MoS Nityanand Rai felicitates ITBP, BSF and NSG Everest expedition teams

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Thursday felicitated the successful expedition teams of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF) and National Security Guard (NSG) during the Flag-In Ceremony for the Mount Everest Expedition-2026 and the BSF Mount Lhotse Expedition-2026 held in New Delhi.  On the occasion, he also inaugurated the newly constructed buildings of the ITBP and laid the foundation stone for new NSG infrastructure.

The ceremony was attended by Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Intelligence Bureau, Mahesh Dixit, Director General ITBP Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General NSG B. Srinivasan, Director General BSF Praveen Kumar, senior officers of the three CAPFs, members of the expedition teams and other distinguished guests. The programme commenced with presentations by ITBP, BSF and NSG on their respective mountaineering expeditions. Subsequently, the leaders of the three expedition teams presented their expedition flags to the MoS. The ceremony also featured the inauguration and foundation stone laying of ITBP and NSG infrastructure projects, besides the presentation of commemorative mementoes to the Hon’ble Minister by the expedition teams.

Congratulating all mountaineers, expedition members and every officer and personnel associated with these remarkable achievements, Nityanand Rai said that unfurling the National Flag atop the world’s highest peaks is not merely an extraordinary mountaineering feat but a powerful reflection of the discipline, professionalism, exceptional training and unwavering commitment of India’s Central Armed Police Forces. He described mountaineering as the ultimate test of leadership, decision-making, risk management and teamwork, emphasising that the true success of any expedition lies in the safe return of every team member.

The MoS observed that the same qualities required for safeguarding India’s borders, combating terrorism and left-wing extremism, and undertaking disaster relief operations are equally reflected in mountaineering expeditions.

These accomplishments, he said, therefore represent not only sporting excellence but also the institutional capability, operational preparedness and professional competence of the Central Armed Police Forces. Rai described this year’s expeditions as historic in many respects. He particularly lauded ITBP’s first all-women Mount Everest Expedition, BSF’s first all-women Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse Expeditions, and NSG’s first successful Mount Everest Expedition, stating that these achievements have elevated India’s prestige on the global stage.

Recalling ITBP’s rich mountaineering legacy, he said the Force began its mountaineering journey with the Mount Trishul Expedition in 1970 and has since conducted 232 successful mountaineering expeditions, including five successful Mount Everest expeditions, besides conquering several other challenging peaks across the world. Appreciating the achievements of BSF and NSG, he said that all three forces have demonstrated exemplary courage, professionalism and operational excellence under the most demanding conditions.

Highlighting the achievements of the women mountaineers, Nityanand Rai said they have once again demonstrated that given equal opportunities and training, Indian women are capable of excelling in every challenging sphere of national service.

He also described the collective rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ by the expedition members atop Mount Everest as a deeply inspiring expression of India’s culture, patriotism and national pride.

The MoS also appreciated the invaluable contribution of instructors, medical teams, weather experts, communication specialists, logistics personnel and all supporting staff, observing that every great achievement is the result of dedicated teamwork.

He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India remains committed to the modernisation, capacity enhancement and welfare of the Central Armed Police Forces, enabling them to effectively meet emerging security challenges.

Rai also commended the expedition teams for promoting the message of environmental conservation and a clean Himalayas, emphasising that protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem is a collective responsibility in the era of climate change.

Concluding his address, the MoS urged the youth of the country to look beyond the sporting dimension of these expeditions and draw inspiration from the values of discipline, meticulous preparation, teamwork, responsibility and selfless service to the nation. He expressed confidence that ITBP, BSF and NSG would continue to set new benchmarks in the service of the nation with the same dedication and excellence.