Hindu Editorial Analysis : 28-May-2024

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has highlighted the significant challenges posed by undefined borders in India’s north and west. These ambiguous boundaries not only affect national security but also have broader implications for internal stability and socio-economic development.

India’s Border Landscape

India has an extensive border system, consisting of:

  • Land Borders: Over 15,000 km
  • Maritime Borders: More than 7,500 km

India shares these borders with seven neighboring countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Effective border management is crucial for the country, involving several key areas:

  • Border Region Development: Focuses on improving infrastructure and living standards in border areas.
  • Communication and Coordination: Ensures collaboration with neighboring states.
  • National Interests Programs: Aims to bolster India’s security and economic interests.

The Need for Stronger Security

Undefined borders have a direct impact on:

  • Internal Security Risks: Issues such as terrorism, radicalism, and drug trafficking threaten stability.
  • Socio-Economic Security: Radicalization and illegal activities can hinder economic growth.

Strong border security is vital for regulating trade, travel, and preventing illegal movements across borders.

Challenges in Border Management

India faces unique challenges in managing its diverse borders, including:

  • Geographical Diversity: Borders run through plains, mountains, deserts, jungles, and rivers, making them difficult to secure.
  • Undefined Borders: The lack of clear boundaries with China and territorial disputes with Pakistan complicate management.
  • Coordination Issues: There is often insufficient communication between central and state governments.
  • Slow Technological Investment: Limited investment in technology hampers effective border management for the armed forces.

Steps Toward Improvement

The government has initiated various measures to enhance border management:

  • Infrastructure Development: Improvements in roads and railways have facilitated trade and economic growth in border regions, particularly with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
  • Integrated Checkposts: New customs facilities have streamlined clearance procedures and reduced trade barriers.
  • Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Launched in 1986-87 to promote balanced development in border states, it has now been extended to all land borders.
  • Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP): Approved in February 2023, this scheme focuses on the comprehensive development of select border villages in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
  • Construction of Fences: A new initiative aims to build a fence along the 1,643 km Indo-Myanmar border to enhance security.

Why In News

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval emphasized that the undefined borders in the west and north have adversely affected the country, contributing to various security challenges and undermining the overall stability of the region.

MCQs about Understanding India’s Border Management

  1. What is the total length of India’s land borders?
    A. 10,000 km
    B. 12,000 km
    C. 15,000 km
    D. 18,000 km
    Correct Answer: C. 15,000 km
    Explanation: India has more than 15,000 km of land borders, which it shares with seven neighboring countries.
  2. Which of the following is a key challenge in managing India’s borders?
    A. Climate Change
    B. Undefined Borders
    C. Urban Development
    D. Global Warming
    Correct Answer: B. Undefined Borders
    Explanation: Undefined borders, particularly with China and Pakistan, create significant challenges for India’s border management and security.
  3. What is the purpose of the Border Area Development Programme (BADP)?
    A. To enhance military training
    B. To promote balanced development in border areas
    C. To increase tourism in border regions
    D. To reduce trade barriers
    Correct Answer: B. To promote balanced development in border areas
    Explanation: The BADP was initiated to ensure balanced development in states bordering Pakistan and has since been extended to all land borders.
  4. Which initiative was approved on February 15, 2023, for the development of border villages?
    A. Border Security Programme
    B. Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)
    C. Integrated Border Development Scheme
    D. National Border Infrastructure Plan
    Correct Answer: B. Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)
    Explanation: The Vibrant Villages Programme was approved to focus on the comprehensive development of select villages in border areas of states like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

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