Operation Sindoor and Red Fort Security: Independence Day 2025 Preparations | Suryavanshi IAS

Context:
With heightened geopolitical tensions and advancements in drone warfare technology, the Government of India has significantly enhanced its security protocols ahead of Independence Day 2025. The Red Fort, from where the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on 15th August, is being fortified with advanced aerial surveillance and anti-drone mechanisms, particularly in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

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🔍 What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was a recent defence operation focused on countering drone-centric threats along the western border. It exposed how Pakistan has begun to employ loitering munitions and swarm drones—low-cost, high-impact tools meant to overwhelm conventional defence systems.

⚔️ India successfully neutralised these threats using multi-layered air defence systems, indicating a new era of modern warfare and preparedness.

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🇮🇳 Red Fort Security: Key Highlights

1. Enhanced Aerial Surveillance

• Indian Air Force (IAF) will maintain a high-alert posture.

• Surveillance coverage includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

• Anti-drone systems and radar arrays will be deployed to prevent aerial incursions.

2. Ban on ‘Made in China’ Surveillance Equipment

• In line with national security and data sovereignty, the Government has prohibited the use of Chinese-origin CCTV cameras.

• This step is a preventive measure to counter the risk of data breaches and espionage.

3. Smart Surveillance Systems

Security agencies are setting up AI-powered smart surveillance infrastructure:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)

• Facial Recognition Systems (FRS)

• Tripwires and abandoned object detection

• Audio surveillance for gunshots or anomalies

• Live monitoring with AI alerts linked to government databases

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🧠 Why is this Important for UPSC?

This development has interdisciplinary relevance across UPSC GS papers:

📘 GS Paper 2 – Governance, Security, and International Relations:

• Data Sovereignty & National Security: The ban on Chinese surveillance equipment underlines concerns regarding foreign-origin tech in critical infrastructure.

• India’s counter-terror strategy: Operation Sindoor and smart surveillance reflect adaptive strategies to new-age threats.

📕 GS Paper 3 – Internal Security:

• Drone Warfare: Understanding how drone technology is reshaping military doctrines.

• Cybersecurity and AI in Security: Use of AI-based facial recognition and smart surveillance in event security.

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📝 Mains Answer Writing Tip

❓ "Discuss the emerging threats from drone technology to India’s internal security. How is India preparing to deal with these challenges?"

Structure your answer as follows:

• Introduction: Explain drone warfare and Operation Sindoor briefly.

• Body: Discuss vulnerabilities, policy measures (e.g., anti-drone systems, equipment bans, smart surveillance).

• Conclusion: Emphasize the need for indigenous technology and continuous policy upgrade.

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📌 Conclusion

India’s Independence Day 2025 celebrations reflect not just patriotic fervor but also strategic vigilance. The proactive steps by the Ministry of Defence and intelligence agencies highlight India's commitment to ensuring zero compromise on security.

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📚 UPSC Prelims Tip:
Revise topics related to internal security, cyber threats, and UAV policies from current affairs and basic books like Laxmikanth and ARC reports.

📌 Stay connected with Suryavanshi IAS for more updates on defence, governance, and current affairs relevant for UPSC 2025.

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✍️ Prepared by: Team Suryavanshi IAS