Geographical Relationship of India with Neighbouring Countries

India, located in South Asia, is the seventh-largest country in the world by area and the second-most populous. Its geographical location gives it a strategic advantage in terms of regional connectivity, trade, defense, and diplomacy. India shares land borders with seven countries and maritime boundaries with two, forming a complex web of geopolitical and geographical relationships.

1. Pakistan

• Border Length: ~3,323 km

• States Sharing Border: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat

• Geographical Features:

  • The Thar Desert extends across both sides of the border.

  • The Indus River system originates in India but majorly flows through Pakistan.

  • Line of Control (LoC) divides Indian and Pakistani-controlled parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Sensitive due to long-standing territorial disputes over Kashmir.

  • Key border crossings include Wagah-Attari (Punjab) and Munabao-Khokhrapar (Rajasthan).

2. China

• Border Length: ~3,488 km (Longest land border)

• States Sharing Border: Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh), Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh

• Geographical Features:

  • The Himalayas form a natural barrier.

  • Disputed regions include Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh (which China claims as South Tibet).

  • The McMahon Line is the de facto boundary in the eastern sector.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Important for military and economic relations.

  • Hosts major mountain passes like Nathu La, Shipki La, and Lipulekh Pass.

3. Nepal

• Border Length: ~1,751 km

• States Sharing Border: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal

• Geographical Features:

  • The Himalayas dominate the northern part, with the Terai plains in the south.

  • Major rivers like the Gandak, Kosi, and Ghaghara flow from Nepal to India.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Open border policy facilitates free movement of people and goods.

  • India is a major trade and development partner.

4. Bhutan

• Border Length: ~699 km

• States Sharing Border: Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh

• Geographical Features:

  • Mostly mountainous terrain.

  • Dense forests and rivers like the Torsa and Manas.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Strong diplomatic and defense ties.

  • India supports Bhutan in hydroelectric projects and infrastructure development.

5. Bangladesh

• Border Length: ~4,096 km (Longest land border shared by India with any country)

• States Sharing Border: West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram

• Geographical Features:

  • The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta is a defining feature.

  • Rivers like Teesta, Ganga, and Brahmaputra flow through both countries.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Close cultural, linguistic, and economic ties.

  • Significant for trade, transit, and connectivity in northeastern India.

  • Successful resolution of the land boundary agreement (LBA) in 2015.

6. Myanmar

• Border Length: ~1,643 km

• States Sharing Border: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram

• Geographical Features:

  • Mountainous terrain with thick forests.

  • Part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Gateway to Southeast Asia under India’s Act East Policy.

  • Important for connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.

7. Afghanistan (via Pakistan-occupied Kashmir)

• Border Length (disputed): ~106 km (Wakhan Corridor)

• Geographical Note:

  • The border is not directly accessible due to Pakistan-controlled areas.

• Strategic Importance:

  • India supports reconstruction and development efforts in Afghanistan.

  • Regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation are key aspects.

Maritime Neighbours

India also shares maritime boundaries with:

• Sri Lanka (across the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar)

• Maldives (via the Indian Ocean)

• Strategic Importance:

  • Control of key sea lanes of communication (SLOCs).

  • India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.

  • Projects like Sethu Samudram and Sagarmala enhance maritime ties.

Conclusion

India’s geographical relationship with its neighbours is shaped by natural features, shared ecosystems, ethnic ties, and strategic concerns. These borders influence not only defense and diplomacy but also trade, environment, and people-to-people connections. A balanced and cooperative neighbourhood policy is essential for India’s national security and regional stability.