Insurgent groups in Northeast India are increasingly employing advanced technologies such as drones for surveillance and logistics, causing rising concerns among security agencies and prompting a reassessment of defense capabilities. A Naga insurgent group is reportedly using several surveillance drones, including quadcopters and hexacopters, believed to be sourced through networks in Myanmar’s Kachin region with alleged connections to Chinese suppliers. While these drones are mainly for reconnaissance, officials worry they could be repurposed for offensive actions.
Kuki militant groups have also been noted for similar technological advancements, with prior reports indicating experimentation with weaponized drones. A recent incident involved the arrest of a Kuki militant who possessed drone-related materials near Guwahati.
Furthermore, intelligence reports suggest that a Naga rebel faction is utilizing Starlink satellite internet services to aid communications in remote areas along the India-Myanmar border. A Starlink device linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was previously seized by authorities in Manipur, and there are concerns that other insurgent factions may be utilizing satellite connectivity from Myanmar. Over 2,500 Starlink devices, potentially operated by cybercrime networks, have been identified in unregulated regions of Myanmar, leading to disabling efforts particularly near the Myanmar-Thailand border.
Starlink services remain unauthorized in India, raising significant security and compliance issues. In response to these developments, the Indian Army has recently conducted a counter-drone training program in Assam’s Tinsukia district, aimed at enhancing inter-agency coordination, preparedness, and the strategic response to drone threats. The training included participation from various security forces and showcased emerging drone technologies and countermeasures. During a visit to the Indo-Myanmar border, Union Secretary (Border Management) Rajendra Kumar highlighted the urgent need for rapid integration of modern surveillance technologies, including drones and advanced sensors, to improve border management efficiency.