The Line of Control dividesKashmir between India and Pakistan—it is not a part of the internationally recognized section of the border due to theKashmir conflict
Arising from thepartition of India in 1947, the border covers the provincial boundaries of Gujarat andRajasthan withSindh, and theRadcliffe Line between the partitions of Punjab. It traverses a variety of terrain in thenorthwestern region ofthe subcontinent, ranging from major urban areas to inhospitable deserts.[2] Since the beginning of theIndia–Pakistan conflict shortly after the two countries' conjoined independence, it has been the site of numerous cross-border military standoffs and full-scale wars.[2] The border's total length is 3,323 kilometres (2,065 mi) according to figures given by thePBS;[2] it is also ranked as one of the most dangerous international boundaries in the world, based on an article written inForeign Policy in 2011.[3] During the nighttime, the India–Pakistan border is distinctly visible from outer space due to the 150,000floodlights installed by India on approximately 50,000 poles.[4][5]
The India-Pakistan border includes mutually-recognised International Border and several disputed sections,[6] listed from north to south:
Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) - separates the current positions of Indian and Pakistani military posts and troops along the 110 kilometres (68 mi) long frontline in thedisputed region ofSiachen Glacier:[7][8][9][10] It runs along theSaltoro Mountains range, beginning from the northernmost point of the (LOC) at PointNJ 9842 and ending in the north on theIndira Ridge at the India-China-PakistanLAC tripoint nearSia Kangri about 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest ofIndira Col West, with peaks in excess of 7,000 m (23,000 ft) and temperatures ranging to around −55 °C (−67 °F).[11][12] India gained control of 1,000 square miles (2,600 km2) of disputed territory in 1984 because of itsmilitary operations in Siachen.[6][13]
Working Boundary (WB) - separates the disputed section of India-administered Jammu and Kashmir from thePakistani Punjab: It is referred to as a working boundary by the UN,[15] while India regards it as the international border.[14] Pakistani Punjab is internationally recognized as a part of Pakistan by both parties whileJammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory (claimed by Pakistan, controlled by India).[16][14][15]
International Boundary (IB) orRadcliffe Line - runs from Punjab toGujarat andSindh: The demarcated line between the India and Pakistan is recognized by both nations.
Sir Creek - separates southern Gujarat in India from southern Sindh in Pakistan:[17] The long-standing India-Pakistan Sir Creek border dispute stems from the demarcation "from the mouth of Sir Creek to the top of Sir Creek, and from the top of Sir Creek eastward to a point on the line designated on the Western Terminus".[17][18] From this point onward, the boundary is unambiguously fixed as defined by the Tribunal Award of 1968.[19]
Out of total 3,323 kilometres (2,065 mi) length of border with Pakistan,Government of India has completely fenced 2,064 kilometres (1,283 mi) by 2024 and the remaining 916 kilometres (569 mi) is covered by physical and non-physical barriers as it is not feasible to fence the entire border due to densely forested rugged mountains, riverine and marshy areas. India has similar fence on borders withBangladesh andMyanmar.[20]
In February 2025, India'sCentral Public Works Department (CPWD) started to construct a 1,450 km long border road along the border barrier across the Indian Punjab (354 km) and Rajsthan (1096 km). This will enable the swifter access, strengthen the anti-drug and anti-terrorism patrolling, and act as anti-tunnel mechanism.[21]
Border crossings with designated immigration and customs facilities are:
Attari andWagah is the most famous and prominent, due to theAttari–Wagah border ceremony. The crossing is located 32 kilometres from Amritsar and 24 kilometers from Lahore.
At the following border crossing sites and thebeating retreat flag ceremonies are jointly held by the military of both nations every day at 6:30 pm, which are open to public as tourist attractions.[23][24] No special permit or ticket is needed. The ceremony sites are as follows (from north to south):
Attari–Wagah border ceremony nearAmritsar in Punjab:[23][24] The flag lowering ceremony at the village ofWagah is held each evening immediately before sunset by the border agents of Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) and India (Border Security Force or BSF).[25] The ceremony begins with battle calls from both sides in the form of loud screaming done by the border guards. This is followed by a series of organized high kicks, stomps, and dance moves during which the opposing forces stare each other down.[26] The event ends with a handshake of good faith being exchanged by the head guards along with the lowering of the flags.[26] It is symbolic of the brotherhood as well as the rivalry that these two nations share.[26] The border troops are known to exchange sweets with the opposing side during the Muslim holidays ofEid and Hindu holiday ofDiwali. It has been a peaceful gathering with the exception of the2014 Wagah border suicide attack by Islamist terrorists in which 60 people were killed and over 110 people were left injured.[27]
"Baba Chamliyal Mela" traditional celebration at the India–Pakistan border nearRamgarh, 45 km (28 mi) fromJammu, where bothIndians andPakistanis take part in the festivities.
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Media related toIndia-Pakistan border at Wikimedia Commons
