Since 2019, Punjab and several other states have reported a sharp increase in drone sightings and incidents, particularly related to smuggling operations involving arms and drugs. The possibility of terrorist attacks or incidents targeting critical infrastructure using drones cannot be dismissed. India has already experienced attacks on military installations involving drones.
India has also faced drone attacks from the Houthis at sea, with 22 Indians onboard a British oil tanker being affected. While this may be considered a case of mistaken identity, where Indians were not the direct target, the incident underscores the growing threat posed by the proliferation of drones.
The increased involvement of China and Pakistan in drone-related activities is a serious concern for the Indian security community. In just a few months, over 100 drones flying from Pakistan were intercepted, a number consistent with previous years. Chinese-made drones, readily available at prices ranging from ₹ 1 lakh and ₹ 5 lakhs, are easily accessible to terrorists and criminals.
Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad have been identified as being behind the smuggling of arms, IEDs, and narcotics into India via drones. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly established six drone centers across the border, facilitating these smuggling operations with the assistance of the Pakistan Rangers.
Meanwhile, the India-Bangladesh border, once relatively stable due to Bangladesh’s economic growth and Sheikh Hasina’s cooperation, now faces uncertainty following her ouster and subsequent unrest.
There are concerns that the ISI may seek to exploit other frontiers as well. While unrest continued even after her departure, the formation of an interim government has slightly calmed the atmosphere, lingering fears persist, causing people to flee toward the Indian borders.
To counter these evolving threats, India’s smart border management now requires smart policing. The use of drones, initially intended for other zones, could also prove effective in managing the Eastern border.
The frequent use of drones against India has compelled the country to adopt a multi-pronged approach to address this menace. Indian diplomacy has engaged with like-minded nations in various bilateral and multilateral forums, aligning with global efforts to counter the threat posed by drones. For surveillance purposes, India has purchased drones from several countries and is also collaborating with others to produce drones domestically.
India is aware of the dangers posed by ‘off-the-shelf’ drones operated by terrorists or violent extremists worldwide. As a precaution, warnings and restrictions against drone use have been prominently displayed near sensitive installations. Additionally, an Interpol alert highlights the potential for drones to deliver chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials in conflict zones.
The global threat landscape also raises concerns about possible terrorist attacks against soft targets, such as crowded public places.
Moreover, India has taken significant steps to develop indigenous drone technology. Under the IDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) initiative, start-ups have demonstrated their capabilities in counter-drone measures, and some indigenous anti-drone systems have already been inducted. Currently, 72 certified companies either manufacture or import drones in India, and they are being encouraged to develop both drone and counter-drone capabilities locally.
In addition, India has established a legal framework through the Drone Rules, 2021, and created institutions like the Drone Emergency Response System and the BSF Drone and Cyber Forensic Lab in New Delhi to tackle the security challenges posed by drones.
Anti-drone systems have been deployed along the border, with all security agencies coordinating their efforts. The focus must now shift to bolstering security along the Bangladesh border.
(The writer is a security expert. Views personal )
Comments