The India-China border extends over 3,400 km and includes contentious zones like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and McMahon Line. The India-Pakistan border, spanning over 3,300 km, includes the Radcliffe Line and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conflicting Issues and Security Challenges Along the Border:

India-China Border

1. Territorial Disputes:

• Aksai Chin, a region in eastern Ladakh, was seized by China during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
• 
• Arunachal Pradesh: China claims Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Tawang region, as part of its territory, referring to it as “South Tibet.” 
• Doklam Plateau: China’s road construction in this area whichnis close to Siliguri Corridor (India’s “Chicken’s Neck”).
• Security Challenges:

1. Frequent Standoffs: Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, marking the first fatalities on the LAC in over four decades.
2. Military Build-up including the deployment of advanced weapons systems, airbases, and enhanced surveillance infrastructure.
3. Infrastructure Race: China has developed G219 Highway and airbase facilities in Ngari-Gunsa, Hotan, and Kashgar to support rapid military mobilization. In response, India has also developed 73 strategic roads including Darbuk-Shyok-DBO Road and Atal Tunnel.

India-Pakistan Border

1. Territorial Disputes:

1. Kashmir Issue: Following the partition in 1947, Pakistan controls part of Kashmir (referred to as Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir or PoK).
2. Siachen Glacier: India controls most of the glacier, but Pakistan claims it, leading to regular military clashes in the harsh terrain.
3. Security Challenges:
   • Cross-Border Terrorism: Pakistan-based militant groups frequently infiltrate the Indian side of the LoC like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
   • Ceasefire Violations: Despite the 2003 ceasefire agreement, numerous instances of ceasefire violations along the LoC, resulted in casualties on both sides.
   • Infiltration and Smuggling: The border areas are also prone to cross-border drug smuggling via drones.

Developments under the Border Area Development Programme ( initiated in 1986-87): 

1. BADP now covers 111 border districts in 17 States to meet special development needs of border population with focus on people living within 50 kilometers of the International Border.
2. Infrastructure Development: Zojila Tunnel and Sela Tunnel have been initiated to ensure all-year connectivity. Projects such as the Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line in Mizoram have been funded to enhance connectivity to remote border areas.
3. Security Enhancements:  Fencing along the Indo-Pakistan border in Punjab and Rajasthan, coupled with the construction of border outposts (BOPs), has improved border security and reduced cross-border infiltration.
4. Special Focus on North-East and Jammu & Kashmir: Development of healthcare, educational institutions, and sanitation in districts like Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara, where local populations face regular cross-border skirmishes.

Developments under Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) scheme: 

It is a Central Sector Scheme comprising of projects aimed at infrastructure development of India’s international borders, which is being implemented by BM-I Division.

1. Logistics and Mobility Enhancements: Helipads and airstrips in sensitive border regions like Ladakh have been upgraded to ensure quick evacuation and rapid deployment of forces.
2. Communication Infrastructure: Mobile towers have been erected in border areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Investments have been made in satellite communication systems.
3. Community Engagement and Development: Water supply schemes in remote villages of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh funded under BIM have provided access to clean drinking water.

Measures that can further strengthen the effectiveness:

1. Recommendations of the Shekatkar Committee: Creation of Joint Services Command, to improve inter-services coordination and enhance operational effectiveness.
2. Kargil Review Committee recommended enhancing surveillance mechanisms along the borders, and establishing robust communication networks to ensure seamless connectivity.
3. The Standing Committee on Home Affairs: prioritizing the construction of border roads under the Bharatmala Project, ensuring connectivity to remote and strategic areas.

The dual focus on security and development is essential to transform vulnerable border regions into areas of strategic resilience and inclusive growth, ensuring long-term stability and national strength.