Management of land borders

Abstract

Although it is the defence forces of the country which are ultimately responsible for defending India's borders when war breaks out, there are many peacetime duties, mostly of a policing nature, which are required to be carried out at the borders. Instilling a sense of security among the border population, prevention of smuggling, protection of check posts, patrolling, safeguarding of installations close to the border as well as protection of bridges, railway lines or even tackling dacoities — are just a few of these. This paper is an attempt to reinterpret the challenges to India's international land borders in an integrated manner and make recommendations towards effective border management. It looks into the evolution of India's land borders, analyses challenges to border management, and identifies problems thereof and issues involved.