BSF Indigenous Dog Squad Makes a Historic Debut
The Border Security Force (BSF) showcased its first-ever all-indigenous dog squad during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on October 31, 2025. The event, celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, highlighted India’s growing reliance on native breeds for security operations.
Led by the Mudhol Hound “Riya,” a national-level champion, the squad drew massive applause for its precise formation, agility, and obedience. The parade featured a blend of Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, both renowned for their speed, intelligence, and loyalty.
Among the most admired parts of the Ekta Parade were the demonstrations by indigenous dog breeds. pic.twitter.com/jGv0CTSrO5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2025
PM Modi Praises the Indigenous Initiative
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the grand event, commended the BSF’s display on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing India’s move toward self-reliance in defense and animal resources.
“Our indigenous breeds like the Mudhol and Rampur Hounds are symbols of India’s strength and spirit. Proud to see them serve our forces with excellence,” Modi posted.
He reminded citizens that his 2018 call to promote native dog breeds in police and paramilitary services had inspired the BSF to train over 150 Indian-origin dogs. This initiative, he said, aligns with the broader ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision.
Elite Performance at the Ekta Diwas Parade
The BSF’s canine squad demonstrated complex obstacle navigation, tightrope walking, and synchronized jumps — tasks that require months of discipline and trust between the handler and dog.
These hounds underwent specialized training at the BSF’s National Training Centre for Dogs in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh. According to BSF officials, the squad trains under conditions replicating real-world challenges, including border terrain and high-stress security scenarios.
“Our goal is to deploy indigenous breeds for surveillance, narcotics detection, and rescue missions,” said a senior BSF officer. “They have proven as capable as foreign breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds, but adapt better to Indian climates.”
Indigenous Breeds Gain Recognition
The inclusion of Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds in national security represents a major policy shift from dependence on imported breeds.
- Rampur Hounds, native to northern India, are known for their speed and sharp vision, making them ideal for patrolling and pursuit operations.
- Mudhol Hounds, originating from Karnataka, are celebrated for their loyalty, endurance, and acute sensory skills.
Both breeds are part of the “Make in India Canine Mission,” an initiative backed by the Union Home Ministry and the Animal Husbandry Department. The project encourages the use of homegrown breeds for police and defense roles while supporting breeding programs and veterinary research.
Symbol of Unity and Self-Reliance
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade — an annual event honoring Sardar Patel’s legacy — symbolizes India’s unity, strength, and national pride. The presence of indigenous dog breeds this year carried deep symbolic meaning.
The BSF’s performance echoed Patel’s vision of a unified and self-reliant India, reinforcing the message that national security and cultural pride go hand in hand.
Defense analysts say this initiative also reduces foreign dependency and saves significant costs associated with importing, breeding, and training foreign dogs.
Future of Indigenous Dog Training
Encouraged by the success of the Ekta Diwas performance, the BSF plans to expand its indigenous dog unit and introduce specialized squads for border surveillance, anti-terror operations, and disaster response.
Officials confirmed that new training centers will soon open in Gujarat and Assam, focusing on region-specific operational skills. These expansions aim to make the BSF the first fully indigenous canine-equipped paramilitary force in Asia.
“These dogs are more than security assets; they represent India’s evolving defense identity,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) R. P. Singh, a defense analyst.