List of Neighbouring Countries of India

India’s neighbouring countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. India is situated in the northern hemisphere, latitudinally, and in the eastern hemisphere, longitudinally.

Introduction

Have you ever thought about the neighbouring countries of India? India is the seventh-largest country in the world. India shares its borders with nine countries. These 9 neighbouring countries of India are spread across its boundary. They extend to the northern and eastern boundary. Additionally, they are also present along the western boundary. Together, they form a rich and diverse connection.

• Northwest: Pakistan and Afghanistan
• North: China, Nepal, and Bhutan
• Eastern: Bangladesh and Myanmar
• Southeast: Sri Lanka (Maritime neighbour)
• Southwest: Maldives (Maritime neighbour)

The neighbouring countries and bordering states of India play an important role in India’s cultural, economic, and geopolitical ties. In this article, we will look into the list of neighbouring countries of India and their geographical importance. We will also look at the map of India’s neighbouring countries.

Geographical Extent and Physical Features of India

India, officially known as the Republic of India, is the seventh-largest country in the world. It covers a total geographical area of approximately 3.28 million square kilometres (1.27 million square miles). The country is located in South Asia. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arabian Sea to the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast.

1. Geographical Extent of India: 

• Latitude: 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N
• Longitude: 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E
• Length (North to South): 3,214 km
• Width (East to West): 2,933 km
• Land Frontier: Approximately 15,200 km
• Coastline: Total of 7,516.6 km, including the coastlines of the mainland and island territories

2. Physical Features of India:

India’s varied geographical characteristics can be divided into multiple categories:

a.  Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayas define the northern boundary. The Himalayas are among the world’s highest mountain ranges. This range includes significant peaks such as Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga. The Himalayas serve as a natural barrier against cold winds from Central Asia.

b. Northern Plains

The Indo-Gangetic Plain runs parallel to the Himalayas. It is one of the most fertile regions in India. Major rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra form this vast alluvial plain. As a result, it is an important agricultural area.

c. Thar Desert

The Thar Desert is situated in western India, primarily in the state of Rajasthan. It is characterized by arid conditions and sand dunes. The desert covers an area of about 200,000 to 238,700 square kilometers.

d. Peninsular Plateau

The Peninsular Plateau includes two central regions.

• Deccan Plateau: Rich in minerals and extends across several states. 
• Central Highlands: Located north of the Narmada River.

Also read: Peninsular Plateau of India.

e. Coastal Plains

India has extensive coastal plains along its eastern and western coasts. 

• The Western Coastal Plains: Bordered by the Arabian Sea. 
• The Eastern Coastal Plains: Lie adjacent to the Bay of Bengal.

f. Islands

India has several islands:

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are in the Bay of Bengal.
• The Lakshadweep Islands are in the Arabian Sea.

g. States and Union Territories

India consists of 28 states and 8 union territories. Each of these has distinct geographical features:

• States like Rajasthan feature deserts.
• States like Kerala have coastal regions with lush, green vegetation.
• Northern states such as Himachal Pradesh are mountainous.

Neighbouring Countries of India: Overview

India shares its borders with nine countries. The seven land borders of India are: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. Maritime India’s neighbouring countries are Sri Lanka and the Maldives. 

Total Number of Neighbouring Countries of India	9
Neighbouring Countries Of India	Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Myanmar
Total Land Border Of India	15,106.7 km
Total Length Of the Indian Coastline	7516.6 km

List of Neighbouring Countries of India: Name, Capital, and Currency

There are a total of 9 neighbouring countries of India. These include seven land borders and two maritime borders. Each of these neighbouring countries contributes to India’s diverse geographical and cultural landscape.

Below is the list of the 9 neighbouring countries of India:

Country	Bordering States	Border Length (km)	Official Language	Currency
Afghanistan	Jammu and Kashmir (POK part)	106	Dari, Pashto	Afghan Afghani
Bangladesh	West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam	4,096.7	Bengali	Bangladeshi Taka
Bhutan	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, West Bengal	699	Dzongkha	Ngultrum
China	Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh	3,488	Mandarin	Chinese Yuan
Myanmar	Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland	1,643	Burmese	Burmese Kyat
Nepal	Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand	1,751	Nepali	Nepalese Rupee
Pakistan	Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan	3,323	Urdu	Pakistani Rupee
Sri Lanka	Maritime border (Gulf of Mannar)	Sea Border	Sinhala, Tamil	Sri Lankan Rupee
Maldives	Maritime border (south-west of India)	Sea Border	Dhivehi	Maldivian Rufiyaa

