9th National Security Strategies Conference commences, addresses key security issues

The ninth two-day National Security Strategies Conference commenced on Monday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah laying the foundation stone to address critical security concerns. The discussions on the inaugural day revolved around counter-terrorism challenges, intelligence fusion, narcotics control, detection and deportation of illegal migrants, combating cybercrime, and Pakistan's proxy warfare.

Shah stressed the need for comprehensive training to implement the MHA's PRAHAAR scheme, expedite trials by apprehending fugitives and utilizing trial-in-absentia provisions, and adopting an integrated approach toward UAPA cases.

Shah also directed the AI-based analysis of information on Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) platforms to create standardized operating procedures to tackle various national security challenges. The conference will continue on the second day, focusing on sub-aerial systems threats, securing the blue economy, information warfare implications, and the necessity for a bio-security framework.

Held in hybrid format, the conference attracted over 850 participants from across the country, including Ministers of State for Home Affairs, Union Home Secretary, Deputy National Security Advisers, Central Armed Police Forces, and Central Police Organisation heads, as well as state and union territory police directors, young police officers, and domain experts via virtual participation.