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Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-02-13 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-02-13 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///

Source: TH · GS Paper 2

Indigenous Dogs for Assam Rifles Dog Squad

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the induction of indigenous canine breeds into the Assam Rifles dog squads, aiming for full replacement of foreign breeds by 2050. This move underscores India's push for self‑reliance in security assets and has implications for counter‑insurgency operations in the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir.

2026-02-13

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Source: TH

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Key Facts and Data Points

Directive Year: 2025, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Target Years: Full induction of indigenous breeds by 2027; complete phase‑out of foreign breeds by 2050.
Indigenous Breeds Identified:
Tangkhul Hui – native to Ukhrul district, Manipur; disease‑resistant, traditionally a hunting dog.
Kombai – indigenous to Tamil Nadu; selected as a partner breed for Tangkhul Hui.
Current Breeds in Service: Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever.
Training Facility: Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre, Jorhat.
Operational Roles: Guard duties, tracking, detection of arms, explosives and narcotics, especially in the Northeast and J&K.

Background and Context

Assam Rifles is India's oldest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), established in 1835 as the “Cachar Levy”.
It operates under dual control – administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs and operational control of the Ministry of Defence.
The force is pivotal in counter‑insurgency, border security (Indo‑Myanmar), and maintaining law‑and‑order in the North‑East.
The 2025 MHA directive aligns with the broader ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ agenda, encouraging the use of indigenous resources in defence and security sectors.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependence on imported canine breeds, ensuring supply security and cost‑effectiveness.
Operational Efficiency: Indigenous breeds like Tangkhul Hui are disease‑resistant and adapted to local terrains, potentially enhancing mission success.
Economic Impact: Promotes local breeding programs, creating livelihood opportunities for rural breeders.
Policy Integration: Demonstrates inter‑ministerial coordination (MHA & MoD) and the implementation of the National Security Strategy.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 355 – Union's duty to protect states against external aggression and internal disturbance; deployment of CAPFs is a tool for this.
Section 2 of the CAPF Act, 1955 – defines the role and powers of forces like Assam Rifles.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Orders – provide the legal framework for procurement and induction of indigenous assets.

References

Assam Rifles official website
Ministry of Home Affairs circular, 2025
Reports on indigenous dog breeds by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)