How many countries share a land border with India?

India shares land borders with seven countries. These are Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The total length of India's land border is approximately 15,106.7 kilometers. Among these, Bangladesh shares the longest land border with India, stretching over 4,096 kilometers, while Afghanistan shares the shortest, at 106 kilometers, though this segment lies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is thus disputed.

What is India's 'Neighborhood First' Policy?

The 'Neighborhood First' Policy is a cornerstone of India's foreign policy, articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It prioritizes fostering friendly and cooperative relations with India's immediate neighbours. The policy emphasizes enhanced connectivity (physical, digital, people-to-people), increased cooperation in various sectors (trade, energy, security), and mutual development. It aims to ensure that India's growth and prosperity contribute to the well-being of its neighbours, positioning India as a reliable partner and a net security provider in the region, while also countering the growing influence of external powers.

Which are India's maritime neighbors?

India has two primary maritime neighbours: Sri Lanka and Maldives. Both are island nations located in the Indian Ocean, strategically positioned along vital international shipping lanes. India's maritime boundaries also extend to Indonesia and Thailand in the Andaman Sea, and to Pakistan in the Arabian Sea, though these are typically discussed in specific contexts rather than as 'maritime neighbours' in the same vein as Sri Lanka and Maldives for general foreign policy discussions.

What are the major border disputes India has with its 'Other Neighbours'?

India has several significant border disputes with its 'Other Neighbours'. With Nepal, the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh tri-junction area is a long-standing territorial dispute. While the land boundary with Bangladesh was largely settled by the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement, maritime boundary demarcation and river water sharing (e.g., Teesta) remain points of contention. With Myanmar, while the land border is generally settled, issues arise from the unfenced nature and the Free Movement Regime, leading to security challenges rather than territorial disputes. The border with Afghanistan is disputed as it lies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. With Bhutan, the border is largely demarcated and peaceful. Maritime boundaries with Sri Lanka (Katchatheevu) and Maldives are generally settled but impact fishing rights and strategic interests.

How does China influence India's neighborhood policy?

China's growing economic and strategic influence, primarily through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), significantly impacts India's neighborhood policy. China offers large-scale infrastructure projects and loans to India's neighbours, often creating 'debt traps' or strategic leverage. This competition compels India to enhance its own development assistance, connectivity projects, and diplomatic engagement to maintain its traditional influence and counter China's strategic encirclement. India's 'Neighborhood First' policy is partly a response to this geopolitical reality, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation to ensure its neighbours do not become platforms for hostile activities or undue external influence.

What is the significance of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project?

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a flagship connectivity initiative by India, aimed at linking the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe port in Myanmar by sea, and then connecting Sittwe to Mizoram in Northeast India via the Kaladan river and a highway. Its significance lies in providing an alternative route for the transportation of goods to India's landlocked Northeast, bypassing the congested Siliguri Corridor. This project is crucial for the economic development of India's Northeast, enhancing trade with Myanmar, and strengthening India's 'Act East' policy, fostering regional integration and strategic access.

What are the key challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations?

Key challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations primarily revolve around the long-standing fishermen's issue, where Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu are often apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The Katchatheevu island cession also remains a sensitive topic. Additionally, the ethnic Tamil question in Sri Lanka, and India's role in advocating for their rights, has historically been a point of friction. More recently, concerns over China's growing economic and strategic footprint in Sri Lanka, particularly through port projects like Hambantota, pose a strategic challenge for India's maritime security and regional influence.

← ALL TOPICS

Indian & World Geography

NEXT TOPIC →

China

Other Neighbours

Indian & World Geography

Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified

Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026

Explore This Topic

Definition Detailed Explanation Key Cases & Reports Core Concepts Policy Changes UPSC Importance Prelims Strategy Mains Strategy Prelims MCQs Mains Questions MCQ Practice Predicted 2026 Revision Notes Current Affairs

Article 51 of the Constitution of India, enshrined within the Directive Principles of State Policy, provides the foundational philosophical framework for India's engagement with the international community, including its immediate neighbours. It states: 'The State shall endeavour to — (a) promote international peace and security; (b) maintain just and honourable relations between nations; (c) fost…

Quick Summary

India's 'Other Neighbours' encompass Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Maldives, forming a critical arc of nations vital for India's security, economic prosperity, and regional influence.

