Pakistan
Pakistan is perceived as a significant internal security threat to India due to a complex and longstanding history of conflict, geopolitical tensions, and cross-border issues. The relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has been strained since their partition in 1947, marked by three wars, unresolved territorial disputes, and ongoing tensions over Kashmir.
Pakistan's alleged support for separatist movements and terrorist groups operating in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, has been a major source of concern for Indian authorities. The 2008 Mumbai attacks, carried out by a Pakistan-based terrorist group, further heightened India's perception of Pakistan as a security threat.
Other factors contributing to India's security concerns regarding Pakistan include:
- Pakistan-based militant groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), have been responsible for carrying out terrorist attacks on Indian soil. These groups have perpetrated attacks in various regions, leading to loss of lives and property.
- Pakistan has been accused of providing support, including funding, training, and safe havens, to insurgent groups operating in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. This support has fueled separatist movements and armed insurgencies, posing security threats within Indian territory
- The use of proxy warfare, wherein Pakistan supports and instigates militant activities against India, has been a persistent concern. This includes infiltration of militants across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and orchestrating attacks
- Instances of ceasefire violations along the LoC and the international border with Pakistan have been recurrent, leading to tensions and casualties on both sides and affecting the security situation in border regions.
- The historical animosity and geopolitical rivalry between India and Pakistan have resulted in strained relations. This rivalry impacts regional stability and security dynamics, contributing to security challenges for both countries
The Line Of Control (LoC)
The LoC was established in 1949 following the Indo-Pakistani War and has been the de facto border between the two countries ever since. It is a 740-kilometer-long (460-mile) line that runs from the south to the north of Kashmir, including the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The LoC is heavily militarized, with both India and Pakistan maintaining a large military presence along its length.
The LoC is a source of tension between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim the entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir as their own, and the LoC is seen as a symbol of the division of the region. There have been numerous violations of the ceasefire line over the years, and the two countries have been engaged in a low-intensity conflict in Kashmir since 1989
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China
China poses a complex and multifaceted internal security threat to India. The two countries share a long and disputed border, and they have a history of conflict and rivalry. In recent years, China has been expanding its military and economic power, which has raised concerns in India about the potential for conflict.
Border disputes
One of the most significant security threats posed by China is the ongoing border dispute between the two countries. The two countries have fought several wars over the border, and they continue to have a number of unresolved territorial claims. The border is also very difficult to demarcate and control, making it vulnerable to incursions and cross-border activities.
Military buildup
China has been rapidly expanding its military in recent years. It now has the world's second-largest military budget, and it has been developing advanced weapons systems, such as aircraft carriers and ballistic missiles. This military buildup has raised concerns in India about the potential for a conventional war between the two countries.
Economic rivalry
China is India's largest trading partner, but the two countries are also economic rivals. China has been expanding its influence in India's neighborhood, and it has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects in the region. This has raised concerns in India about China's growing economic and political influence in South Asia
China's role in India's internal security landscape is complex and multifaceted, involving several dimensions:
- One of the significant challenges involves the unresolved border issues between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Incursions, border standoffs, and occasional tensions in areas like Ladakh have raised security concerns and strained relations between the two countries
- Geopolitical competition and strategic rivalry between India and China impact security dynamics in the region. China's increasing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region and its expanding influence pose strategic challenges for India
- China's close relationship and support for Pakistan, including economic and military assistance, have been viewed by India as contributing to security challenges, particularly with regards to cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's role in supporting insurgencies in India
- China's growing economic investments and infrastructure projects in South Asia, including Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, have raised concerns about Beijing's regional influence and its implications for India's security interests.
- China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean region and its strategic initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have implications for India's maritime security and regional geopolitics
- Concerns over cybersecurity and potential technological vulnerabilities arising from Chinese investments, including in critical infrastructure and telecommunications, have raised security apprehensions for India
The LAC was established in 1962 following the Sino-Indian War. Since then, there have been numerous standoffs and skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops along the LAC. The most recent major incident occurred in 2020, when Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh.
The LAC is a source of tension between India and China. Both countries have a large military presence along the line, and there is a risk of escalation if tensions rise. The two countries have held several rounds of border talks in an attempt to resolve the dispute, but no progress has been made
Myanmar
Political instability
Myanmar has been plagued by political instability since a military coup in 2021. The coup ousted the democratically elected government and plunged the country into chaos. The military has cracked down on dissent, with reports of widespread human rights abuses. The instability has created a power vacuum that has been exploited by armed groups, including the Arakan Army (AA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
Porous border
Myanmar shares a 1,643-kilometer-long border with India. The border is largely unfenced and remote, making it easy to cross illegally. This has made it a popular route for smuggling and infiltration by insurgent groups.
