India, May 23 -- Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement of the 'smart border' initiative has brought into focus one of the most ambitious technology-driven border security upgrades in India's history.

Slated for launch next year in the 60th year of the Border Security Force's raising, the project aims to convert the entire 6,000-kilometre-long international border with Pakistan and Bangladesh into an intelligent, multi-layered 'electronic wall' that is virtually impenetrable to infiltration, smuggling and other threats.

At its core, the Smart Border builds upon and significantly expands the existing Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). Instead of relying solely on physical fencing and manual patrolling, the n...