13 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Indigenous dog breeds to join Assam Rifles dog squad

Assam Rifles to induct Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds, phasing out foreign breeds.

Photo by Charanjeet Dhiman

The Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force, is set to induct indigenous dog breeds, Tangkhul Hui from Manipur and Kombai from Tamil Nadu, into its dog squad. This move follows a 2025 directive from the Union Home Ministry to increase the use of Indian canine breeds in armed forces.

The Tangkhul Hui is disease-resistant and traditionally used for hunting, while the Kombai breed has been identified as a suitable partner. The full induction of these breeds is expected by March 2027, with training at the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre in Jorhat.

Key Facts

The Assam Rifles is India's oldest paramilitary force, established in 1835.

The Union Home Ministry issued a directive in 2025 to increase the use of Indian canine breeds in armed forces.

Tangkhul Hui is indigenous to Manipur’s Ukhrul district and is disease-resistant.

Kombai breed is found in Tamil Nadu and has been identified as a suitable partner for the Tangkhul Hui.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical

Visual Insights

Indigenous Dog Breeds Deployment Areas

Map showing the states where Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds originate and the location of the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre.

Loading interactive map...

📍Manipur📍Tamil Nadu📍Assam

More Information

Background

The use of dogs in military and police forces has a long history, dating back to ancient times. Different breeds have been selected for specific tasks based on their temperament, physical abilities, and trainability. Breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers have been popular choices due to their intelligence and versatility. The selection and training of dogs for specialized roles is a crucial aspect of modern security operations. In India, the use of indigenous dog breeds in security forces has been limited, with a greater reliance on foreign breeds. However, there's been a growing recognition of the potential of Indian breeds, which are often better adapted to the local climate and environment. This shift aligns with the broader national focus on promoting indigenous resources and capabilities. The Union Home Ministry plays a key role in shaping policies related to the deployment of security forces and the adoption of new technologies and strategies. The Assam Rifles, being the oldest paramilitary force in India, has a rich history and tradition. Established during British rule, it has evolved over time to meet the changing security challenges in the Northeast region. The force operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, as well as guarding the Indo-Myanmar border. The Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre in Jorhat is responsible for training dogs for various tasks, including tracking, detection, and guarding.

Latest Developments

The decision to induct indigenous dog breeds into the Assam Rifles dog squad reflects a broader trend of promoting self-reliance and utilizing local resources in various sectors. This move aligns with the government's emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging the use of domestically produced goods and technologies. The integration of indigenous breeds into security forces can also contribute to the conservation and promotion of these breeds. The Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre in Jorhat is expected to play a key role in training the Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds for their new roles. The training curriculum will likely focus on adapting the dogs' natural abilities to the specific requirements of security operations. This may involve specialized training in areas such as explosives detection, search and rescue, and patrolling. The success of this initiative could pave the way for the wider adoption of indigenous dog breeds in other security forces across the country. Looking ahead, the full induction of these breeds is expected by March 2027, marking a significant milestone in the integration of indigenous resources into the armed forces. The performance of these dogs in real-world scenarios will be closely monitored, and their effectiveness will be evaluated to inform future decisions regarding the use of indigenous breeds. This initiative could also inspire further research and development efforts to improve the training and utilization of these dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Assam Rifles' plan to induct indigenous dog breeds for UPSC Prelims?

The Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force, will induct Tangkhul Hui (Manipur) and Kombai (Tamil Nadu) breeds. This follows a 2025 directive to increase the use of Indian breeds in armed forces. Full induction is expected by March 2027. The Tangkhul Hui is disease-resistant and used for hunting.

Exam Tip

Remember the dog breeds and their states of origin. Also, note the timeline for induction.

2. Why is the Assam Rifles inducting indigenous dog breeds now?

The induction follows a 2025 directive from the Union Home Ministry to increase the use of Indian canine breeds in armed forces. This move also aligns with the government's emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging the use of domestically produced resources.

Exam Tip

Relate this to the broader policy of indigenization in various sectors.

3. What are the Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds known for?

The Tangkhul Hui, from Manipur, is known for being disease-resistant and is traditionally used for hunting. The Kombai breed, found in Tamil Nadu, has been identified as a suitable partner for the Tangkhul Hui.

Exam Tip

Note the geographical origin and key characteristics of each breed.

4. What are the pros and cons of inducting indigenous dog breeds into the Assam Rifles, from an internal security perspective?

Pros include promoting self-reliance and utilizing local resources, potentially leading to better adaptation to local environments and reduced reliance on foreign breeds. Cons might involve initial challenges in training and adapting the breeds to specific security tasks, as well as ensuring consistent performance compared to established foreign breeds.

Exam Tip

Consider the Atmanirbhar Bharat angle and the need for rigorous training programs.

5. What is the significance of the 2025 Union Home Ministry directive in the context of indigenization of defence?

The 2025 directive to increase the use of Indian canine breeds in armed forces reflects a broader trend of promoting self-reliance and utilizing local resources. It aligns with the government's emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging the use of domestically produced goods and technologies in security forces.

Exam Tip

Connect this initiative to the larger goal of reducing dependence on foreign imports in the defense sector.

6. What are the important dates to remember regarding the induction of indigenous dog breeds into the Assam Rifles?

The key dates are: 2025, when the Union Home Ministry issued the directive to induct more Indian canine breeds, and by March 2027, which is the expected full induction of Tangkhul Hui and Kombai breeds into the Assam Rifles dog squad.

Exam Tip

Focus on the timeline to understand the stages of implementation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Assam Rifles: 1. It is India's oldest paramilitary force. 2. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. 3. Its primary responsibility is guarding the Indo-Myanmar border. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Assam Rifles is indeed the oldest paramilitary force in India. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Assam Rifles operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Guarding the Indo-Myanmar border is one of the primary responsibilities of the Assam Rifles.

2. Which of the following indigenous dog breeds is/are set to be inducted into the Assam Rifles dog squad? 1. Tangkhul Hui 2. Kombai 3. Rajapalayam Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

The Tangkhul Hui from Manipur and the Kombai from Tamil Nadu are being inducted into the Assam Rifles dog squad. The Rajapalayam, while an indigenous breed, is not mentioned in the news as being part of this induction.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of the Tangkhul Hui dog breed: 1. It is primarily found in the state of Manipur. 2. It is known for its disease resistance. 3. It is traditionally used for guarding purposes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Tangkhul Hui is indeed found in Manipur. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The breed is known for its disease resistance. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Tangkhul Hui is traditionally used for hunting, not guarding.