Neighbouring Countries of India Map

Below is the map showing the neighbouring countries and bordering states of India:

Neighbouring Countries of India: Physical Features

India’s neighbouring countries and bordering states can be divided into two types: land and maritime boundaries. Each of these countries has distinct physical features. These features influence geopolitics, trade, and regional cooperation. India shares land borders with seven countries and maritime boundaries with two. The neighboring countries of India and their physical features are discussed below:

Neighbouring Countries of India: Physical Features
Country	Geographical & Climatic Features	Energy & Natural Resources	India’s Strategic Interests
Afganistan	Mountainous areas experience cold winters and are prone to earthquakes due to the location of tectonic plates.	The area is rich in minerals and water, but lacks infrastructure in remote regions.	India can connect to Central Asia, improving trade and cooperation.
Bangladesh	A dense river network is crucial for farming, but it is at risk during monsoon seasons and floods. There is also a danger from earthquakes.	Investing in solar energy can help meet the growing demand for resources, as the high population puts pressure on them.	Textiles and agriculture are important areas for trade partners. Working together on managing rivers is essential.
Bhutan	This mountainous country features high altitudes, cold winters, and occasional earthquakes.	Hydropower potential; rivers harnessed for electricity.	India imports hydropower from Bhutan, crucial for the northeastern energy supply.
China	Diverse geography includes deserts, tropical zones, and the Tibetan Plateau, prone to earthquakes.	Global leader in renewable and nuclear energy.	Trade ties benefit India, despite complex geopolitics.
Myanmar	Tropical climate with heavy monsoons; near earthquake fault lines.	Exploring geothermal and wind energy, and abundant river resources.	Key for India’s Act East policy: port access boosts trade and regional integration.
Nepal	Himalayan region; experiences cold weather and frequent earthquakes.	High hydropower potential; growing solar energy initiatives in remote areas.	Nepal’s rivers for electricity benefit India’s northern power grid and water-sharing.
Pakistan	Diverse terrain with deserts and fertile plains; northern regions experience high seismic activity.	Water-stressed despite rivers; exploring wind and solar solutions.	Cooperation is vital for managing shared rivers like the Indus due to climate and energy impacts.
Sri Lanka	Tropical island nation prone to monsoons and tsunamis.	Solar energy growth; coastal ecosystems vital for livelihoods.	India’s strategic location enhances maritime security, trade, and diplomacy.
Maldives	The island nation is vulnerable to sea-level rise and has a tropical marine climate.	Solar energy reliant; rich coral reef biodiversity.	Key for India’s maritime diplomacy and security, boosting regional influence.

Important Facts about Neighbouring Countries of India

Below are some of the important facts of India’s neighbouring countries:

1. India and China have historical connections dating back to ancient times. The signing of the Panchsheel Pact marked a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship. However, a border dispute in 1962 resulted in a war between the two nations. Over time, efforts have been made to improve relations between India and China.

2. India and Pakistan were once part of a unified country. They shared a common heritage and culture. However, major conflicts have strained relations between the two nations. The Kargil conflict is one of these significant issues. Despite this, ongoing efforts are being made to foster a friendly relationship with Pakistan.

3. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established to promote peace, stability, and economic progress in the region. It aims to achieve this through mutual cooperation. 

4. India played a pivotal role in supporting the people of Bangladesh in their struggle for independence from Pakistani rule. This support has led to the development of strong ties between the two nations. These ties are political, economic, and cultural in nature.

5. India and Sri Lanka share deep-rooted connections. These connections are rooted in ancient history, mythology, and culture. There have been some challenges related to the Indian-origin population in Sri Lanka. Overall, our political relations have remained positive. Trade relations have also been favorable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India’s neighbouring countries are: Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. These 9 neighbouring countries of India show the region’s rich cultural and geopolitical diversity. India’s neighbouring countries influence its foreign relations. They also affect trade dynamics, showcasing India’s strategic importance in South Asia. 

Studying this list of neighbouring countries of India is important to understand India’s geopolitics. Furthermore, the neighbouring countries and bordering states have an ongoing impact on India’s future.