Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India, a geographically diverse nation, shares approximately 15,106.7 km of land borders with seven countries and a coastline of 7,516.6 km with two maritime neighbours (Sri Lanka and Maldives, and additionally maritime borders with Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands). These extensive international boundaries are not merely lines on a map but dynamic interfaces that shape India's geopolitical landscape, security paradigms, economic interactions, and socio-cultural exchanges. The legacy of colonial partitioning, strategic imperatives, and evolving regional dynamics have rendered these borders sites of complex issues, ranging from active territorial disputes to cross-border criminal activities and humanitarian concerns.
Territorial Disputes and Demarcation Issues
India's international boundaries are marked by several long-standing territorial disputes, primarily legacies of colonial-era agreements or the absence thereof.
- India-China: The 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a major point of contention.
- Western Sector: Dispute over Aksai Chin, administered by China but claimed by India, crucial for China's Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.
- Eastern Sector: China claims the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh as "South Tibet," rejecting the McMahon Line (1914 Simla Convention) which India recognizes as the boundary.
- Recent Clashes: The Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 and subsequent skirmishes in Tawang (2022) highlight the volatile nature, leading to military stand-offs and casualties.
- India-Pakistan: The 3,323 km border is one of the most militarized globally.
- Jammu & Kashmir: The most disputed region, divided by the Line of Control (LoC), leading to multiple wars (1947-48, 1965, 1999 Kargil conflict) and ongoing cross-border terrorism.
- Siachen Glacier: The world's highest battlefield, strategically important and contested. India controls most of the glacier.
- Sir Creek: A 96-km tidal estuary in the Rann of Kutch, disputed for its strategic location and potential hydrocarbon reserves, impacting maritime boundary demarcation.
- India-Nepal: Despite a largely open border, disputes exist over specific areas.
- Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh: A 372 sq km tri-junction area claimed by both nations, intensified after India inaugurated a road to Lipulekh Pass (2020) and Nepal issued new maps.
- Susta: A 145 sq km area in Bihar, disputed due to the shifting course of the Gandak River, which forms part of the boundary based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli.
- India-Bangladesh: While the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) resolved enclave issues, some demarcation and fencing disputes remain.
- Un-demarcated stretches: Approximately 180 km of the 4,096.7 km border, particularly in riverine areas and a 6.5 km stretch near Comilla on the Tripura border, remain undemarcated.
Security Challenges
India's long and porous borders pose significant security challenges.
- Cross-border Terrorism and Insurgency:
- Pakistan: Infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, remains a major concern, as seen in the 2025 Pahalgam attack.
- Myanmar: The India-Myanmar border, especially in the northeastern states, is highly porous, poorly guarded, and exploited by insurgent groups, drug traffickers, and arms smugglers. The Indian government's decision to fence the border and review the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a direct response to these concerns.
- Illegal Migration:
- Bangladesh: Persistent issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh into northeastern states, leading to demographic changes, socio-economic tensions, and national identity politics.
- Myanmar: Post-2021 coup in Myanmar has led to an influx of refugees into Indian states like Mizoram and Manipur, straining resources and security.
- Smuggling and Illegal Trade: Borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar are susceptible to smuggling of goods, cattle, drugs (e.g., meth tablets, heroin), arms, and counterfeit currency, often with the involvement of organized crime syndicates.
- Strategic Infrastructure Development: Both India and its neighbours are rapidly building infrastructure along borders, raising security concerns.
- India has significantly accelerated its border infrastructure development, with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completing numerous projects (e.g., 90 projects worth Rs 2,941 crore in 2023, 75 projects worth Rs 2,236 crore in 2024) including roads, bridges, and tunnels along the LAC and other sensitive areas. This is in response to China's robust border infrastructure.
Socio-Economic and Humanitarian Issues
- Impact on Border Communities:
- Fencing Issues: Border fencing, particularly with Bangladesh and Myanmar, can divide villages, agricultural lands, and traditional routes, affecting livelihoods and ancestral ties. For instance, sections of the India-Bangladesh border fence are 150 yards inside Indian territory, inconveniencing farmers.
- Free Movement Regime (FMR): The termination of the FMR with Myanmar, while aimed at curbing illegal activities, affects the historical and cultural ties of tribal communities across the border (e.g., Naga, Mizo, Kuki-Zo groups).
- Fishermen's Rights (Maritime Borders):
- India-Sri Lanka: The maritime boundary in the Palk Strait, despite agreements in 1974 and 1976, continues to be a point of conflict. Indian fishermen, particularly from Tamil Nadu, often cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests and seizure of boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. The Katchatheevu island, ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974, remains a sensitive issue regarding traditional fishing rights.
- Water Sharing Disputes:
- India-Bangladesh: The Teesta River water sharing agreement remains a long-pending issue, affecting agricultural livelihoods on both sides.
- India-Nepal: Informal water-sharing arrangements exist but a formal agreement is often precarious, affecting riparian communities.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
- Biodiversity and Conservation: Border regions, especially with Bhutan and Myanmar, often encompass rich biodiversity hotspots (e.g., Manas National Park) that are vulnerable to cross-border poaching, illegal logging, and the environmental impact of infrastructure development and counter-insurgency operations.
- Resource Exploitation: Disputed areas can lead to unregulated resource extraction, impacting shared ecosystems.
The table below summarizes key border issues with India's neighbours:
| Neighbouring Country | Border Length (Land/Maritime) | Key Issues | Examples/Specific Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 3,323 km (Land) | Territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, LoC violations, smuggling | Jammu & Kashmir (LoC), Siachen Glacier, Sir Creek, 2025 Pahalgam attack |
| China | 3,488 km (Land) | Territorial claims, undemarcated LAC, strategic competition, military standoffs | Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh (McMahon Line), Galwan Valley (2020), Tawang (2022) |
| Bangladesh | 4,096.7 km (Land) | Illegal migration, smuggling, riverine border demarcation, water sharing | Fencing disputes, Teesta water sharing, Comilla-Tripura undemarcated stretch |
| Nepal | 1,770 km (Land) | Territorial disputes, cartographic disagreements, open border misuse | Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Susta |
| Myanmar | 1,643 km (Land) | Insurgency, drug/arms trafficking, illegal migration, FMR termination | Porous border in NE states, refugee influx (post-2021 coup), FMR opposition by tribal groups |
| Bhutan | 699 km (Land) | Chinese influence, border incursions by China (Doklam), environmental concerns | Doklam standoff (2017), impact of infrastructure on sensitive ecological zones |
| Sri Lanka | Maritime | Fishermen's rights, maritime boundary violations | Palk Strait, Katchatheevu Island, arrests of Indian fishermen |
Conclusion
India's intricate web of international boundaries presents a multifaceted array of challenges encompassing territorial integrity, national security, socio-economic stability, and environmental sustainability. From the frozen heights of the Himalayas to the shifting sands of the Rann of Kutch and the dynamic maritime zones, each border segment demands a tailored approach. While India has made significant strides in border management through infrastructure development and diplomatic engagement, ongoing disputes and emerging threats necessitate continuous vigilance. A comprehensive border management policy, integrating technology, local community involvement, and proactive diplomacy, is essential to transform these frontiers from potential flashpoints into avenues for regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.