India Fenced Over 93% Fencing with Pakistan and Nearly 80% with Bangladesh

India Fenced Over 93% Fencing with Pakistan and Nearly 80% with Bangladesh

Why in News? 

Recently, aimed at strengthening border security and curbing illegal infiltration, India has made substantial progress in physical border infrastructure. According to Ministry of Home Affairs data, over 93% of the India–Pakistan International Border and nearly 80% of the India–Bangladesh border are now securely fenced.

MHA Current Data on Border Fencing

• India–Pakistan: According to Ministry of State for Home Affairs data, India has completed fencing along 2,135.136 kilometres of its border with Pakistan, representing 93.25% of the total 2,289.66-kilometre stretch. The remaining 154.524 kilometres (6.75%) of this international boundary, is currently unfenced. 

• India–Bangladesh: The India-Bangladesh International Border, which spans a total of 4,096.70 kilometres, currently features fencing along 3,239.92 kilometres. This progress accounts for 79.08% of the boundary, leaving 856.778 kilometres, or approximately 20.92%, yet to be secured with physical barriers.

• India-Myanmar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that physical fencing has been completed along 9.214 kilometres of the 1,643-kilometre India-Myanmar border. The completed 9.214-kilometre stretch is located at Moreh in Manipur. The Indian government has announced plans to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR). 

India’s Border with Its Neighbouring Countries

India shares land borders with 7 neighbours (Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Afghanistan), totaling 15,106 km of land frontier and maritime borders with 2 (Sri Lanka, Maldives) countries, totaling 7,516.6 km.

• India–Pakistan Border: India shares a 2,289.66 km long border with Pakistan across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The boundary includes the International Border, the Line of Control, and the Sir Creek area. The terrain ranges from fertile plains to deserts and high mountains. The border faces persistent challenges such as cross-border terrorism, infiltration, and ceasefire violations. The Line of Control (LoC) remains sensitive due to unresolved territorial claims since 1947. India has adopted fencing, floodlighting, and intensive patrolling to curb infiltration. The Pakistan border is looked after by the Border Security Force (BSF), India Army maintains the border security of LoC.

• India–Bangladesh Border: India shares its longest land border of 4,096.70 kilometres with Bangladesh across West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Much of the border passes through riverine areas, wetlands, and densely populated regions. The Land Boundary Agreement of 2015 resolved long-standing enclave issues. The main concerns include illegal migration, cattle smuggling, and drug trafficking. India has fenced most feasible stretches and uses coordinated patrols with Bangladesh. The Bangladesh border is also looked after by the Border Security Force (BSF).

• India–China Border: The India–China boundary stretches about 3,488 km and runs through Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. This border is largely undefined and is referred to as the Line of Actual Control. The terrain is dominated by high-altitude mountains, glaciers, and extreme weather. The border dispute dates back to the 1962 conflict and remains unresolved. Incidents such as eastern Ladakh tensions since 2020 highlight the fragile situation. The China border is looked after by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) but LAC is protected by the Indian Army.

• India–Nepal Border: The 1,751 km long India–Nepal border passes through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim. It is an open border under the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. People can move freely for work and family ties. This openness supports social and economic links but also creates security risks. Issues include fake currency, human trafficking, and misuse by criminal networks. The Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura area remains a diplomatic concern now-a-days for India. The Nepal border is looked after by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

• India–Bhutan Border: India shares a 699 km border with Bhutan along Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The border passes through forests, hills, and river valleys. There is no major border dispute between the two countries. Security concerns mainly involve illegal timber trade and limited smuggling. India and Bhutan conduct joint patrols and share intelligence. The Doklam plateau near the tri-junction with China gained attention during the 2017 standoff, highlighting the strategic importance of this region. This border is looked after by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

• India–Myanmar Border: The India–Myanmar border is about 1,643 km long and runs through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The region is mountainous, forested, and sparsely populated. The border traditionally allowed free movement for local tribes. Security challenges include insurgent movement, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling linked to the Golden Triangle. India announced plans in 2024 to strengthen border infrastructure and regulate movement. Coordination with Myanmar remains critical for stability in the Northeast. The Myanmar border is protected by the Assam Rifles (AR).

• India–Afghanistan Border: India shares a very small border of about 106 km with Afghanistan through the Wakhan Corridor in Ladakh. The terrain is extremely rugged and inaccessible. There is no direct movement or trade across this border. Security concerns are indirect and relate to regional stability and terrorism. India monitors developments closely due to implications for Jammu and Kashmir and Central Asia. The area has strategic importance despite limited physical interaction.

• India–Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary: India and Sri Lanka are separated by the Palk Strait, which is about 40 km wide at its narrowest point. The maritime boundary affects Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The key concern involves fishermen disputes, especially around the Katchatheevu island, transferred to Sri Lanka in 1974. Indian fishermen often cross the maritime boundary unintentionally. Arrests and boat seizures strain relations. India’s coastal security is maintained by the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the State Marine Police. 

• India-Maldives Maritime Boundary: The India-Maldives Maritime Boundary is a defined sea border in the Indian Ocean, established by a 1976 agreement, largely following an equidistant line and separating Indian Lakshadweep islands (like Minicoy) from Maldivian atolls, notably split by the Eight Degree Channel, crucial for defining Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and maritime security between the neighbours. The line extends for 545 nautical miles. This coastal border is mainly maintained by the Indian Navy.

Strategic Importance of Border Fencing in India’s Internal Security Framework

• Curbing Cross-Border Terrorism: Fencing acts as the first line of defense against infiltration by terrorists and armed militants, particularly along the LoC and International Border. By physically obstructing movement, it significantly reduces the operational capabilities of terror outfits and helps security forces in conducting effective counter-insurgency operations, thereby enhancing national security and preventing major terror attacks.

• Disrupting Organized Crime: India’s porous borders are often exploited for a host of illegal activities, including the smuggling of arms, narcotics, and counterfeit currency, as well as human trafficking. Border fencing, especially when combined with surveillance technologies (smart fencing under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System or CIBMS), curtails these cross-border crimes, cutting off the financial and material support that fuels internal crime and insurgency.
• Maintaining Demographic Balance: Effective border fencing helps regulate the flow of people, preventing large-scale illegal immigration which can strain local resources and lead to socio-political tensions and demographic changes in border states (e.g., in the Northeast region with the Bangladesh border). This control is vital for maintaining law and order and social harmony within the country.
• Assertion of National Sovereignty: Visible and well-managed borders, including fencing and associated infrastructure like Border Out Posts (BOPs) and border roads, are a physical symbol of a nation’s control over its territory and sovereignty, which is crucial in contested zones. Furthermore, enhanced security due to fencing enables the government to implement developmental schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Vibrant Villages Programme.