The Crossbill News Desk
A political storm has erupted following a report revealing that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government eased critical national security protocols, enabling billionaire businessman Gautam Adani to establish the world’s largest renewable energy park in Gujarat’s Khavda, just a kilometre from the India-Pakistan border.
According to The Guardian, the relaxation of defence regulations has not only facilitated this project but also set a precedent for similar constructions along India’s borders with China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.
Official documents indicate that the BJP actively lobbied to amend long-standing restrictions, allowing the Rann of Kutch land to be allocated for solar and wind energy installations.
Security Concerns Raised by Military Officials
The decision has raised serious concerns within defence circles. Military officials reportedly warned that the presence of large-scale solar panels could impact tank mobilization and border surveillance.
However, developers reassured them that solar platforms would be sufficient to mitigate security threats. Requests from defence officials to modify the size of solar panels to accommodate military needs were reportedly dismissed on financial grounds.
In April 2023, the defence ministry officially amended the rules, which previously prohibited major construction within 10 kilometres of the international border.
Following this regulatory change, the 445-square-kilometre energy project—initially overseen by the state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India—was transferred to the Adani Group.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, the project is expected to generate 30 gigawatts of renewable energy, a capacity comparable to the energy requirements of several small European nations.
Congress Accuses Modi Government of Endangering National Security
The opposition has reacted sharply to the revelations, accusing the Modi government of prioritizing corporate interests over national security.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the move, alleging that the BJP had compromised border security to benefit private billionaires.
“BJP's Pseudo-Nationalism face is once again unmasked! You have endangered National Security at our borders in order to benefit private billionaires!,” Kharge wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He further raised strategic concerns regarding the impact of the project on military operations.
“’What happens if there is the need to lay mines, anti-tank and anti-personnel mechanisms to be put in place? What about the concept of space and surprise in offensive and defensive operations?’, a senior Army officer has asked. We repeat the same question. Why would you allow a huge private project, within easy striking distance of the India-Pakistan border, thereby increasing the defence responsibilities of our Armed Forces and reducing their strategic advantages?” Kharge asked.
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Modi government of crony capitalism.
“The Modi government’s cronyism is a threat to our national security. Allowing India’s largest solar project to be constructed hardly 1km away from the Pakistan border is extremely dangerous and goes against all established military norms. What is shocking is that the BJP-run Gujarat Government and the Centre held secret meetings to convince and steamroll military officials to award the project to Adani,” he said.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan also raised concerns over the project, stating that Adani profited from relaxed security rules despite military officials warning about the potential risks to tank movement and surveillance.
The controversy surrounding the Adani Group’s energy project near the Pakistan border continues to escalate, with opposition parties demanding answers from the Modi government. As concerns over national security mount, the political ramifications of this decision are likely to intensify ahead of upcoming elections.
According to The Guardian, the relaxation of defence regulations has not only facilitated this project but also set a precedent for similar constructions along India’s borders with China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.
Official documents indicate that the BJP actively lobbied to amend long-standing restrictions, allowing the Rann of Kutch land to be allocated for solar and wind energy installations.
Security Concerns Raised by Military Officials
The decision has raised serious concerns within defence circles. Military officials reportedly warned that the presence of large-scale solar panels could impact tank mobilization and border surveillance.
However, developers reassured them that solar platforms would be sufficient to mitigate security threats. Requests from defence officials to modify the size of solar panels to accommodate military needs were reportedly dismissed on financial grounds.
In April 2023, the defence ministry officially amended the rules, which previously prohibited major construction within 10 kilometres of the international border.
Following this regulatory change, the 445-square-kilometre energy project—initially overseen by the state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India—was transferred to the Adani Group.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, the project is expected to generate 30 gigawatts of renewable energy, a capacity comparable to the energy requirements of several small European nations.
Congress Accuses Modi Government of Endangering National Security
The opposition has reacted sharply to the revelations, accusing the Modi government of prioritizing corporate interests over national security.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the move, alleging that the BJP had compromised border security to benefit private billionaires.
“BJP's Pseudo-Nationalism face is once again unmasked! You have endangered National Security at our borders in order to benefit private billionaires!,” Kharge wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He further raised strategic concerns regarding the impact of the project on military operations.
“’What happens if there is the need to lay mines, anti-tank and anti-personnel mechanisms to be put in place? What about the concept of space and surprise in offensive and defensive operations?’, a senior Army officer has asked. We repeat the same question. Why would you allow a huge private project, within easy striking distance of the India-Pakistan border, thereby increasing the defence responsibilities of our Armed Forces and reducing their strategic advantages?” Kharge asked.
.@narendramodi ji,
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) February 12, 2025
BJP's Pseudo-Nationalism face is once again unmasked!
You have endangered National Security at our borders in order to benefit private billionaires!
1. Is it true that you have gifted precious strategic land, just 1 km near the International Border with… pic.twitter.com/o1YFb0Vixi
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Modi government of crony capitalism.
“The Modi government’s cronyism is a threat to our national security. Allowing India’s largest solar project to be constructed hardly 1km away from the Pakistan border is extremely dangerous and goes against all established military norms. What is shocking is that the BJP-run Gujarat Government and the Centre held secret meetings to convince and steamroll military officials to award the project to Adani,” he said.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan also raised concerns over the project, stating that Adani profited from relaxed security rules despite military officials warning about the potential risks to tank movement and surveillance.
The controversy surrounding the Adani Group’s energy project near the Pakistan border continues to escalate, with opposition parties demanding answers from the Modi government. As concerns over national security mount, the political ramifications of this decision are likely to intensify ahead of upcoming elections.
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