Border Disputes of India and Its Neighboring Countries India shares land borders with seven countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. Border disputes have historically played a significant role in India's geopolitics, with some disputes still unresolved. Here’s a detailed overview: 1. India-Pakistan Border Disputes Facts: Length of Border: 3,323 km Key regions of dispute: Jammu & Kashmir, Sir Creek. The boundary includes the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). Disputes: Jammu & Kashmir (1947 - Present): Rooted in the partition of 1947. Pakistan claims the entire Jammu & Kashmir region based on its Muslim majority. The territory is divided by the LoC, which was established after the 1949 ceasefire. Sir Creek Dispute: A 96 km marshy strip in the Rann of Kutch region. Dispute arises due to differing interpretations of the 1914 boundary treaty. Importance: Impacts peace and security in South Asia. Affects trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties. Important Dates: 1947-1948: First Indo-Pak war; establishment of the LoC. 1971: Third Indo-Pak war; creation of Bangladesh. 1999: Kargil War; infiltration by Pakistani soldiers in Kargil. 2. India-China Border Disputes Facts: Length of Border: 3,488 km Disputed regions: Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh (referred to as "South Tibet" by China). Disputes: Aksai Chin: Claimed by India as part of Ladakh; controlled by China since the 1962 war. Arunachal Pradesh: China claims the entire state as part of Tibet. LAC (Line of Actual Control): Not formally demarcated, leading to regular face-offs. Importance: Strategic regions for trade routes, military security. Impacts bilateral relations and regional stability. Important Dates: 1962: Sino-Indian war over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. 2017: Doklam standoff near the India-Bhutan-China trijunction. 2020: Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh. 3. India-Nepal Border Disputes Facts: Length of Border: 1,751 km Disputed areas: Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. Disputes: Kalapani Region: Claimed by both as part of their respective territories. Rooted in differing interpretations of the Sugauli Treaty (1815). Importance: Impacts India-Nepal relations, trade, and cultural ties. Nepal is a key buffer state between India and China. Important Dates: 2015: India inaugurated the Lipulekh road, sparking protests from Nepal. 2020: Nepal released a new map including disputed areas. 4. India-Bhutan Border Facts: Length of Border: 699 km No major disputes, but China's claims near Bhutan impact India. Disputes: Doklam Plateau: Tri-junction of India-Bhutan-China. China’s road construction in 2017 led to the Doklam standoff. Importance: Bhutan is a strategic ally and buffer against China. 5. India-Bangladesh Border Disputes Facts: Length of Border: 4,096 km (longest border shared by India). Disputed regions: Enclaves and adverse possessions. Disputes: Resolved through the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) in 2015, which exchanged enclaves. Importance: Trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges. Gateway to India’s Northeast region. Important Dates: 1971: Bangladesh Liberation War. 2015: Signing of the LBA. 6. India-Myanmar Border Facts: Length of Border: 1,643 km No significant disputes. Issues: Insurgency and cross-border movement of militants. Drug trafficking. 7. India-Afghanistan Border Facts: Length of Border: 106 km (at Wakhan Corridor, currently under Pakistani control). Dispute arises indirectly due to Pakistan’s occupation of regions connecting India to Afghanistan. Conclusion India’s border disputes significantly affect its foreign policy, security strategy, and regional geopolitics. Resolving these disputes is crucial for peace, stability, and economic growth in South Asia.