Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that an anti-drone system will be deployed along India’s international border to strengthen security. Shah made the announcement during a meeting of the Northern Zonal Council, which consists of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh. He urged the member states to resolve their disputes regarding water sharing by engaging in open discussions and with a mutual understanding. The smuggling of arms, ammunition, and narcotics across the international border into Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir has been a significant challenge for border guarding forces. Shah highlighted the government’s success in combating narcotics and terrorism, attributing it to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under Modi’s guidance, zonal councils, including the Northern Zonal Council, have transitioned from advisory bodies to action-oriented platforms. Shah emphasized that the Northern Zonal Council plays a critical role in the country’s development and security, as it covers 21% of the nation’s land and is home to 13% of the population. He also highlighted the Northern region’s contribution to food grain production, accounting for over 35% of the total. Shah acknowledged the vital role played by personnel from the Northern states and Union Territories in safeguarding the country’s borders through their service in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Army. He called on all member states and Union Territories to prioritize important collective issues such as the cooperative movement, reducing the school dropout rate, and addressing malnutrition. Shah stressed that every child in the country should have access to proper nutrition and education, and reducing the school dropout rate is a shared responsibility. He believed that promoting the cooperative movement would contribute to the prosperity of over 60 crore people in the country. The home minister encouraged all member states and Union Territories to adopt natural and organic farming practices, as this would greatly benefit farmers across the nation. In light of the recent floods in Himachal Pradesh, Shah assured the state government of full support from the central government, emphasizing that the entire nation stands in solidarity during this crisis. The Northern Zonal Council expressed its support for the achievements of Chandrayaan-3, the global recognition of India’s leadership at the G20 Summit, and the passage of the women’s reservation bill by the Parliament. The meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, as well as the Lieutenant Governors of Delhi, Jammu Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the Administrator of Chandigarh, among others. Zonal Councils serve as important forums for resolving complex issues in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere. Moreover, they facilitate personal interaction among members at the highest level and promote coordinated approaches to socio-economic development among the states.