Modi Govt Relaxed National Security Protocols For Adani Project: Report; “Cronyism Is A Threat,” Says Congress
The Modi government relaxed national security protocols along the Pakistan border to facilitate a renewable energy project awarded to the Adani Group, a report by The Guardian has revealed. The project, situated in Gujarat’s Khavda region, is billed as the world’s largest renewable energy park and is controlled by billionaire Gautam Adani, a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to official documents, the Indian defence ministry altered security regulations in April 2023, reducing restrictions on construction within 10km of the Pakistan border. Previously, major infrastructure was barred beyond existing villages and roads in this sensitive area. The changes allowed Adani’s solar and wind farm to be built just 1km from the international border in the Rann of Kutch, a historically contested region between India and Pakistan.
Confidential government communications indicate that Gujarat officials wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office before April 2023, seeking intervention to modify defence restrictions. A high-level meeting was held in Delhi on 21 April 2023, attended by military and government officials, where concerns were raised regarding the impact of the project on national security. Senior military officers warned that solar panel installations could obstruct tank mobilisation and security surveillance along the border. However, developers assured authorities that the infrastructure would mitigate enemy tank threats.
Despite military reservations, the Modi government approved the relaxation of border defence protocols, with a formal notification issued on 8 May 2023. This policy change applied not only to the India-Pakistan border but also to areas bordering Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, and Nepal, signalling a shift in India’s strategic defence policy.
Military experts have expressed serious concerns over the decision. Retired Indian Army colonel and defence analyst Ajai Shukla criticised the move, stating, “It is strategically unwise to create a hybrid wind and solar power generation asset within easy striking distance of the India-Pakistan border.” Another senior military officer, speaking anonymously, questioned how the army would respond to security threats, asking, “What happens if we need to lay mines or conduct defensive operations? We have compromised national security for commercial interests.”
The process of land allocation has also raised questions. In early 2023, the 230 sq km plot closest to Pakistan was controlled by the state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). However, after the border protocol was relaxed, SECI was reportedly pressured to surrender the land. A government meeting chaired by Union Minister for Renewable Energy RK Singh led to SECI relinquishing the land in July 2023, citing commercial non-viability. Documents show that the Adani Group was aware of the regulatory changes and wrote to Gujarat officials in June 2023, expressing interest in acquiring the land. The Gujarat government ultimately granted 255 sq km to Adani in August, adding to the 190 sq km already leased to the conglomerate.
Reacting to the report, Congress leader KC Venugopal accused the Modi government of compromising national security for Adani’s benefit. “The Modi government’s cronyism is a threat to our national security. Allowing India’s largest solar project 1km from the Pakistan border is extremely dangerous and violates military norms,” he said. He demanded explanations from the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister over the decision.
The Adani Group has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all land allocations followed government policies and regulatory approvals. The Indian government has not responded to requests for comment.
