Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 60th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police at the Indian Institute of Management, Raipur on Sunday, calling for a far-reaching transformation in policing practices to meet the aspirations of a developing nation moving toward Viksit Bharat.
The three-day annual conference, held this year under the theme “Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions, brought together the country’s top police leadership to deliberate on emerging security challenges and long-term policy direction.
In his address, the prime minister underlined the need to reshape public perception of the police, especially among young citizens. He emphasised professionalism, sensitivity and community engagement as the foundation for building public trust. Strengthening urban policing, revitalising tourist police systems and expanding awareness of the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita were highlighted as immediate priorities.
Calling for deeper technological integration, he urged police forces to make full use of NATGRID linked databases and to deploy Artificial Intelligence to generate actionable intelligence. He encouraged universities and academic institutions to undertake case studies on forensic-led investigation, noting that wider use of scientific evidence is essential to improve conviction rates and reinforce the integrity of the justice system.
Mr Modi also stressed the need for regular monitoring of banned organisations and the sustained development of regions freed from Left Wing Extremism. He called for innovative solutions to strengthen coastal security and reiterated that combating drug abuse requires a coordinated, whole of government approach that balances enforcement with rehabilitation and community intervention.
The conference featured detailed deliberations on a broad range of national security priorities, including the policing roadmap for Vision 2047, emerging trends in counter terrorism, measures to enhance women’s safety through technology, strategies for tracking fugitives abroad, and strengthening forensic capabilities to support effective prosecution.
Against the backdrop of Cyclone Ditwah, the prime minister called for stronger national preparedness and close inter-agency coordination during natural disasters, stressing the importance of real-time communication and proactive planning to minimise loss of life and disruption.
During the event, he presented the President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. He also conferred awards on the three best-performing cities in urban policing, an honour instituted for the first time to promote innovation in metropolitan policing systems.
The conference was attended by the Union home minister, the national security adviser, ministers of state for home affairs and the Union home secretary. The directors general and inspectors general of police from all states and Union territories participated the conference in person, alongside heads of CAPFs and central police organisations. More than 700 officers from various ranks joined the proceedings virtually.