Countries That India Shares A Border With And Their Geographical Significance – News18

Last Updated:February 06, 2025, 13:49 IST

India shares borders with nine countries, and each of these nations significantly influences its cultural, economic, and geopolitical ties.

Have you ever wondered how many nations India borders? The seventh-largest country in the world, India, shares its borders with nine other nations (seven land borders and two maritime borders). These neighbours form a diverse and intricate link that spans India’s western, eastern, and northern boundaries.

China, Nepal, and Bhutan lie to the north of India, while Pakistan and Afghanistan are to the northwest. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Myanmar share borders with India on the eastern side. Additionally, the Indian Ocean separates India from its maritime neighbours: the Maldives to the southwest and Sri Lanka to the southeast. India’s cultural, economic, and geopolitical ties are deeply influenced by these countries.

The borders India shares with each nation, along with their geographical significance and their impact on India’s relations with these countries, will be discussed below.

List Of Neighbouring Countries Of India

China

China covers an area of 9,596,960 sq km and shares a 3,488 km border with India. This boundary affects Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Mandarin is the official language, and Beijing is the capital. With a rapidly growing economy, China is recognised as the most populous country in the world.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh, with an area of 147,570 sq km, shares a 4,096.7 km border with India. States like Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, West Bengal, and Assam share this border. Bengali is the official language, and Dhaka is the capital. Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated nations and has a rich cultural heritage.

Nepal

Nepal, covering an area of approximately 147,516 sq km, shares a 1,751 km border with India. West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim are the Indian states that border Nepal. Renowned for its mountainous landscape and as the location of Mount Everest, Nepal’s official language is Nepali, and its capital is Kathmandu.

Pakistan

Pakistan, with an area of 796,095 sq km, shares a 3,323 km border with India. Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir are adjacent to Pakistan. Urdu is the official language, and Islamabad is the capital. The border traces its origins to the partition of British India in 1947.

Bhutan

Bhutan shares a 699 km border with India and covers an area of 38,394 sq km. Indian states like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh border Bhutan. Dzongkha is the official language, and Thimphu is the capital. Bhutan is known for its unique development philosophy focused on Gross National Happiness.

Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka share a maritime border of approximately 288 km, established through agreements in 1974 and 1976. Sri Lanka has an area of about 65,610 sq km, with Colombo as its capital. Tamil and Sinhala are the official languages. Despite their long history together, there are ongoing disputes over fishing rights in the Palk Strait.

Maldives

India shares a maritime border of approximately 1,010 km with the Maldives, which covers around 298 sq km. The official language is Dhivehi, and Malé is the capital. Known for its stunning coral reefs and flourishing tourism industry, the Maldives plays a vital role in regional marine security.

Myanmar

Myanmar spans an area of 676,578 sq km and shares a 1,643 km border with India. Indian states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram share this border. The official language is Burmese, and Naypyidaw is the capital. Myanmar is home to diverse cultures and rich biodiversity.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan, with an area of 652,230 sq km, shares a 106 km border with India in Jammu and Kashmir (POK). Kabul is the capital, and Pashto and Dari are the official languages. Afghanistan’s history and culture are shaped by its rugged terrain, which includes deserts and mountains.