(GS Paper 3 – Internal Security | 250 words)
Here is a model UPSC GS Paper 3 Mains answer for the question:
Q. Discuss the challenges to internal security through land borders and coastal lines. Suggest steps to strengthen border management.
(GS Paper 3 – Internal Security | 250 words)
Introduction
India shares long land borders (~15,000 km) with seven countries and has a vast coastline (~7,500 km), making it vulnerable to diverse internal security threats. Weak border management has often led to terrorism, infiltration, smuggling, and organized crime, severely impacting national security.
Challenges to Internal Security through Land Borders
- Cross-Border Terrorism
- Infiltration of terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir from Pakistan via LoC.
- Use of tunnels and drones for arms delivery.
- Illegal Migration
- Porous Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal borders allow unchecked migration, leading to demographic shifts and socio-political tension.
- Insurgency Support
- Northeastern borders with Myanmar used by insurgent groups for safe havens and arms trafficking.
- Smuggling & Narco-Trafficking
- Golden Crescent (Afghanistan–Pakistan–Iran) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar–Thailand–Laos) route used to push narcotics and weapons.
- Border Disputes
- Standoffs with China (e.g., Galwan 2020) threaten peace and require high military presence.
Challenges through Coastal Lines
- Maritime Terrorism
- The 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed major gaps in coastal surveillance.
- Smuggling & Piracy
- Narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency trafficked via fishing vessels.
- Lack of Coastal Infrastructure
- Inadequate patrolling, under-resourced marine police, and poor coordination among agencies.
- Fishermen Issues
- Unintentional border crossings lead to arrests and diplomatic tensions.
Steps to Strengthen Border Management
- Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS)
- Use of smart fences, thermal sensors, and drones.
- Infrastructure Development
- All-weather roads, border outposts, and airstrips in remote areas.
- Modernization of Security Forces
- Better equipment, training, and tech tools for BSF, ITBP, SSB, etc.
- Community Participation
- Village Defense Committees and Border Area Development Program (BADP) for local engagement.
- Coastal Surveillance Mechanisms
- Automatic Identification System (AIS), Coastal Radar Network, and Sagar Suraksha App.
- Institutional Reforms
- Strengthen coordination between Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and intelligence agencies.
Conclusion
Effective border and coastal management is not only essential for national security but also for maintaining internal peace and promoting regional development. A mix of technological upgrades, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement is key to addressing the emerging threats.
