India and its neighbouring countries
India's geographical positioning in South Asia makes it a key player in regional dynamics, with its borders touching several neighboring countries, each influencing its political, economic, and security landscapes. Let's take a closer look at these neighboring countries and their relationships with India:
Neighbouring Countries of India at a Glance
1. Afghanistan
- Border Length: 106 km
- Capital: Kabul
- Official Languages: Dari, Pashto
- Currency: Afghan Afghani
- Overview: Although sharing a relatively small border, Afghanistan holds strategic importance due to its location and the impact of regional security dynamics. India's relationship with Afghanistan has been shaped by its development assistance and cultural ties.
2. Bangladesh
- Border Line: 4,096.7 km
- Capital: Dhaka
- Official Language: Bengali
- Currency: Bangladeshi Taka
- Overview: Bangladesh shares the longest border with India. The two countries have deep cultural ties, and their relationship has grown stronger since India's support for Bangladesh's independence in 1971. Trade and connectivity between the two nations have seen significant improvements.
3. Bhutan
- Border Line: 699 km
- Capital: Thimphu
- Official Language: Dzongkha
- Currency: Ngultrum
- Overview: Bhutan and India enjoy a unique relationship characterized by trust, mutual respect, and strong cooperation. Bhutan relies heavily on India for trade and economic assistance, and both countries work closely on security and strategic issues.
4. China
- Border Line: 3,488 km
- Capital: Beijing
- Official Language: Mandarin
- Currency: Chinese Yuan
- Overview: India and China share a complex relationship marked by both cooperation and conflict. The historical ties between the two nations include ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges, but the border dispute, particularly the 1962 war, has cast a long shadow. Despite tensions, both countries continue to engage diplomatically and economically.
5. Myanmar
- Border Line: 1,643 km
- Capital: Naypyidaw
- Official Language: Burmese
- Currency: Burmese Kyat
- Overview: Myanmar's geographical proximity to India's northeastern states makes it crucial for India's Act East policy. The two countries collaborate on various fronts, including trade, cultural exchanges, and counter-insurgency efforts.
6. Nepal
- Border Line: 1,751 km
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Official Language: Nepali
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee
- Overview: India and Nepal share an open border and deep cultural, religious, and historical ties. Despite occasional political tensions, the relationship remains strong, with significant cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, and security.
7. Pakistan
- Border Line: 3,323 km
- Capital: Islamabad
- Official Language: Urdu
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee
- Overview: Once part of a unified country, India and Pakistan have experienced a tumultuous relationship since partition in 1947, including wars and ongoing conflicts. Efforts for peace and normalization continue, though challenges remain, especially in the Kashmir region.
8. Sri Lanka
- Border Line: Sea Border
- Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Administrative), Colombo (Commercial)
- Official Languages: Sinhala, Tamil
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- Overview: India's relationship with Sri Lanka is anchored in shared history, culture, and trade. While there have been issues related to the Tamil population in Sri Lanka, the overall relationship remains positive, with strong economic and political ties.
9. Maldives
- Border Line: Sea Border
- Capital: Malé
- Official Language: Dhivehi
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa
- Overview: The Maldives, though small in size, holds significant strategic importance in the Indian Ocean. India's relationship with the Maldives is based on mutual interests in security, trade, and regional stability.
Important Facts:
- India-China Relations: Marked by ancient connections and modern-day complexities, efforts are ongoing to stabilize the relationship despite border disputes.
- India-Pakistan Relations: Shared heritage has been overshadowed by conflicts, but there is an ongoing effort to improve ties.
- SAARC: India plays a key role in this regional organization aimed at promoting cooperation among South Asian nations.
- India-Bangladesh Relations: Strong ties rooted in historical support for Bangladesh's independence continue to flourish.
- India-Sri Lanka Relations: Ancient cultural ties support a generally positive relationship, despite occasional challenges.
India's borders are not just physical demarcations but also gateways to complex relationships that shape its geopolitical strategy and influence its role on the global stage.