New Delhi, Dec 23: On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of expanding the Intelligence Bureau’s understanding of security and preparing for future challenges.
During the 37th Intelligence Bureau Centenary Endowment Lecture held in the national capital, Shah urged that the Intelligence Bureau must evolve into a leading intelligence agency, calling for young officers to rise to this challenge.
The Home Minister also underscored the necessity of establishing a strong system to combat misinformation, asserting that to completely eliminate the dissemination of propaganda, a strategic approach, innovative technology, and readiness are essential.
“In the modern context, the notion of sovereignty extends beyond mere geographical limits. Without incorporating innovation, technology, economic factors, resources, and R&D into our understanding of sovereignty, we jeopardize national security. Any failure to protect these domains poses a significant risk, making it our responsibility to safeguard them,” Shah conveyed to an audience that included the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, former Directors, Directors General of Central Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, along with senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He further elaborated that security must encompass broader dimensions beyond just guarding borders and citizens.
“In today’s digital age, a single click can compromise a nation’s critical and digital infrastructure. Thus, we must redefine the Intelligence Bureau’s concept of security and be prepared for upcoming challenges,” the Home Minister remarked.
He stressed the need for heightened awareness regarding the swift advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and cyberspace.
It is no longer adequate to remain vigilant solely against physical threats; the interpretation of vigilance must adapt to modern circumstances.
He pointed out that information and data serve as critical resources for development and must be shielded through significant reforms in traditional approaches and systems.
Shah noted that responsibility for equipping the Intelligence Bureau with necessary technologies will rest increasingly on the shoulders of young officers.
He mentioned that as India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, competition will intensify, threats will escalate, and obstructive forces will emerge.
“It is the duty of young officers to establish a strong infrastructure to counter these threats, connecting headquarters to police stations and constables with a unified purpose. In alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a fully developed India by 2047, we must identify potential threats and create a comprehensive strategy to protect the nation from them,” he stated.
He emphasized that inclusive development, along with national peace and stability, can only be realized if we adapt our operations to this broader definition, renew our preparations, and maintain vigilance.
He highlighted the significant achievements made against terrorism, Naxalism, insurgency, and narcotics over the past decade under the Modi administration.
“Since 2014, the Central Government has significantly improved anti-terrorism capabilities through a ‘Whole of Government Approach,’” he added.
Shah remarked on numerous initiatives undertaken by the Modi government to empower agencies and enhance their capabilities.
“The focus has also been on fostering coordination among states and agencies. The government has bolstered these organizations by providing legal support and reforming several laws to improve their efficacy,” he continued.
Shah pointed out that divisive forces remain “active” within the country, illustrating that disinformation, misinformation, and fake news possess the potential to disrupt the societal fabric, exacerbated by technological advancements. He noted that a nation lacking social unity cannot progress meaningfully.
He declared that the task of addressing these challenges and preparing the police force to combat them now lies with the country’s information warriors.
Shah warned that attacks on critical infrastructure, cyber threats, information warfare, psychological warfare, and the radicalization of youth have emerged as pressing challenges.
The Home Minister expressed confidence that, just as the country’s security forces have tackled previous challenges, they will meet these new threats with equal readiness and vigilance. (Agencies)
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