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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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