Subject: Internal Security

India’s northern and western frontiers—with China across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and with Pakistan along the International Border and Line of Control—remain flashpoints where unresolved territorial claims, militarised rivalry and cross-border threats converge.

Border disputes between India and China

India's Border Challenges and Security Issues

China Border (3,488 km LAC)

• Conflicting Issues:

  • Territorial disputes over Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh, and strategic areas like Doklam
  • Infrastructure competition with China building roads and facilities near LAC to assert territorial claims
  • Strategic encirclement concerns through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) violating India's sovereignty
  • Military standoffs including Galwan (2020) and ongoing tensions since April 2020

• Security Challenges:

  • Troop deployment with large forces stationed on both sides since 2020
  • Border infrastructure asymmetry requiring rapid development of connectivity
  • Intelligence gaps and need for real-time monitoring systems

Pakistan Border (3,323 km including 775 km LoC)

• Conflicting Issues:

  • Cross-border terrorism including recent Pahalgam attack (April 2025) killing 25 Indian tourists
  • Infiltration and smuggling of arms, drugs, and fake currency
  • Military escalation with missile strikes and conflict in May 2025

• Security Challenges:

  • Terrorist infrastructure with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba
  • Ceasefire violations along Line of Control
  • Narcotics trafficking and illegal migration

Development Initiatives

• Border Area Development Programme (BADP):

  • Coverage: 457 blocks across 117 border districts in 16 states and 2 UTs.
  • Focus areas: Basic infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, skill development.
  • Approach: Convergence with Central/State schemes for comprehensive development.

• Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme:

  • Budget: Rs. 13,020 crore (2021-26).
  • Components: Border fencing, flood lights, technological solutions, border roads, Border Outposts (BOPs).
  • Technology: Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) with sensors, surveillance, and command control.

These programs aim to strengthen border security while promoting socio-economic development in remote border areas, creating a positive perception among border populations and encouraging them to remain in strategically important locations.