These relationships are governed by a blend of geographical realities, historical legacies, cultural affinities, and contemporary strategic imperatives. India shares extensive land borders with Nepal (1,850 km), Bhutan (699 km), Bangladesh (4,096 km), and Myanmar (1,643 km), and a short, disputed border with Afghanistan (106 km).

Sri Lanka and Maldives are key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean. The 'Neighborhood First' policy underpins India's approach, emphasizing connectivity, cooperation, commerce, and cultural exchange.

Key aspects of these relationships include: Nepal – an open border, the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, significant hydropower potential, and the Kalapani border dispute. Bhutan – a special relationship based on the 2007 Treaty of Friendship, extensive hydropower cooperation, and strategic importance for India's security (Doklam).

Bangladesh – India's longest land border, resolution of enclaves via the 100th CAA, crucial connectivity for India's Northeast, but ongoing Teesta water-sharing challenges. Sri Lanka – maritime neighbour, fishermen's issues, the Tamil question, and strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.

Myanmar – gateway to Southeast Asia, 'Act East' policy, Kaladan Multi-Modal project, and challenges of cross-border insurgency and the military coup. Afghanistan – historical ties, significant Indian development aid, and concerns over regional security post-Taliban takeover.

Maldives – vital for Indian Ocean security, 'SAGAR' vision, but recent diplomatic strains over Indian military presence.

These relationships are dynamic, influenced by internal political changes in partner countries and the growing geopolitical competition, particularly from China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's strategy involves balancing its role as a regional power with respect for sovereignty, offering development assistance, and promoting regional forums like BIMSTEC, while also addressing security concerns like cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, and maritime threats.

Understanding these multifaceted engagements is crucial for UPSC, as they reflect India's evolving foreign policy and its role in South Asia.

Vyyuha

Your 6-Month Blueprint, Updated Nightly

AI analyses your progress every night. Wake up to a smarter plan. Every. Single.…

7 Land Neighbours (excl. China): — Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar.

2 Maritime Neighbours: — Sri Lanka, Maldives.

Longest Border: — Bangladesh (4096 km).

Shortest Border: — Afghanistan (106 km, PoK).

Nepal: — 1950 Treaty, Kalapani dispute, Hydropower.

Bhutan: — 2007 Treaty, Hydropower, Doklam.

Bangladesh: — 100th CAA (2015 LBA), Teesta dispute, Connectivity.

Sri Lanka: — Maritime, Fishermen, Tamil issue, Chinese influence.

Myanmar: — Act East, Kaladan Project, FMR, Insurgency, Coup impact.

Afghanistan: — Chabahar, Development aid, Post-Taliban security.

Maldives: — Indian Ocean, SAGAR, 'India Out' campaign, Strategic location.

Key Policies: — Neighborhood First, Act East.

Vyyuha's NEPAL-BSM-AM Mnemonic:

N - Nepal: Nineteen-fifty Treaty, Numerous rivers (water disputes), North-facing (buffer). E - Eastward (Act East Policy). P - Peace and Friendship (Treaty). A - Afghanistan: Access via Chabahar, Aid from India, Always volatile. L - Land Boundary Agreement (100th CAA for Bangladesh).

B - Bhutan: Big brother India (special relationship), Buddhist ties, Big hydropower. S - Sri Lanka: Sea neighbour, Sensitive fishermen, Strategic Indian Ocean. M - Myanmar: Multi-modal (Kaladan), Military coup, Many insurgencies.

A - Act East (Policy for Myanmar). M - Maldives: Maritime security, Major Indian Ocean player, Many diplomatic waves.

Memory Hook: Imagine a 'NEPAL' (the country) that's 'BSM' (Big, Strategic, Maritime) and then 'AM' (Always Moving/Active) in India's foreign policy. Each letter triggers a country and its key features. 'E' and 'A' are policy reminders.

Other Neighbours

Quick Summary

Related Topics