Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, delivered the ‘37^th Intelligence Bureau Centenary Endowment Lecture’ in New Delhi today. On this occasion, Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, former Directors of the Intelligence Bureau, Directors General of Central Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, and senior officials from the Intelligence Bureau and the Ministry of Home Affairs were present.

In his address, the Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our security agencies have established dominance over various threats to the nation by fighting a decisive battle over the last 5 years. He highlighted that till five years ago, the country faced three long-standing issues - the Northeast, Left-Wing Extremism, and Kashmir, that challenged its peace, law and order, security, and future. He added that due to the strict policies and tough decisions of the Modi government, the upcoming generations no longer need to worry about these three threats, as we have achieved almost decisive victory over them. Shri Shah mentioned that violent incidents in these three regions have dropped by 70%, and fatalities have reduced by approximately 86%.

Shri Amit Shah said that the working methodology of the Intelligence Bureau, its vigilance, proactiveness, decisive role, and the tradition of sacrifice and dedication—where credit is often passed on to others—have kept the country safe today. He remarked that over the past 10 years, there has been significant improvement in the Intelligence Bureau's alertness, sharpness, and capability to deliver results. He further noted that the Bureau has not only maintained its tradition of integrity, courage, sacrifice, and dedication but has also taken it forward. He said that in the face of modern challenges and difficult circumstances, the Intelligence Bureau has kept the country safe over the past five years. He further emphasized that the ecosystem of any intelligence agency is not just the foundation of security, but also a fundamental necessity for the future and development of the country. He added that no country can progress without a robust intelligence ecosystem, as without it, the sovereignty and economic development of the nation is not possible.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, mentioned that in the current scenario, the impact of the intelligence ecosystem can be divided into four dimensions—society, sovereignty, security, and vigilance. He emphasized that seamless communication among these dimensions is essential to ensure the safety of the entire country. He highlighted that only a secure society is capable of laying the foundation for economic and social development. By identifying and eliminating threats in a timely manner, the intelligence ecosystem helps maintain trust and stability within society. Shri Shah remarked that if we are to fully control challenges such as Naxalism, terrorism, organized crime, divisive forces, communalism, narcotics, and antisocial elements, ensuring the security of society is of paramount importance.

Shri Amit Shah stated that in today's era, the scope of sovereignty is no longer limited to territorial boundaries. He emphasized that if we do not include innovation, technology, the economy, resources, and research and development processes within the definition of sovereignty, we cannot ensure the safety of the country. He warned that even the slightest lapse in securing these areas would harm our sovereignty, and therefore, it is our duty to protect them. He further explained that security is no longer just about the protection of borders and citizens; we must now expand the definition of security to include new dimensions. He pointed out that with just one click of a computer, any country's critical and digital infrastructure can be damaged. Shri Shah stressed that we need to broaden the Intelligence Bureau's concept of security and prepare for the challenges of the future.

Union Home Minister stated that we must increase our vigilance regarding the rapid changes happening in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and cyberspace. He emphasized that simply being alert to anti-national elements causing physical damage is no longer sufficient. In today's context, the meaning of vigilance must evolve. He highlighted that information and data are powerful tools for development, and we must protect them by making radical changes to our traditional methods, modes, and mechanisms. Shri Shah further mentioned that in the coming days, the responsibility of preparing and equipping the Intelligence Bureau with the necessary technology will fall on young officers.

Shri Amit Shah stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India will become the world's third-largest economy by 2027. He pointed out that as we progress, competition intensifies, threats increase, and obstructive forces emerge. He emphasized that building a robust infrastructure to counter these threats, from headquarters to police stations and constables, with a unified sense of purpose is the responsibility of young officers. He further said that, in line with Prime Minister Modi's vision, to achieve a fully developed India by 2047, we must visualize all potential threats and prepare a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard the nation from them. He remarked that inclusive development, along with peace and stability in the country, is only possible if we reshape our work in accordance with this expanded definition, prepare anew, and remain vigilant.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation highlighted that over the past 10 years under the Modi government, significant successes have been achieved in combating terrorism, Naxalism, insurgency, narcotics, and anarchic elements. He highlighted that since 2014, the Central Government has enhanced and strengthened anti-terrorism capabilities through a "Whole of Government Approach." He noted that the Modi government has undertaken numerous initiatives to empower agencies and expand their capabilities. A major focus has also been placed on improving coordination between states and agencies. Shri Shah further mentioned that the government has strengthened these agencies by providing them with the backing of the law and amending several legislations to enhance their effectiveness.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government introduced three new criminal laws starting from July 1 this year. He said that after discussing with all the stakeholders in many meetings for 5 years, we have come up with these laws. He said that he himself was involved in the entire process of making these laws. Home Minister expressed confidence that, once these laws are fully implemented, India’s criminal justice system will become the most modern in the world. He stated that after the implementation of these laws, justice will be delivered within 3 years for any FIR registered in the country, right up to the Supreme Court. Shri Shah emphasized that by practicing these new laws, they can be used in various matters related to national security. Home Minister pointed out that these three laws contain provisions that will address security needs in the future. He stressed the need to form a team and make arrangements for training at all levels to ensure their effective implementation.

Union Home Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has successfully transitioned from being a regional leader to a global leader in the past 10 years. He highlighted that India, once considered an outsider at international conferences, now not only hosts significant events but has also gained the power to determine the direction and course of diplomacy, economics, and security. He emphasized that it is our responsibility to maintain this achievement.

Shri Amit Shah said that divisive forces are still active in the country today. He emphasized that disinformation, misinformation, mal-information, and fake news have such power that they are always ready to disrupt the social fabric of our society with the help of new technology. Home Minister remarked that a country where social unity does not exist cannot progress in any meaningful way. He added that the responsibility of addressing these challenges and preparing the entire police force to tackle them now lies with the country's information warriors.

Shri Amit Shah noted that attacks on critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, information warfare, psychological warfare, chemical warfare, and the radicalization of youth have emerged as intensified challenges before us. Home Minister expressed confidence that, just as the country's security agencies have faced all challenges until now, they will be able to confront these threats with the same readiness and vigilance.

He pointed out that challenges such as using misinformation to provoke separatism, communal riots, drug trade via social media, cyber espionage, and cryptocurrency-related issues have now emerged as unique challenges. He emphasized that in order to tackle these challenges, we must prepare our agencies with new methods, stepping beyond traditional approaches. He stressed that we need to think "out of the box" to find solutions, because as the challenges evolve, our strategies must also change.

Shri Amit Shah stated that in the coming days, we must increase the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. He emphasized the need to develop an intelligence coordination strategy with friendly nations to detect anti-India organizations and networks, and this strategy must include offensive measures as well. He mentioned that merely sharing information is not enough; we must also ensure that we receive vital intelligence from them. Home Minister further noted that the time has come to use block chain analysis tools for crypto currency. He also highlighted the need to take prompt and decisive action against hoax calls and fake emails, as enemies of the country are successfully creating an atmosphere of fear and terror among the public through these means.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, stated that for the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to realize the vision of a developed India, it must prepare itself to become a cutting-edge intelligence agency. He emphasized that young officers must step forward to achieve this goal. He explained that the success of any security agency is based on its workforce and its ability to train its personnel. Home Minister also highlighted the need to build a robust ecosystem to counter misinformation. He stressed that to reduce the spread of propaganda to zero, we need to have a strategy, technology, and readiness in place.

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RK/VV/ASH/PS