The Prime Minister recently greeted the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on its 64th Raising Day, recognising its exceptional courage, discipline, and service in safeguarding India’s Himalayan frontiers.
Key Facts :
Nature : A Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs
Role: Guards the 3,488 km India-China border across 197 Border Outposts
Terrain: Operates in high-altitude posts between ~9,000 ft and ~18,750 ft from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh
Origin: Formed in 1962 after the India-China conflict to secure the Tibet frontier
Legal Framework: Initially under the CRPF Act; got its own dedicated statute — ITBPF Act, 1992; rules notified in 1994
Status: Declared a full-fledged CAPF in 2004
Motto: “Shaurya – Dridhata – Karma Nishtha” (Courage – Resolve – Duty)
Specialisation: Among the world’s elite high-altitude mountain forces
Extra Duties: Disaster relief, search & rescue, mountaineering, and training in winter warfare
Command: Led by a Director General
HQ : New Delhi