Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations
Q4. “The India-Nepal open border is both a facilitator of integration and a source of emerging security and governance challenges.” Elucidate. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Recent developments at the India–Nepal border have highlighted tensions between traditional openness and emerging regulatory and security concerns, making it relevant for IR analysis.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining how the open border facilitates integration while also creating governance and security challenges. It demands a balanced articulation of both aspects along with suitable policy responses.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Body
- Facilitator of integration: Indicate role in people-to-people ties, economic linkages and strategic goodwill
- Security and governance challenges: Highlight issues like smuggling, infiltration risks and regulatory tensions
- Way forward: Suggest balanced border management, bilateral coordination and community-sensitive policies
Conclusion
Indicate a balanced closure by emphasising the need to harmonise openness with security imperatives. Highlight sustaining trust through calibrated regulation and cooperative bilateral engagement.
