of troops in some areas. It will also make border guarding more effective.
Role of the Border Security Force (BSF)
The Border Security Force (BSF) was raised in 1965. It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The BSF is India’s main border guarding force for the Pakistan and Bangladesh frontiers. It has nearly 2.65 lakh personnel. Under the new Demography Mission, the BSF will work closely with state police and intelligence agencies. The mission will identify weak spots along the border and deploy more BSF personnel there. The BSF will also help district task forces find illegal immigrants who have already settled inside Indian territory.
External Relations: Repatriation with Bangladesh
On 7 May 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that sending back illegal Bangladeshi citizens is a core issue in India-Bangladesh relations. The MEA also asked Bangladesh to help verify at least 2,862 identified illegal immigrants. This shows that India wants to work with its neighbour to ensure a smooth and legal repatriation process. However, if Bangladesh does not cooperate, India may still go ahead with deportation under its own laws.
What Will Change for Border Districts?
People living in border districts will see more security checks. Special task forces will conduct door-to-door surveys to identify illegal residents. Holding centres will be built. The government may also bring new laws to make it easier to remove illegal immigrants without long court cases. At the same time, the Smart Border project will reduce cross-border crimes like smuggling and human trafficking. Legal Indian citizens living near the border will not be affected. The mission targets only those who entered without valid documents.
A Human Touch: Why This Matters for Families
Imagine you live in a village near the border. Your local school is crowded. Your hospital has long queues. The ration shop runs out of food quickly. Land disputes are rising. Why? Because hundreds of people from across the border have settled illegally in your area. This is the reality for many border communities. The Demography Mission is not just about numbers. It is about restoring fairness for Indian citizens who have lived there for generations. It is about protecting their schools, hospitals, jobs, and future.
Exam-Focused Points
| Topic |
Key Details |
| High-Powered Demography Mission |
Announced by PM Modi in Independence Day 2025 speech; to be launched soon (Amit Shah, 22 May 2026) |
| Objective |
Tackle illegal immigration, infiltration, and demographic changes in border areas |
| India-Bangladesh border length |
Approximately 4,096 km |
| India-Pakistan border length |
Approximately 3,323 km |
| BSF established |
1965; under Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Deportation policy effective |
April 2026
Month: Current Affairs - May 23, 2026
Category: Governance, International
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