Welcome Message

Geo-politically and strategically, India enjoys a unique centrality in the security zone of South Asia. Its 3.1 million square kilometers territory has land borders with six countries covering approximately 15500 kilometers. It has special ties with each of her neighbours: of ethnicity, language, culture, common historical experience, or of shared access to and dependence upon vital natural resources.

Although there are no serious boundary problems with neighbours other than China and Pakistan, there are many border issues like trans-border secessionists’ sanctuaries, terrorism, immigration, gun-running and narcotics, which affect regional security. Political unrests and terrorism in the neighbourhood also has security implications for India as such unrests have a history of crossing national borders leading to inter-state tensions. Under these circumstances, extended length of the border and difficult terrain that comprises desert, low medium and high mountains, primary and secondary jungles, marshy and riverine plains, make border security a mandatory as well as a complex challenge for all those involved in this mission.

Border security management requires not only clear and unambiguous policies but also effective means and measures to implement them. On the ground, it has several dimensions that continue to expand; not only in physical terms but in abstract form as well. Such an environment makes heavy demands on the quantity and quality of forces and resources required for accomplishing their operational task. Excessive manpower has limitations in its application, in terms of time, and space.  Manpower is also very expensive to maintain.  We, therefore, have to rely on an appropriate combination of human and technological means to function in extended, elastic and increasingly transparent operational situations.

Today, technologies in electronics, sensors, micro processors, aviation and robotics have the capability to upgrade and extend the reach of border surveillance and security; make it more effective and reduce manpower requirements substantially. In military jargon, whatever contributes towards this objective is a force multiplier. Force multipliers cover a range of capabilities - from all weather, round the clock surveillance, real time imagery and seamless communication to innovative leadership techniques. These new systems also generate greater speed and fluidity of information flow and promote a fast, responsive and effective decision making process.

Border Security International Exhibition (BSEC) 2008,  scheduled to be held in India Expo Centre, Greater Noida (New Delhi) on  November 6 - 8, 2008 will showcase the latest innovations from international and Indian intelligence software system contractors, systems integrators, ISR and other border security solution providers. The BSEC team are also organising a Leadership Summit on this important subject which will  facilitate high level networking and information exchange. This, I believe, will be a great opportunity for all stakeholders to further improve their knowledge and upgrade mission requirements.

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General V P Malik PVSM, AVSM, ADC Former Chief of the Army Staff & Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, India

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