Ethnic conflicts
Myanmar is home to a diverse population of ethnic groups. Some of these groups, such as the Rohingya and the Kachin, have been fighting for autonomy for decades. These conflicts have led to displacement and instability, which has further fueled the threat to India's internal security.
Myanmar's role in India's internal security landscape involves various aspects:
- The porous India-Myanmar border is used by insurgent groups to seek refuge, conduct training, and launch attacks on Indian soil. Some insurgent groups operating in Northeast India find sanctuaries and support in Myanmar, leading to security challenges for India
- The border region facilitates various illegal activities, including smuggling of arms, drugs, contraband goods, and human trafficking. These activities pose security threats and challenges for law enforcement agencies
- Tensions and conflicts in certain regions of Myanmar have led to the displacement of populations. Some individuals and communities seek refuge in bordering Indian states, leading to social, economic, and security challenges for the host regions
- Myanmar's geopolitical relationships with other countries, such as China, also impact regional security dynamics. India monitors these relationships to understand their implications for its own security interests
Line between Myanmar and India
The border between India and Myanmar is delineated by the Indo-Myanmar border, also known as the India-Myanmar border or the Burma-India border. This border spans approximately 1,643 kilometers (1,022 miles) and serves as the international boundary separating the two countries.
The India-Myanmar border runs through several states in Northeast India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, sharing boundaries with Myanmar's Sagaing Region, Chin State, Kachin State, and Sagaing Region.
The border terrain varies from mountainous regions to river valleys and dense forests, making some areas challenging to monitor and secure. The border region has historically witnessed movements of people, trade, and occasional illegal activities, including smuggling and cross-border insurgent activities.
Efforts to manage and secure the India-Myanmar border involve border patrols, security measures, and cooperation between the two countries' border security forces. Both India and Myanmar have ongoing discussions and cooperation mechanisms to address mutual security concerns and manage the border effectively
The border is divided into four sectors:
- Sector 1: This sector runs from the tripoint with China to the Pangsau Pass. It is the most remote and inaccessible part of the border.
- Sector 2: This sector runs from the Pangsau Pass to the Tahan Pass. It is mountainous and heavily forested.
- Sector 3: This sector runs from the Tahan Pass to the Tamu River. It is hilly and sparsely populated.
- Sector 4: This sector runs from the Tamu River to the tripoint with Bangladesh. It is mostly flat and agricultural land.
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Bangladesh
Bangladesh poses a complex and multifaceted internal security threat to India due to a combination of historical, geographical, and socio-economic factors. While both countries share close cultural and economic ties, there are also underlying issues that contribute to security concerns.
Historical Factors
The partition of India in 1947, which separated Bangladesh from India, left behind a legacy of unresolved issues, including territorial disputes and water resource sharing. These unresolved issues have contributed to a sense of mistrust and tension between the two countries.
Geographical Factors
The long and porous border between India and Bangladesh, stretching over 4,096 kilometers, facilitates cross-border movement, including illegal infiltration, smuggling, and human trafficking. The presence of rivers and dense forests along the border further complicates border security measures.
Socio-economic Factors
The significant difference in socio-economic development between India and Bangladesh has led to migration, particularly of Bangladeshi nationals seeking better economic opportunities in India. While migration contributes to India's economy, it also poses security challenges
Bangladesh, as a neighbouring country, does not pose a direct internal security threat to India.
However, certain issues can impact India's internal security indirectly:
Illegal Immigration and Border Management: The porous India-Bangladesh border allows for illegal crossings, human trafficking, and smuggling activities. While Bangladesh itself might not pose a security threat, the unregulated movement across the border can create challenges related to illegal immigration and border security for India.
Radicalization and Extremism: Instances of radicalization and the presence of extremist elements in certain parts of Bangladesh can have spill-over effects. There have been concerns about the potential spread of radical ideologies or the influence of extremist groups that might affect India's internal security.
Economic and Socio-Political Factors: Socio-economic challenges in Bangladesh, including poverty, political instability, and demographic pressures, can indirectly impact India due to potential spillover effects, such as migration and cross-border socio-economic issues.
Transnational Crimes: Certain criminal activities, including smuggling, drug trafficking, and counterfeit currency circulation, may have links across the India-Bangladesh border, impacting both countries' internal security.
