Amit Shah Says India Is Not a Dharamshala, Only Citizens Have Right to Live Here
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has once again delivered a strong message on illegal immigration and border security, saying that India is “not a Dharamshala” and that only citizens have the right to live in the country. Shah made the remarks while addressing the valedictory session of the Intelligence Bureau’s two-day National Security Strategy Conference in New Delhi on August 25, 2026.
Shah said illegal infiltrators pose a threat not only to India’s national security but also to its economy and demographic stability. He said the government’s objective is to make the country free from illegal infiltration in a short period and stressed the need for stronger coordination between the Centre, states and security agencies.
Four-Pronged Border Security Strategy
According to Shah, the Home Ministry has visited all states sharing land borders during the past eight months and shared a four-pronged approach to border security with them. The strategy is aimed at strengthening coordination and preventing illegal crossings along India’s international borders.
The Home Minister also called on state police forces and central agencies to improve intelligence sharing and work together against networks involved in terrorism, infiltration and other security threats. The National Security Strategy Conference brought together senior police officials and representatives of central security agencies.
Shah Stresses Internal Security
Shah linked the government’s border-security efforts to a broader national security strategy. He said India faces challenges from global instability, energy and resource insecurity, supply-chain disruptions, radicalisation and cyber misinformation.
According to him, strengthening internal security is essential if India is to emerge as a leading country across different fields. He also asked security officials to identify potential challenges 15 to 20 years ahead and develop strategies to prevent them from becoming major crises.
Earlier Comments on Immigration
Shah has used similar language previously while discussing India’s immigration policy. In March 2025, while replying to the debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, he said India was not a “Dharamshala where anyone can come and settle for any reason.” He argued that people entering India legally to contribute to the economy are welcome, while those posing security threats should face action.
The government has maintained that identifying who enters India, how long they stay and the purpose of their visit is important for national security. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill was presented as an effort to streamline the country’s immigration framework and strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals.
Focus on an Infiltration-Free India
Shah’s latest comments indicate that tackling illegal infiltration remains a major priority for the government. He has directed security agencies and state police forces to strengthen coordination and intelligence mechanisms to address the issue.
The remarks are likely to generate further political and public debate over immigration, citizenship, border management and the treatment of foreign nationals. For the government, however, the central message remains clear: legal immigration and national security must go hand in hand, while illegal infiltration will face strict action.
