New Infra Projects Sanctioned Along Chinese Border In Arunachal, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has sanctioned new border infrastructure projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
• This decision follows ongoing face-offs with the Chinese Army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the region since late July.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had earlier cleared the third phase of the Indo-China Border Roads (ICBR-III) project in February.
• Under ICBR-III, 26 roads are slated for construction along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The ITBP has also authorized 15 pedestrian suspension bridges and 18 log bridges in Upper Subansiri and Kurung Kumey districts.

Detailed Insights:

• This marks the second critical road infrastructure project sanctioned along the China border since the 2020 Galwan clashes in eastern Ladakh.
• The first phase of the ICBR project began in 2005, involving 27 priority roads totaling 608 km by the Union Home Ministry.
• The second phase, ICBR-II, was approved in September 2020, comprising 32 roads with a total length of 683 km.
• The infrastructure project clearance occurred shortly after the 18th BRICS Summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized border peace for bilateral relations.
• Former ITBP Director-General Shatrujeet Kapur confirmed in October that face-offs with Chinese troops continue at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh.
• He also stressed the need for investment in drone and counter-drone technology, citing China's modernization of weapons and infrastructure.
• In December 2020, the Union Home Ministry approved 18 pedestrian tracks, including bridges and staging camps, spanning 598.27 km in Arunachal Pradesh border areas.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Line of Actual Control (LAC): A notional demarcation line separating Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory along their mutual border.
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): A Central Armed Police Force primarily responsible for guarding India's border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
• Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS): The highest decision-making body in India on matters of national security, defense expenditure, and foreign policy with security implications.