India has a multidimensional border management problem. It has long land and coastal borders of 15000 Km and 7500 km app. respectively. Many Indian states have long coasts. Managing land borders is very different from managing coastal and riverine borders. In the Indian context, a few features stand out. India has 4096 km of border with Bangladesh, 3323 km with Pakistan, 3488 Km with China, 1751 km with Nepal, 699 km with Bhutan, 1643 km with Myanmar. Sections of the boundaries are unsettled. The neighbors are often hostile. Terrains are diverse and difficult. Border areas are underdeveloped. Connectivity with the hinterland and across to other countries is poor. Border populations feel insecure. Borders areas in remote parts are getting depopulated. Illegal migrations, which alter demographic ratios, present a major challenge.
Border management and ensuring security have been two important concerns of various governments across the worlds. Cross-border insurgency and terrorism has affected a lot of countries therefore stringent measures have been put in place to control and regulate human and material movement around terrestrial and maritime borders .
INDIA-PAKISTAN BORDER
On the world map of the most dangerous borders list, this border comes in top 5. Both the Nations are nuclear capable, and has history of animosity (4 wars apart from ongoing proxy war since 1947) which makes the situation highly flammable. The major areas of dispute are LOC and Sir Creek. The existence of golden crescent , UN interference , use of POK against India in all respect are added problems. Apart from the natural challenges like temperatures upto -50 degree celcius of Siachen, to thick jungles in Jammu , humidity of Punjab, hot climate of Thar desert and salt marshes of Rann , the border also poses man created challenges like,
- Infiltration (terrorists, spies,)
- Smuggling (arms, drugs, gold)
- Lack of infrastructure
- Nibbling
The border is manned by IA and BSF
INDIA- CHINA BORDER
This long stretch of border is becoming area of concern for India, due to expansionist policy of China. Again both the countries are nuclear capable and land borders are disputed in Eastern and Western regions. Recent Galwan clash is the result of such disputes. The border though poses natural barrier but geo political situations and policies are shaping the border into tense ground. The asylum to Dalai Lama,, 1962 war , the rising economic power of China, permanent membership in UN etc are some factors. Apart from natural challenges of climate, geography , the border poses challenges,
- Lack of infrastructure at all levels
- Spying
- 3 gorges dam
- Dalai lama asylum
- Sparsely populated areas on our side
ITBP and IA are manning the border and LoAC
INDIA- NEPAL BORDER
Nepal is old ally of India. It shares open border and being a landlocked country and mighty Himalayas on northern side with China, it heavily depends on India economically. Apart from few small disputed areas like Kalapani and Susta regions, the border is demarcated. Both Nations have cultural , social, economical and political ties since centuries. India have Gorkhas Regiment since IA was raised.
Border challenges,
- Smuggling (all kinds)
- Porous border
- Infiltration
SSB is manning the border
INDIA- BHUTAN BORDER
Old ally with defence, cultural, social and economic ties. Landlocked between china and India. China keeps on overpowering its policies and cooperation with India. Border is geographically difficult.
SSB is manning the border
INDIA- MYANMAR BORDER
This long stretch of border is porous and open at many places. Junta govt in Myanmar being pro Chinese , is matter of concern. Hideout of NE militant groups exists across the border. Recent big challenge is Rohingyas migration.
Geographically the border is harsh, difficult. Thick jungles, sparsely populated areas, ethnic animosity, Chinese interference, etc are big challenges. Huge cultural and social gap of NE people with northern Indians is another reason for man social problems.
Border challenges,
- Infiltration
- Smuggling
- Lack of infrastructure
- Connectivity with hinterland and other Nations is poor
AR and IA are guarding the border.
INDIA- BANGLADESH BORDER
India’s own created Nation is also giving varied challenges on each front. The neighbour is slowly moving towards religious fanaticism and this has created man problems. A long porous border with enclaves problem was continuously managed till recent times. Now enclave problem sorted out in 2015 and complete border is fenced except few patches. Border is generally plain with areas of marsh lands, delta, riverine patches. Both side population is socially and culturally mixed.
Apart from geographical challenges of thick jungles, humid climate, marshy delta areas, other challenges are,
- Infiltration
- Smuggling , all kinds
- Dacoity , stealing
- Nibbling
- Murder
BSF guards the border.
After Kargil War, one border one Force policy was adopted by GoI and accordingly the Forces have evolved themselves for that particular border in terms of sustainability, capability, expertise, training, etc. The BM division of MHA is planning and executing agency for borders. BADP under MHA is successful programme for filling gaps of infrastructure development in border areas with synergy of BGF and local people. Though circled by hostile neighbour, India is best utlising its resources and capabilities to overcome the challenges related to its borders.