 and announced a collective resolution to plant more than two crore trees in a single year starting next year.
The programme was attended by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, senior BSF officials and administrative authorities.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment, Mr. Shah said that a secure border and a strong internal security framework are essential pillars in India’s journey towards becoming a fully developed nation by 2047.
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