India shares a land border of approximately 15,106 kilometers with 7 countries.
The longest land border India shares is with Bangladesh, spanning about 4,096 kilometers.
India has a coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, facing the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.
Important naval outposts include Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
India’s borders are guarded by forces like BSF, ITBP, and Indian Navy along sea routes.
Introduction
India, as a vast and diverse nation, is uniquely positioned in South Asia, sharing both extensive land borders with multiple countries and a significant maritime boundary. These borders are not just lines on a map—they are vital to national security, diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.
Land Borders
India shares its international land boundaries with seven neighboring countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan (via the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region). These borders vary in terrain—from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the dense forests of the Northeast.
- Pakistan: Shared border of over 3,300 km including the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir.
- China: Approximately 3,488 km, largely in the high-altitude Himalayas, including disputed zones in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Bangladesh: The longest continuous land border with India, involving both plain and riverine terrain.
Maritime Boundaries
India is surrounded by water on three sides, making its maritime frontier critically important. The coastline extends over 7,500 km across nine coastal states. It touches the Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east, and opens to the Indian Ocean in the south.
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, giving India sovereign rights over marine resources. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard monitor these waters, while major ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi act as gateways for trade.
Geopolitical Importance
India’s land and sea borders play a crucial role in regional and global affairs. The country engages in active border diplomacy and infrastructure development in border regions. Sea lanes near India are among the busiest trade routes globally, adding strategic depth to India’s maritime policies.
Conclusion
India’s international borders—both land and sea—represent the nation’s commitment to sovereignty, cooperation, and security. As geopolitical landscapes evolve, managing these frontiers with strength and sensitivity remains vital to India’s national interest.
