Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 16 October paid tribute to the National Security Guard (NSG) on its 42nd Raising Day, saluting the elite anti-terror force for its unwavering commitment to protecting the nation. Modi's remarks came via a post on social media platform X, marking a day of wide recognition across the country's civil and military establishment for the NSG's Black Cat commandos.

PM Modi and Home Minister's Tributes

In his X post, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Greetings to the personnel of the National Security Guard on their Raising Day. They embody courage, precision and an unwavering commitment to duty.' He further noted that 'their steadfast vigil against terrorism and their readiness to protect our people and vital national assets inspire immense confidence and pride.'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also posted a tribute on X, saying, 'Raising Day greetings to the warriors of the National Security Guard. The @nsgblackcats has blown up every terror threat to India with the fury of the storms and guarded the nation with steely courage, flawless professionalism and valiant sacrifices. Salute to the martyrs of the force.'

Indian Army and NSG Leadership Extend Greetings

The Indian Army joined the tributes, with Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and all ranks extending warm wishes to NSG veterans, serving personnel, and their families. In a post on X, the Army conveyed greetings on the occasion of the 42nd Raising Day.

NSG Director General Brighu Srinivasan also offered greetings, stating on X that the Black Cats are 'built on a legacy of courage, sacrifice and operational excellence' and that the force 'embodies the Nation's unwavering resolve against terrorism.' He reaffirmed the NSG's commitment, as India's national nodal counter-terror force, to 'maintaining the highest standards of preparedness, professionalism and operational excellence in the service of the Nation.'

Inaugural Dr. S. Subramanian Lecture Held in New Delhi

Marking the 42nd Raising Day, the NSG hosted the inaugural Dr. S. Subramanian Lecture at the BPR&D Auditorium in New Delhi. The annual lecture series honours Padma Shri S. Subramanian, IPS (Retd.), the founder director of the Special Protection Group (SPG) and former director general of both the NSG and CRPF.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General N.S. Raja Subramani, delivered the inaugural address, focusing on the evolving security landscape and the imperative for jointness and coordination across forces. Senior officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Police, alongside NSG personnel, attended the lecture.

What the NSG Represents

Established in 1984, the NSG was created as a federal contingency force to tackle terrorism and internal disturbances beyond the capacity of state police. Over four decades, the Black Cats have been at the centre of some of India's most critical counter-terror operations, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The 42nd Raising Day underscores both the force's operational legacy and its continued centrality to India's national security architecture. With evolving hybrid threats and the increasing complexity of terror networks, the NSG's role as the nodal counter-terror body is widely seen as more critical than ever.