Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed the 41st Foundation Day celebrations of the National Security Guard (NSG) at Manesar, Gurugram. As the chief guest, he also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming Special Operations Training Centre (S.O.T.C.) at the NSG campus.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and the Director General of NSG.
In his address, Amit Shah hailed the NSG’s four-decade-long contribution to India’s security, stating that the “resolute, courageous, and strategic manner in which NSG personnel have fought against terrorism is etched in golden letters in India’s security history.” He praised the force for upholding the principles of Sarvatra, Sarvottam, and Suraksha, combined with Samarpan, Saahas, and Rashtrabhakti.
Shah laid the foundation stone of the S.O.T.C., which will be built on 8 acres of land at a cost of ₹141 crore. The facility will offer advanced training to NSG commandos and state anti-terror units, equipping them with modern technology to combat evolving security threats. He stressed that counter-terrorism efforts require joint action between the Centre, states, police forces, NSG, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The Home Minister announced that a new NSG hub is being established in Ayodhya, adding to the six existing hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu. These hubs ensure that NSG commandos remain on standby round the clock to respond swiftly to any terrorist threat.
Recounting historic operations such as Operation Ashwamedh, Operation Vajra Shakti, Operation Dhangu, and the NSG’s role during the Akshardham and Mumbai terror attacks, Shah said the entire nation takes pride in the force’s courage and commitment.
Shah underlined that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has firmly adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism. Since 2019, several measures have been taken to strengthen the legal and operational framework, including amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, and the activation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to choke terror funding.
The government has also strengthened the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), expanded data sharing through Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), and banned the Popular Front of India (PFI). For the first time, terrorism has been clearly defined in the new criminal laws to close legal loopholes.
Highlighting major counter-terror operations, Shah said the government has carried out surgical strikes, air strikes, and operations such as Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev to dismantle terror networks. “Our security agencies have proven that they will track down and punish terrorists no matter where they hide,” he asserted.
He further noted that over 57 individuals and organisations have been declared terrorists or terror outfits, significantly weakening their networks.
The Home Minister shared that NSG personnel have conducted reconnaissance of over 770 critical locations across India, preparing strategic response plans for key sites, including hospitals, religious places, waterways, and Parliament. The NSG has also provided security for major events such as the Mahakumbh and Puri Rath Yatra.
Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping the NSG with the latest technology and operational upgrades to enhance its combat readiness.
Shah also highlighted the environmental contribution of CAPF personnel, who have planted over 6.5 crore saplings since 2019, nurturing them “like their own children” to help preserve India’s greenery.
The Home Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the NSG would continue to uphold its proud legacy and remain at the forefront of India’s counter-terrorism efforts for years to come.