A significant step towards enhancing India’s border security was taken today as the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) convened the second edition of their ‘Functional Coordination’ meeting at the Headquarters of Surya Command in Lucknow. The conference, chaired by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Surya Command, focused on fostering mutual cooperation and operational synergy between the two forces.
The meeting was attended by Shri Sanjay Chowdhary, Additional Director General of the Western Command ITBP (Lucknow), along with senior staff officers from both organizations. Deliberations centered on improving border management protocols, enhancing real-time intelligence sharing, and developing integrated responses to evolving security challenges along India’s northern borders.
A symbolic highlight of the event was the ceremonial exchange of plaques between Lt Gen Sengupta and Shri Chowdhary, reaffirming the commitment to long-term collaboration. This growing inter-agency coordination marks a significant departure from traditional operational silos, especially critical amid persistent tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
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Lt Gen Sengupta, who has previously commanded an infantry brigade on the LoC and led the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, brings substantial experience in high-altitude operations across regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Kashmir. His leadership has been instrumental in initiating reforms that promote integrated border security strategies.
The ITBP’s recent establishment of a Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in 2023 has also strengthened the tactical capabilities of its personnel. These developments align closely with the Indian Army’s own modernization and readiness programs, creating room for better interoperability.
According to a 2024 Journal of Defence Studies report, joint operations and training between Indian military and paramilitary forces have surged by nearly 30% since 2020, pointing to a broader strategic pivot in India’s defense planning.
This coordination meeting at Surya Command is being seen as a cornerstone event in India’s evolving security architecture, reinforcing the vision of ‘one border, one force’ while maximizing the distinct operational strengths of both the Army and ITBP.
