India’s Tech Borders

  • Comprehensive Electronic Surveillance: India aims to bring the entire India-Pakistan border under electronic surveillance within four years, with testing of systems already underway.
  • Motivation: Recent terror attacks (e.g., March 2025 near Kathua) highlight the urgent need for advanced security measures. Over 30 terror-related incidents reported in Jammu since 2021.
  • Key Tech Components: Anti-drone systems, tunnel detection tech, high-mast lighting, and watchtowers will be deployed.
  • Combating Cross-Border Threats: Addresses terrorism from Pakistan-based groups, smuggling of arms, narcotics, and counterfeit currency. Death crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan) poses challenges.
  • Border Infrastructure Development: Initiatives like Vibrant Villages Programme are being implemented to strengthen defense and local development.
  • Existing Initiatives: CIBMS, ICPs, Border Area Development Programme, BIM Scheme, and Smart Fencing are already in place.
  • Challenges: Terrain complexity, inter-agency coordination gaps, tech reliability/maintenance, financial constraints, and civil liberties/environmental concerns.
  • Solutions: Prioritize deployment in vulnerable zones (Jammu, Punjab), leverage PPPs and indigenous innovation (iDEX, ideaForge drones), use AI/data analytics, create a unified border command, and integrate satellite surveillance.
  • Government Commitment: Government has assured “no budget shortage” to ensure minimal casualties, reduce hardships through facilities, and support vigilance with technology.Over 26 initiatives related to technology are currently being tested, including anti-drone technology, tunnel identification technology, and electronic surveillance.