Neighbouring Countries of India, List, Capital, Physical Features

Neighbouring Countries of India: India, a prominent South Asian nation, stands out as one of the largest countries in the world. Positioned in both the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, India ranks as the seventh-largest globally by land area. India’s land boundaries extend to approximately 15,106.7 kilometers, encompassing a coastline of around 7,516.6 kilometers. This extensive border area offers unique access to neighboring countries, connecting India with cultures, economies, and ecosystems that enhance its regional significance.

Neighbouring Countries of India

India shares over 15,106.7 kilometers of land borders with six countries: Pakistan to the west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. This geographical spread makes India a central player in South Asian geopolitics.

In addition to its land borders, India has a coastline stretching 7,516.6 kilometers, providing it with direct access to the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. This coastal expanse connects India to international waters, giving it a strategic marine position that supports trade routes linking the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Important ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata facilitate extensive trade and cultural exchange, solidifying India’s role in the global economy.

Neighbouring Countries of India Overview

India shares its borders with nine countries: seven land borders (Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan) and two maritime borders (Sri Lanka and the Maldives). This geographical knowledge is vital for competitive exams, especially in the General Awareness section.

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List of Neighbouring Countries of India With Capital

India shares its borders with 9 countries, each with distinct geographical, cultural, and economic ties. Below is a List of Neighbouring Countries of India With Capital the capital, border length, and bordering states.

Neighbouring Countries of India Physical Features

India shares its land and maritime boundaries with several countries, each having distinct physical features that influence geopolitics, trade, and regional cooperation. India shares land borders with seven countries and maritime boundaries with two. The Neighbouring Countries of India Physical Features has been discussed in the table below:

9 Neighbouring Countries of India 

India shares its borders with nine neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Among them, seven share land borders: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, while Sri Lanka and the Maldives are India’s maritime neighbours. These countries together reflect India’s vast geopolitical landscape, cultural diversity, and regional influence.

1. Pakistan

Pakistan lies to the northwest of India, sharing a 3,323 km long border. The two countries were part of undivided British India until 1947. Key border crossings include Wagah (Punjab) and Attari (Amritsar). While relations have been politically strained, they share strong cultural and linguistic links.

2. China

China borders India to the north and northeast with a border length of 3,488 km. The boundary passes through Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Both countries are ancient civilizations and major Asian powers. However, the border areas like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh remain disputed.

3. Nepal

Nepal lies to the north of India, bordered by Bihar, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, sharing an open border of 1,770 km. Citizens of both countries can travel and work freely across borders. The two nations share deep cultural, linguistic, and religious ties. Mount Everest and the Himalayas further connect their geography and tourism.

4. Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom situated to the northeast of India, sharing a 699 km border. It touches Indian states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal. Relations between India and Bhutan are marked by friendship, trust, and cooperation. India assists Bhutan in defense, trade, and hydropower development.

5. Bangladesh

Bangladesh lies to the east of India and shares the longest international border with India, about 4,096 km. It borders West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The two countries share strong historical and cultural bonds, with Bengali as a common language. India supported Bangladesh’s independence movement in 1971.

6. Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar shares a 1,643 km border with India, touching Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. It acts as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the “Act East Policy.” The Moreh–Tamu border point facilitates trade and cross-border cooperation. India and Myanmar also collaborate in defense and counter-insurgency operations.

7. Afghanistan

Afghanistan shares a 106 km border with India, though it currently lies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Historically, India and Afghanistan had strong trade and cultural connections through the Silk Route. India has helped rebuild Afghanistan through infrastructure and education projects. The region is strategically vital for South Asian geopolitics.

8. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is India’s southern maritime neighbor, separated by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The shortest distance between them is around 30 km through Adam’s Bridge (Rama’s Bridge). The two nations share close historical, cultural, and religious ties, especially through Buddhism and Hinduism. Trade and tourism link both economies strongly.

9. Maldives

The Maldives lies to the southwest of India in the Indian Ocean, about 700 km from the Lakshadweep Islands. Though separated by sea, it is a key maritime neighbor of India. The two countries maintain friendly ties focused on security, trade, and tourism. India often assists the Maldives in disaster relief and defense cooperation.

Neighbouring Countries of India Facts

India-China Relations

India and China share a historical bond that spans thousands of years, marked by significant cultural and trade exchanges. In modern times, the two nations signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954, emphasizing mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. However, the relationship has been marred by a border conflict in 1962, which has led to long-standing disputes over territorial boundaries.

India-Pakistan Relations

The relationship between India and Pakistan is deeply rooted in a shared history, marked by the partition of British India in 1947. Despite cultural and historical similarities, the two nations have faced tensions, especially after conflicts such as the 1965 war and the Kargil conflict in 1999. Diplomatic channels remain open, with a focus on reducing tensions and fostering stability in the region.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

Established in 1985, SAARC was formed with the goal of promoting regional cooperation and advancing economic, social, and cultural development across South Asia. Comprising eight member states, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, SAARC aims to create a unified approach to addressing regional challenges such as poverty, education, and climate change. The organization has played a significant role in fostering peace and collaboration, though political disagreements have sometimes hindered its full potential.

India-Bangladesh Relations

India’s support for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 laid the foundation for a strong bilateral relationship. Since then, India and Bangladesh have developed close ties in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Both countries share a commitment to regional peace and stability, with cooperation in areas like trade, water-sharing agreements, and counterterrorism. 

India-Sri Lanka Relations

India and Sri Lanka have long standing historical and cultural ties that have shaped their bilateral relationship. The two nations share deep connections through religion, language, and trade. While challenges related to the Indian-origin Tamil population in Sri Lanka have occasionally strained relations, both countries continue to maintain positive political and economic ties. Cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, and infrastructure development has strengthened the partnership, with efforts focused on resolving issues diplomatically.