India has long promised 'vibrant' border villages, as China speedily builds up

India has been working to develop its border villages along the disputed border with China, but progress has been slow compared to China's rapid infrastructure buildup on its side. The Indian government launched the Vibrant Villages Programme to improve roads, connectivity, and living conditions in remote border areas, but residents say the promised changes have been delayed. Meanwhile, China has been constructing model villages with modern amenities just across the border, raising concerns about strategic disadvantage.