Line Between Bangladesh and India:
The India-Bangladesh border is a 4,096-kilometer-long (2,545-mile) international border that runs along the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern fringes of India and the southwestern, western, and northwestern sides of Bangladesh. It is the fifth-longest land border in the world and is marked by a series of natural features, including rivers, hills, and wetlands.
Geographic Division of the Border
The border can be divided into five distinct sectors based on its geographical characteristics and administrative divisions:
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Sector 1: This sector runs from the tripoint with Myanmar in the north to the Meghna River in the south. It covers the Indian states of Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam, and the Bangladeshi districts of Sylhet and Sunamganj.
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Sector 2: This sector follows the Meghna River and covers the Indian state of Assam and the Bangladeshi districts of Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Sherpur, and Jamalpur.
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Sector 3: This sector runs from the Jamuna River in the west to the Meghna River in the east, covering the Indian states of Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal, and the Bangladeshi districts of Sherpur, Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Tangail, and Sirajganj.
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Sector 4: This sector extends from the Padma River in the west to the Meghna River in the east, encompassing the Indian state of West Bengal and the Bangladeshi districts of Sirajganj, Pabna, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Jessore, and Narail.
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Sector 5: This sector runs from the Kushtia River in the west to the Sundarbans in the south, covering the Indian state of West Bengal and the Bangladeshi districts of Jessore, Magura, Narail, Gopalganj, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.
Bhutan
India and Bhutan have fostered a longstanding and mutually advantageous relationship, placing significant emphasis on collaborating in matters of security. Bhutan has consistently backed India's stance on various global and regional issues. However, potential security concerns may emanate from Bhutan's neighboring country, especially China.
Chinese Influence in the Himalayas
The increasing Chinese presence in the Himalayan region, marked by infrastructural development and military installations, has sparked worries among certain Indian security experts. China's territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state sharing a border with Bhutan, is a potential source of tension.
Infiltration Across Borders
The permeable boundary between India and Bhutan exposes vulnerabilities to infiltration by militants and criminal elements. This poses a specific risk in India's northeastern region, known for its historical insurgent activities.
Illegal Trafficking
There exists a potential threat of trafficking drugs, weapons, and humans along the India-Bhutan border. The rugged and remote terrain in Bhutan presents challenges for effective patrolling, thus enabling exploitation by traffickers.
Economic Disparities
The economic gap between India and Bhutan could lead to security risks. Being relatively less affluent, individuals might resort to illicit activities like smuggling and poaching for survival.
Mitigating Security Challenges
India and Bhutan are actively addressing these security challenges through bilateral agreements and close cooperation. Intelligence sharing and joint military exercises signify the depth of their security collaboration. India has extended military support to Bhutan, offering training and equipment.
Furthermore, beyond their bilateral efforts, India and Bhutan engage with other regional partners to tackle security issues collectively. India's involvement in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) highlights joint endeavors aimed at enhancing regional security through various initiatives
Line Between India and Bhutan
The border between India and Bhutan spans approximately 699 kilometers (about 435 miles) along the eastern Himalayas. It extends from the tri-junction with China in the north (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the borders shared with the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
This border is characterized by diverse terrain, ranging from high mountain passes to dense forests and river valleys. It's a strategic boundary of geopolitical importance for both countries, marked by a combination of natural features, boundary pillars, and demarcated zones.
The border is crossed at a number of points, including the following:
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Phuentsholing: This is the main border crossing between India and Bhutan. It is located in the southwestern part of Bhutan, near the town of Phuentsholing
- Gelephu: This is another important border crossing between India and Bhutan. It is located in the southern part of Bhutan, near the town of Gelephu
- Samdrup Jongkhar: This is a less frequently used border crossing between India and Bhutan. It is located in the southeastern part of Bhutan, near the town of Samdrup Jongkhar
- Jaigaon: This is a small border crossing between India and Bhutan. It is located in the western part of Bhutan, near the town of Jaigaon
- Alipurduar: This is another small border crossing between India and Bhutan. It is located in the northern part of Bhutan, near the town of Alipurduar
Nepal
The relationship between India and Nepal has historically been close, marked by cultural, religious, and economic ties. However, there have been sporadic security concerns that have surfaced in this bilateral relationship.
One of the primary issues arises from the open border shared between India and Nepal. The porous nature of this border makes it susceptible to various security challenges:
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Illegal Activities: The open border facilitates the movement of people and goods between the two countries, but it also creates opportunities for illegal activities like human trafficking, smuggling of contraband, and circulation of counterfeit currency.
