Journal of Contemporary Politics

Abstract

India is bordered by 15,106 kilometres of land which runs through different kinds of terrain, including mountains, hills, plains, valleys, forest, desert and swamp, and is sometimes difficult to monitor, especially at a time when territorial disputes and security troubles still plague parts of the Indian borderline.1 India's pursuit of a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat) necessitates robust border security, a critical pillar for national sovereignty and economic advancement. This paper analyses India's strategic use of technology to bolster border surveillance. This study adopts a qualitative and doctrinal approach to examine the deployment of surveillance technologies along India’s land borders. It analyses government reports, policy documents, and legal provisions, including Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. The paper also incorporates secondary data from think tank publications, parliamentary debates, and media sources to assess the socio-legal and economic impact on border communities. A socio-legal analytical framework is used to evaluate the alignment of security measures with constitutional protections and national development goals. The paper examines the real-world impact of technological border security advancements on border communities. It assesses how improved security fosters a safer environment, boosting well-being and potentially increasing economic activity like trade, agriculture, and tourism, often hindered by cross-border threats. The study also explores how better border security improves access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure in vulnerable regions. It also addresses challenges like funding, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the need for skilled personnel. By evaluating the effectiveness, societal impact, and legal considerations, this paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of India's border security strategy and its contribution to the 2047 vision.

Keywords: Border Security, Border Surveillance, Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, Right to Privacy