New Delhi, Oct. 27 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for their efforts to increase the number of Indian dog breeds in their ranks.

In the 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the PM said, he looked forward to celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary — on Oct. 31, when, in a historic first, a contingent of indigenous Indian breed dogs will march at the Ekta Diwas Parade in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Parade will mark the first-ever display of an all-Indian dog squad at a national event, symbolising the country’s growing confidence in its own Atmanirbhar K9 capabilities.

The BSF’s marching contingent will feature breeds such as the Mudhol Hound and the Rampur Hound — Indian dogs that have been trained for complex security tasks, including narcotics detection, tracking and anti-Naxal operations. Recalling his earlier appeal made during Mann Ki Baat in 2020, the PM said, “Many of you would remember that about five years ago, I discussed Indian breeds of dogs in this programme. I had urged my fellow citizens and our security forces to adopt Indian breeds of dogs, as they adapt more easily to our environment and conditions. I am happy to say that our security agencies have made commendable efforts in this direction. BSF and CRPF have increased the number of Indian breed dogs in their contingents.”

Back in 2020, when the country’s Police and Paramilitary forces largely relied on foreign breeds such as German Shepherds, Labradors and Belgian Malinois, Modi had urged the adoption of Indian breeds as equally capable and more resilient alternatives better suited for India’s diverse terrain and climate.

This revival, however, began even earlier. In 2018, during his visit to the National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) in Tekanpur, Modi had called for the inclusion of local breeds in the country’s security apparatus.

Following this, the BSF initiated a structured training and induction programme for breeds such as the Rampur Hound from Uttar Pradesh and the Mudhol Hound from the Deccan Plateau.

At the CRPF’s Dog Breeding and Training School in Bengaluru, Indian breeds including Mongrels, Mudhol Hounds, Kombai and Pandikona are now being trained, the Prime Minister said.