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Cross-Border Movements: The porous border has led to concerns about cross-border movements of criminal elements, insurgents, or individuals involved in illegal activities, especially in India's northern regions adjoining Nepal.
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Political Instability: Nepal's internal political dynamics, occasional unrest, and changes in governance structures have been closely monitored by India due to the potential spillover effects on its own security dynamics.
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Geopolitical Influence: Nepal's relations with other countries, notably China, have occasionally raised concerns for India, especially regarding strategic agreements or developments that might impact India's security interests in the region.
Efforts are continuously made to address these security challenges. Both countries have engaged in dialogues and cooperation to enhance border security measures, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement collaboration to manage and mitigate potential security threats along the border.
Maintaining a robust relationship with Nepal is essential for India, not just for security reasons but also due to their historical and cultural ties, economic cooperation, and shared interests in regional stability. Continuous diplomatic efforts and bilateral engagements are crucial for addressing and resolving any security concerns that might arise between the two nations
Line between Nepal and India
The border between Nepal and India is an extensive boundary, stretching approximately 1,751 kilometers (about 1,089 miles) along their shared frontier. This border extends across diverse terrains, including the Himalayas in the north and plains in the southern regions.
The boundary between Nepal and India is delineated by a mix of natural features, rivers, and demarcated markers. It passes through various states and regions in both countries. Notably, the open border policy between Nepal and India allows for relatively unrestricted movement of people and goods.
Here are some of the most important border crossings between India and Nepal:
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Raxaul: This is the main border crossing between India and Nepal. It is located in the southern part of Nepal, near the town of Birgunj
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Birgunj: Birgunj is a major commercial center in Nepal, and it is located near the Raxaul border crossing.
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Sonauli: This is another important border crossing between India and Nepal. It is located in the western part of Nepal, near the town of Bhairahawa
- Kakarbhitta: This is a less frequently used border crossing between India and Nepal. It is located in the eastern part of Nepal, near the town of Biratnagar
- Jogbani: This is another less frequently used border crossing between India and Nepal. It is located in the northeastern part of India, near the town of Siliguri
Sri Lanka
The relationship between India and Sri Lanka has been multi-faceted, encompassing historical, cultural, economic, and strategic aspects. While the overall relationship has been cooperative, there have been intermittent security concerns between the two nations:
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Tamil Issue: The Tamil ethnic issue in Sri Lanka, particularly the civil war and subsequent tensions, has been a significant concern for India. India's southern state of Tamil Nadu shares cultural and ethnic ties with the Tamil population in Sri Lanka. Developments related to the Tamil issue often reverberate in Tamil Nadu, impacting regional politics and occasionally causing tensions between the two countries.
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Fishermen Disputes: Fishermen from both countries frequently navigate shared maritime boundaries for fishing, leading to disputes and arrests due to trespassing or illegal fishing practices. These incidents strain bilateral relations and cause localized tensions.
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Geopolitical Influence: Sri Lanka's relations with other major global powers, particularly China, have occasionally been a source of concern for India. China's involvement in infrastructure development, including ports and strategic projects in Sri Lanka, has been viewed through the lens of regional geopolitics.
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Security Cooperation: Both countries maintain a degree of cooperation on security matters, including intelligence sharing and maritime security. However, issues such as transnational crime, smuggling, and illicit activities across shared borders pose challenges that require ongoing cooperation
The maritime boundary between Sri Lanka and India is demarcated by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The proximity of these two nations results in a maritime boundary rather than a physical land border.
The Palk Strait separates the two countries, with Sri Lanka to the south and India's southeastern coast to the north. The boundary extends through the waters of the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, encompassing various maritime features, including islands and channels.
The International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) serves as the recognized boundary between India and Sri Lanka in the maritime domain. This boundary is crucial for both countries, especially in regulating maritime activities, fishing rights, and preventing illegal activities such as smuggling and piracy
Here are some of the most important border crossings between India and Sri Lanka:
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Rameswaram: This is the main border crossing between India and Sri Lanka. It is located in the southern part of India, near the town of Rameswaram.
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Thalaimannar: This is another important border crossing between India and Sri Lanka. It is located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, near the town of Thalaimannar.
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Kachchativu: This is a small island in the Palk Strait that is claimed by both India and Sri Lanka. It is currently under the control of India.
The border between India and Sri Lanka is a vital part of the two countries' relationship. It is important for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The two countries are committed to maintaining the security of the border and ensuring that it remains a peaceful and open border
