India shares its boundary of 15106.7 km land border and coastline of 7516 km with 07 countries- Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Nepal and Bhutan. The land boundary of India touches 92 districts of 17 states and coastline touches 13 states and Union Territories.
India’s international boundary with different neighboring nations passes through varied ecological system and boundary with each nation has separate settings and related problems. For example, the Indo- Pakistan border ranges from marshy land in Gujrat and hot Thar deserts in Rajasthan to cold climatic condition in Jammu & Kashmir. On the other hand, Indo- Myanmar border is surrounded with Tropical Rainforest.
Types of International Land Border of India
- International Boundary Line-
International Boundary Line is such a demarcation of boundary which is mutually agreed by both the neighboring nations and accepted by other nations of the world.
- Line of Control (LOC)-
Line of Control is actual boundary which separates Pakistan occupied Kashmir with rest of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Line of Actual Control (LOAC) –
Line of Actual Control (LOAC) is such a demarcation which separates Indian controlled land with territory occupied by Chinese.
Challenges before India’s Border Security
- The neighboring countries of India are unstable. Many neighboring countries of India pass through the phase of economic and political instability at times. India has border disputes with many of its neighboring countries. Undecided Borders not only increase bilateral issues but also promote infiltration inside Indian Territory.
- Peculiar conditions can be seen on each border. While Indo- Pakistan Border is hostile in nature. Indo- Nepal and Indo- Bhutan Border are porous borders with free movement of people from both sides. Indo- Myanmar border witnesses activities of various insurgent groups. So, the challenges are manifold in India’s Border security.
- Several anti-national and criminal activities like illegal migration, fake currency distribution, human trafficking, smuggling of drugs and psychotropic substances may be witnessed on several borders.
- Infiltration for promoting religious extremism based terrorism and heavy influx of unaccounted black money to create instability in India from Indo- Pakistan and other borders.
- Smuggling of arms & ammunition and promotion of extreme Leftist ideology by neighboring nations to create instability in India and use of borders to fulfill their purpose.
Armed Forces deployed for Safeguarding Indian Borders-
- Indo- Pakistan Border-
Border Security Force has responsibility to safeguard Indo-Pakistan Border. It is world’s biggest Border Guarding Force. In addition to BSF, Indian Army is deployed along LOC where hostilities between Armed Forces of both the nations can be seen often.
- Indo- China Border
Indo- China Border is guarded by Indo- Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP). In addition, units of Indian Army are deployed at strategic locations and along LOAC.
- Indo- Bangladesh Border
Indo- Bangladesh Border is guarded by Border Security Force. BSF guards this 4,096 km long open and porous border.
- Indo- Nepal Border
- 1751 km long and porous Indo- Nepal Border is guarded by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) .
- Indo- Bhutan Border
- 699 km long Indo- Bhutan Border is guarded by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) .
- Indo- Myanmar Border
- At present, 1640 km long Indo- Myanmar Border is being guarded by Assam Rifles .
- India’s Coastal Security
- Indian navy along with Indian Coast Guards and Coastal Police are responsible for securing India’s coastal borders.