2024 · GS Paper 3 · Q19 · 15 marks
India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.
In short
India's borders with China and Pakistan carry unresolved claims over Aksai Chin, Arunachal, PoK, Siachen and Sir Creek, and face terrorism, drones and grey-zone pressure. BADP and the Vibrant Villages Programme build village amenities, while BIM funds fencing, smart surveillance and border roads.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 299 words
China
Aksai Chin, claims on Arunachal with 62 places renamed between 2017 and 2024, and new Hotan counties (2024) keep the LAC disputed, while dual-use "Xiaokang" villages add grey-zone pressure.
Pakistan
PoK, the CPEC running through it, Siachen and Sir Creek remain unsettled, while infiltration and tunnels under the Jammu border fed attacks such as Pahalgam, which led to Operation Sindoor (2025).
Narco-terror and collusion
Drones drop arms and heroin into Punjab, and China-Pakistan cooperation raises a two-front threat.
BADP
It funds roads, schools, health centres and water supply in border blocks of Ladakh, Arunachal, Punjab and Rajasthan, giving residents reasons to stay.
Vibrant Villages
Since 2023 it covers 2,967 northern villages with Rs 4,800 crore, and was extended to other land borders in 2025.
BIM
It funds fencing, floodlights, outposts, the 2018 smart-fence pilot in Jammu and India-China Border Roads to forward posts.
Speed and outcomes
Follow the Shekatkar Committee (2016) on outsourcing road work beyond BRO capacity, and judge schemes by reversed out-migration.
Deterrence with diplomacy
Improve ITBP-Army coordination, pursue Special Representatives' talks with China, and keep FATF pressure on Pakistan.
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This chapter in the exam
Border Areas12 questions
Asked in 9 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh. (Answer in 150 words)
- 2025Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.