Following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. The incident has sparked a series of accusations, military drills, and troop deployments along the border. In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted full operational freedom to the Army, Navy, and Air Force to respond to any threats.
However, India's focus isn't limited to Pakistan. Heightened concerns have also emerged regarding the Bangladesh border, particularly in the wake of political instability in Dhaka following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. As a result, the Indian government is stepping up surveillance and security efforts on both fronts.
To strengthen the capabilities of the Border Security Force (BSF), India plans to raise 16 new battalions, adding over 17,000 personnel to the force. This expansion will increase the BSF's total battalion count from 193 to over 200. The proposal has received policy approval and is awaiting final administrative clearance, including from the Ministry of Finance. Once approved, the battalions will be phased in over the next 5 to 6 years.
Additionally, India will establish two new forward command headquarters—one in Jammu to reinforce the western border with Pakistan, and another in Mizoram to oversee operations along the eastern border with Bangladesh. These command centres will streamline coordination, strategy, and rapid response in critical areas.
Currently, BSF operations in the east are managed from the Mizoram-Cachar headquarters in Assam, covering sectors in Silchar, Aizawl, and Manipur. In the west, BSF sectors in Jammu, Rajouri, Sunderbani, and Indreshwar Nagar are overseen by Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs). The new command structures are expected to boost efficiency and tactical responsiveness.
The BSF, which already comprises around 270,000 personnel, secures 6,726 kilometres of international borders—2,290 km with Pakistan and 4,097 km with Bangladesh. Roughly 1,047 km of the border remains unfenced, much of it in riverine and forested terrain. The force currently maintains 1,760 outposts across these areas.
Recruitment for the new battalions—both male and female personnel—is already underway. Once onboard, the recruits will receive training before beginning operations.
Security analysts believe that these developments reflect India's effort to adapt to the region's fast-changing geopolitical and geographic realities, reinforcing its border defense strategy on both the western and eastern fronts.
