Indian Borders and Issues

Border Countries 

1. India – Pakistan Border
   • Issues in India – Pakistan Border
     • Cross border terrorism 
     • Smuggling of drugs, fake currency, and arms trafficking
     • Border disputes in regions of Kashmir and Sir Creek region.
     • Anti-India campaign by Pakistan.
   • Initiative to Manage India – Pakistan Border
     • Comprehensive Management System (CIBMS) to establish an integrated security system at borders providing all-round security even in adverse climatic conditions.
     • The Centre has decided to deploy the Indian Special Forces unit National Security Guard (NSG) to fortify counter-terror operations by Commandos in J&K to train J&K police and other paramilitary forces in room intervention, anti-terror skills, overseeing anti-hijack operations, etc.
     • Drone surveillance at the border.
2. India – China Border
   • Issues in India – China Border
     • Lack of infrastructure due to difficult terrain.
     • Lack of coordination between forces like ITBP and Special Frontier Force.
     • Territorial dispute in Aksai Chin and Arunachal region.
     • Chinese aggression in Ladakh and Dhoklam.
     • Water sharing issue in Brahmaputra river.
   • Initiative to Manage India – China Border
     • Infrastructure development like the Dhola Sadiya bridge by the Border Road Organisation.
     • Deployment of more army troops and armored vehicles.
3. India – Nepal Border
   • Issues in India – Nepal Border
     • Porous border led to smuggling and movement of Left Wing Extremists.
     • Movement of organized criminals.
     • Kalapani border disputes
   • Initiatives to Manage India – Nepal Border
     • Nepal Bharat Maitri Emergency and Trauma Center.
     • Deployment of Shastra Sema Bal.
     • Development aid to Nepal.
4. India – Bangladesh Border
   • Issues in India – Bangladesh Border
     • Issues of cattle and arms, fake currency smuggling.
     • River water dispute. For example, the Teesta River
     • Illegal migration. For example, the Rohingya crisis.
     • Safe haven for insurgent groups and organized crimes.
     • Human and narcotics trafficking 
   • Initiatives to Manage India – Bangladesh Border
     • Integrated Border Check Post
     • Large-scale deployment of Border Security Force (BSF)
     • Border surveillance by using advanced technology like drones.
5. India – Myanmar Border
   • Issues in India – Myanmar Border
     • Illegal entry of refugees from Myanmar. For example, Rohingyas
     • Inter-tribal conflict
     • Support to insurgent groups in India
     • Drug trafficking from Golden Triangle
     • Porous borders 
     • Poor border infrastructure and difficult terrain 
   • Initiatives to Manage India – Myanmar Border
     • Integrated Border Check Post
     • Deployment of Assam Rifles and anti-insurgency operations.
6. India – Bhutan Border
   • Issues in India – Bhutan Border
     • Smuggling of drugs and goods
     • Hideout for insurgent groups of northeast
   • Initiatives to Manage India – Bhutan Border
     • Aid to Bhutan to develop border mechanism

Need for Border Management

• Sovereignty: India’s sovereignty is protected in part by vigilant guarding of its borders and coastline, which serve as the first line of defence for the nation.
• Economic Development: India’s ports and coastal regions are crucial for the country’s development, and vigilance is necessary to maintain their safety and security.
• Disaster Management: In coastal locations, natural disasters like cyclones and tsunamis can result in significant property damage and fatalities.
• National Security: Several nations, including some with which India has a history of hostility, border India. To preserve national security and ward off any security concerns, these regions require ongoing attention.

Role of Technology in Border Management

• Deployment of AI-supported cameras for surveillance.
• Cross-border trade is recorded by using blockchain technology.
• Efficient usage of satellite images and communication to counter-insurgency.
• Adoption of projects like BOLD – QIT.

Notable Initiatives for Border Management by Government

1. Border Infrastructure and Management
   • It is a central sector scheme.
   • The BIM scheme will help in the creation of infrastructure such as border fences, border flood lights, technological solutions, border roads and Border Outposts (BOPs) and company operating bases to secure India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.
2. Vibrant Villages Programme
   • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented over the financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
   • The programme will provide funds for the development of essential infrastructure and the creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks of 4 states and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and UT of Ladakh.
3. Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
   • Aims to meet the special developmental needs and well-being of people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated near international border areas.
4. Smart Fencing in India
5. Border Road Organisation for infrastructure development.