States with International Boundaries

Introduction 

• Hence, through the aspect of its international borders, India has a tactical and cultural international border stretch of about 15,275 kilometers. 
• The country shares borders with seven countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Affganhistan. 
• These borders have however had a role to play on the historical, cultural and economic growth of India.

Description and Details

 Western Border: 

• Out of the above two states, Gujarat and Rajasthan are having a border with Pakistan through the Indo-Pakistan Border Fence. 
• Punjab also touches the border of Pakistan, which has important border checkpoints like the Wagah-Attari check point. 
• The western border has always been the cause of the dispute and conflict especially in the kashmir region. 

 Northern Border: 

• Situated in the northern part of India, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh both have borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. 
• Both of these states have their border with China. 
• The northern border is designed by Himalayan mountain, and it is the area of major conflict on an international level. 

 Eastern Border: 

• West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India and has an international border with Bangladesh, and has borders with Nepal and Bhutan. 
• Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are the states in India which share their borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan respectively. 
• Eastern border area is Brahmaputra river which acts as a major cultural and economic intercourse with the kingdom. 

 North-Eastern Border: 

• Three of the North Eastern States, namely Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram directly bound the border of Myanmar. 
• The border in the north-east is characterised by forests and experiences high traffic of people in relation to cultural and business activities. 

 Aspects and Implications: 

 Security: 

• Security threats which emanate from the international borders are mainly in the form of Terrorism, Illicit Business and Territorial issues in India. 
• This nation has sought out ways of increasing security and amongst the measures being implemented are felling of fences and surveillance cameras. 

 Trade and Economy: 

• The borders of India contain a lot of resources regarding trade and partnership with all the neighbors. 
• It is participating in different regional trade groups like SAARC and BIMSTEC as well. 

 Cultural Exchange: 

• The borders of India govern its culture and people to people relations with the countries in the neighborhood. 
• The country has a very diverse culture; there is great relation with other neighbouring countries concerning the history and language. 

 Environmental Concerns: 

• The borders of India also have impressive environmental issues, for example, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and many others. 
• The country needs to cooperate with other countries in order to overcome these problems and develop sustainably.

Conclusion and Way Forward: 

• India’s borders are strategic and cultural; these are the country’s borders that exist beyond the geographical borderline. 
• These borders include security, trade and economic, cultural, and environmental ones, and their proper management is any state’s priority as it impacts national security, economic relations, cultural exchange, and environmental preservation. 
• Hence for India to maintain a strong relation and good neighborly relations it must keep up diplomatic relations, trade relations and cultural exchanges with the neighbors. 
• It must also build on other structures necessary in supporting borders; such as roads, bridges and other trade related structures in order to support economic relations. 
• Last but not the least, therefore, India needs to cooperate with its neighbors in dealing with regional challenges that include terrorism, climatic change, and-pandemics and nurture a secure and prosperous neighborhood.

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