Amit Shah Calls for ‘Homogeneous Teams’ of Central and State Agencies to Strengthen Internal Security Architecture
Strategic Coordination: A New Model for Internal Security
In a decisive push to streamline India’s internal security mechanisms, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the formation of “homogeneous teams” that bring together officers from both Central and State security agencies. These teams will be responsible for formulating strategic plans, ensuring effective implementation, and monitoring progress on key security challenges.
The announcement came during the Eighth National Security Strategies Conference held in New Delhi, where Shah emphasised the need for enhanced coordination in light of India's rising global stature and associated security threats.
Responding to a Changing Security Landscape
Amit Shah highlighted that India’s growing economic and technological prominence—now the fourth-largest economy globally—would inevitably attract new and complex internal security threats. These challenges, according to Shah, require synchronized efforts from both central and state agencies.
He proposed a collaborative framework, calling on security institutions to move beyond isolated actions and work in unified teams that ensure better communication, seamless data sharing, and joint response mechanisms.
Engaging Young Officers for Fresh Perspectives
In a bid to bridge generational knowledge gaps and harness new thinking, Shah also urged the involvement of young police officers across states in brainstorming national security challenges and formulating adaptive solutions.
The initiative aims to foster mentorship between senior and junior officers while preparing India’s future law enforcement leaders to handle evolving threats with innovation and agility.
Leveraging National Databases for Intelligence Sharing
Shah instructed that officers—especially those in training—be made proficient in the use of critical national security databases, including:
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NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid)
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NIDAAN (National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders)
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iMoT (Integrated Monitoring on Terrorism)
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CBI’s Fugitive Database
He stressed the need for a reliable ecosystem for real-time data sharing, down to the police station level, to ensure swift action and preventive policing.
'Suraksha, Sajagta, Samanvay': A Unified Motto
The Home Minister introduced a tri-fold motto for India’s internal security forces: ‘Suraksha, Sajagta, Samanvay’—Security, Alertness, and Coordination. He called for this principle to guide both policy formulation and operational decisions within police forces and intelligence agencies.
Shah commended progress made in conflict-affected zones like Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, the North East, and Jammu & Kashmir, urging similar strategic approaches for implementing India’s new criminal laws and combating narcotics smuggling.
Intensifying the War on Drugs: A 3-Year Focus
A major segment of Shah’s address was devoted to the drug menace. He directed DGPs to adopt a top-to-bottom and bottom-up approach to dismantle large drug cartels. This includes:
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Making drug law enforcement a priority agenda for the next three years
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Pursuing extradition of narco-offenders
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Enforcing stringent legal actions against repeat drug offenders
This directive aligns with the government’s vision of a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India).
Strengthening Intelligence from the Ground Up
Recognising that police stations are the nerve centers of intelligence gathering, Shah called for the creation of robust platforms for real-time information exchange that reaches the grassroots. This includes enhancing both digital infrastructure and human intelligence capacities.
He reaffirmed that protection of life, property, and dignity of citizens remains the police’s most fundamental responsibility.
Focusing on All-Round Development in LWE Areas
Shah emphasized the importance of development-led security in Left Wing Extremism-affected regions. He urged state police chiefs to work with state administrations to ensure that over 300 central and state development schemes reach the grassroots—strengthening public trust and reducing vulnerability to extremist ideologies.
Securing Maritime Borders and Preventing Infiltration
To tackle smuggling and infiltration, particularly via smaller seaports, Shah highlighted the need for capacity building of coastal police units. He reviewed ongoing counterterrorism initiatives and advocated for legal action against habitual offenders, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance.
Conclusion: A Holistic and Forward-Looking National Security Strategy
Amit Shah’s directives from the National Security Strategies Conference point to a transformational approach in India’s internal security ecosystem—marked by data integration, youth engagement, inter-agency coordination, and proactive governance.
As India steps into a decade of rapid geopolitical shifts and technological evolution, these policy shifts are expected to define the next phase of national preparedness.
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