The borders of British India defied classification as boundaries, which delineate the territorial confines of a sovereign state, or as frontiers, which are indeterminate zones dividing tribes, kingdoms, principalities, or empires. Rather, they comprised a complex, multi-layered frontier system with three distinct lines: the administrative line, delineating areas of government; the borderline, marking British India's so-called official boundaries (e.g., Durand and McMahon Lines); and the sphere of influence line, often more diplomatically and militarily significant than the borderline, indicating the farthest reach of British control over neighbouring states or political entities. The system, particularly the British disregard for the territorial nature of the borderline both in practical and diplomatic terms, was unique and largely driven by the buffer strategy designed to defend British India. Upon gaining independence, India and Pakistan inherited this system but adopted the second line – the borderline – as their international boundary. This decision has led to ongoing border disputes and conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and between India and China.
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