Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, visited the Border Security Force (BSF) post at Sanchu along the India–Pakistan border in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and declared that the BSF's role must be reframed through a 'new dimension' to address rapidly evolving security threats and technology-driven challenges. Addressing the Prahari Sammelan at the historic outpost, Shah called for an expanded mandate that goes well beyond traditional border duties.

New-Age Threats and the Expanded BSF Mandate

Shah stressed that the BSF's conventional responsibilities — preventing encroachments, curbing smuggling and infiltration, and maintaining border vigilance — must now be broadened to counter emerging threats. He specifically flagged drone-based narcotics smuggling and anti-national activities as priority concerns. 'We must monitor where drones land, who receives them, and how they are used. A strong communication network with civil administration and district police is essential,' he said.

He further directed that any illegal construction within 50 kilometres of the border must be immediately reported to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, and that demographic changes in border villages must be flagged to the government without delay.

A Quadrilateral Security Grid for Border Regions

Shah outlined a vision for what he called a 'quadrilateral security grid' — a coordinated framework involving the BSF, the Army, alert citizens, and state government machinery. 'Security can be strengthened only through the combined efforts of the BSF, the Army, and alert citizens, as well as the state government machinery. This coordination can build a quadrilateral security grid, which is difficult to breach,' he said. He also called for regular engagement with school students and youth to build awareness among future generations.

Operation Sindoor and the Sanchu Legacy

Commending BSF personnel for their conduct during Operation Sindoor, Shah said the force displayed courage and resilience, maintaining high morale and delivering a 'befitting reply' whenever the situation demanded. 'Our soldiers stood strong, faced challenges with unwavering resolve, and played a significant role in maintaining high morale. As always, whenever the situation demanded, they delivered a befitting reply to Pakistan,' he stated.

Shah also recalled the historic significance of the Sanchu post, noting that during the 1965 India–Pakistan War, personnel of the 3rd Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) and the 13th Grenadiers mounted a counter-attack after intelligence indicated Pakistan had launched an offensive to capture the post — ensuring Sanchu remained firmly within Indian territory.

Infrastructure Push: Roads, Fencing, and Women's Barracks

The Home Minister announced major infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of a 1,096-km Lateral Road and a 520-km Axial Road across Rajasthan's desert region to improve mobility and connectivity for security forces. He added that work on new-design border fencing is underway and that piped drinking water supply to around 180 BSF border outposts in Rajasthan has already been completed.

Shah also inaugurated 14 women's barracks during the visit, part of a sanctioned total of 79 women's barracks in Rajasthan at a cost of nearly ₹40 crore. Construction of 67 barracks has been completed, with the remaining 12 under construction. He announced that all essential facilities for women personnel would be ensured by 2030.

On the Ground at Sanchu

During his nearly 90-minute stay, Shah interacted with BSF personnel, shared breakfast with troops, surveyed the Pakistan border and Zero Point through binoculars, and planted a Khejri sapling, describing it as a 'Kalpavriksha for the desert.' He noted that security personnel have planted 73.5 million trees over the past seven years. Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Shah said, 'From scorching deserts to snow-covered mountains, in temperatures ranging from 45°C to minus 45°C, our border sentinels have protected the nation with courage and sacrifice. Nearly 2,000 personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty.'

The visit signals a clear policy push to modernise and reorient India's border security architecture at a time of heightened tensions along the western frontier.