Neighbouring countries of India are vital partners shaping its regional dynamics through shared borders and historical ties. India shares borders with several sovereign nations, fostering intricate relationships shaped by geographic proximity and historical interactions. This article provides a detailed exploration of neighbouring countries of India, emphasizing the significance of these connections in shaping regional dynamics.
Land Borders:
Neighbouring countries of India are China, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, each boundary representing a unique intersection of cultures and geopolitics. Notably, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan share both land and maritime borders with India, underscoring the depth of their interdependencies.
Maritime Borders:
Beyond land boundaries, India’s maritime borders hold strategic importance. While Sri Lanka shares only a maritime border through Ram Setu, India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands expand its maritime reach, sharing borders with Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
India’s neighboring countries play a crucial role in its geopolitical landscape, influencing diplomatic, economic, and security policies. Understanding the complexities of these relationships is essential for comprehending India’s position in the global arena.
India’s Land Borders: Length, Characteristics, and Ranking from Longest to Shortest:-
| Land Border Country | Capital | Length (Km) and (mi) | Bordering States of India | Borderline Name | Force |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | 4,096 kilometres (2,545 mi) | West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram | India–Bangladesh Border | Border Security Force |
| China | Beijing | 3,488 kilometres (2,167 mi) | Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh | Mac Mohan Line (It separates the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh from China) | Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Special Frontier Force |
| Pakistan | Islamabad | 3,310 kilometres (2,060 mi) | Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat | Line of Control, International Border | Border Security Force |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | 1,752 kilometres (1,089 mi) | Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim | India–Nepal Border | Sashastra Seema Bal |
| Myanmar | Naypyidaw | 1,643 kilometres (1,021 mi) | Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram | India–Myanmar Border | Assam Rifles and Indian Army |
| Bhutan | Thimphu | 578 kilometres (359 mi) | Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam | India–Bhutan Border | Sashastra Seema Bal |
| Afghanistan | Kabul | 106 kilometres (66 mi) | Jammu and Kashmir | Durand Line | Border Security Force |
Neighbouring Countries of India and Key Facts:-
India shares its borders with nine countries, with varied geographical features and significant historical ties. Here are some key details about India’s bordering nations:
Bangladesh
- Length of Border: 4,096.7 km
- Capital: Dhaka
- Currency: Taka
- Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina
- First President: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- Official Language: Bengali
- Notable Rivers: Jamuna River, Teesta River, Feni River, Meghna River
China
- Length of Border: 3,488 km
- Capital: Beijing
- Currency: Renminbi / Yuan
- President: Xi Jinping
- Official Language: Mandarin
- Notable Rivers: Yangtze River, Pearl River
- Major Defense Exercise with India: Hand in Hand
Pakistan
- Length of Border: 3,323 km
- Capital: Islamabad
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee
- Prime Minister: Nawaz Sharif
- Official Language: Urdu
- Parliament Name: National Assembly
- Notable Rivers: Indus River, Jhelum River, Chenab River, Kabul River
Nepal
- Length of Border: 1,751 km
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepali Rupees
- Prime Minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal
- Official Language: Nepali
- Notable Rivers: Koshi River, Gandaki River
Myanmar
- Length of Border: 1,643 km
- Capital: Naypyidaw
- Currency: Myanmar Kyat
- Prime Minister: Min Aung Hlaing
- Official Language: Burmese
- Notable Rivers: Ayeyarwady River, Chindwin River
Bhutan
- Length of Border: 699 km
- Capital: Thimphu
- Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum
- Prime Minister: Tshering Tobgay
- Official Language: Dzongkha
- Notable Rivers: Raidak River, Sankosh River
Afghanistan
- Length of Border: 106 km
- Capital: Kabul
- Currency: Afghan Afghani
- Prime Minister: Hasan Akhund
- Official Language: Pashto, Dari
- Notable Rivers: Helmand River
Neighbouring Countries of India: Maritime Boundaries
| Maritime Border Country | Capital | Boundary Name | Currency | Force | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | Bay of Bengal | Taka | Indian Navy | New Moore Island |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | Andaman Sea | Indonesian Rupiah | Indian Navy | Indira Point |
| Myanmar | Naypyidaw | Andaman Sea | Burmese Kyat | Indian Navy | Landfall Island |
| Pakistan | Islamabad | Arabian Sea | Pakistani Rupee | Indian Navy | Sir Creek |
| Thailand | Bangkok | Andaman Sea | Thai Baht | Indian Navy | Similan Islands |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | Palk Strait | Sri Lankan Rupee | Indian Navy | Katchatheevu |
| Maldives | Malé | Laccadive Sea | Maldivian Rufiyaa | Indian Navy | Maliku Kandu |
In conclusion, India’s neighboring countries, with their respective capitals, form an integral part of the nation’s geopolitical landscape. These bordering nations play pivotal roles in shaping India’s regional dynamics, fostering cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships. As depicted on the map, the diverse geographical features and capitals of these neighboring countries underscore the significance of maintaining robust diplomatic relations for promoting peace, stability, and mutual prosperity in the region.