The Union home ministry is examining a proposal to set up a Border Management Agency (BMA) similar to what was started by South Africa in 2023 in the form of a separate border management agency.
MHA Will Make ‘Border Management Agency’
The Union home ministry is examining a proposal to set up a Border Management Agency (BMA) similar to what was started by South Africa in 2023 in the form of a separate border management agency. The proposal was first mooted by BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, in a letter to PM Narendra Modi in April after the Pahalgam attack.
Gopchade said, “There is a detailed explanation for this proposal in a five-page note. Since the paramilitary is under the home ministry, they have replied with a letter confirming the same.” In a letter dated June 4, 2025, MoS (home) Nityanand Rai noted that the home ministry has received the proposal, and it is being examined.
MP highlighted the “absence of unified command and tech-driven surveillance in the border areas”. While quoting South Africa’s 2023 legislation, it stated the need for “an integrated border law enforcement within the border law enforcement area, and cooperation and coordination of border management matters in general”.
Border management is a security function that aims to secure our frontiers and safeguard our nation from the risks involved in the movement of goods and people from India to other countries and vice versa. It includes regulation of legal and illegal immigration, ensuring safe and secure movement of authorized people and goods, and prevention of smuggling, human trafficking and infiltration. The principle of “One Border, One Border Guarding Force” is followed by the Government of India to secure the border.
The Bangladesh and Pakistan border is looked after by Border Security Force (BSF)
The China border is looked after by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The Nepal and Bhutan border is looked after by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
The Myanmar border is looked after by Assam Rifles (AR).
The Line of Control (LoC) on the Indo-Pakistan border and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the Indo-China border are protected by the Indian Army.
Security of the coastal borders lies with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, with the State (Marine) Police acting as the second line of defense
India shares borders with seven different countries namely Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan.
