India is huge and super diverse, sitting right in the heart of South Asia.
It’s surrounded by a bunch of nations that are all tied to it with deep cultural, economic, and historical connections.
From the towering Himalayas to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, India’s borders aren't just lines on a map they tell a story of shared history, trade, and even some friendly rivalry.
Getting to Know India's Geographic Friends
As the world's seventh-largest country, India has a lot of neighbors to be exact!
Seven are on land, and two are across the sea.
Together, they make up one of the most vibrant and interconnected regions globally. These neighbors have shaped India's culture, economy, security, and traditions in countless ways.
Let's take a quick trip around the border and meet them all!
List of Neighbouring Countries of India
| Type | Country | Border Length (About) | Region Shared with India |
| Land | Bangladesh | 4,096 km (The longest!) | East: West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Land | China | 3,488 km | North: Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Land | Pakistan | 3,323 km | Northwest: Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat |
| Land | Nepal | 1,751 km | North: Bihar, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal |
| Land | Myanmar | 1,643 km | East: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram |
| Land | Bhutan | 699 km | North-East: Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Land | Afghanistan | 106 km (The shortest!) | Northwest: Gilgit-Baltistan region |
| Maritime | Maldives | 700 km (by sea) | South: West of India in the Indian Ocean |
| Maritime | Sri Lanka | 30 km (across the Palk Strait) | South of Tamil Nadu |
Discover the unique charm of India’s 8 Union Territories. Explore now!
India's Land Neighbors: Up Close and Personal
Pakistan
Location: Northwest Border Length: 3,323 km
Pakistan is right there on the northwestern side, sharing a border with states like Punjab and Gujarat. Before the 1947 partition, we were one country, so it’s no surprise we still share a ton of linguistic and cultural stuff.
Sure, there are political issues, but the connection between the people remains strong, especially through art, music, and the mutual obsession with cricket!
China
Location: North Border Length: 3,488 km
India's northern border meets China mainly high up in the Himalayan mountains. We’re talking about two of the world’s oldest civilizations that have been trading and sharing culture for thousands of years.
While we definitely have some major border disagreements, the two nations still do a huge amount of trade and work together on big global problems like climate change.
Nepal
Location: North Border Length: 1,751 km
Nepal is a really close neighbor. Get this: the border is open, so citizens can travel freely without needing a visa! We share really deep cultural and religious connections thanks to Hinduism and Buddhism.
Lots of Nepali folks work and study in India, and Indian tourists love visiting Nepal's mountains and spiritual spots.
Bhutan
Location: North-East Border Length: 699 km
Bhutan is a beautiful, small, and super peaceful Himalayan nation. India and Bhutan have a famously warm and friendly relationship built on respect and cooperation.
India helps Bhutan out with infrastructure, education, and trade, and Bhutan helps keep the Himalayan environment safe and sound.
Bangladesh
Location: East Border Length: 4,096 km
Bangladesh has the longest land border with India, snaking for over 4,000 kilometers! The border touches five Indian states. We share a very strong culture, especially the language, literature, and food.
India played a huge role in Bangladesh's independence in 1971, and our partnership has only gotten stronger since then through trade and energy sharing.
Myanmar
Location: East Border Length: 1,643 km
Myanmar shares a border that runs through India's northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The communities along this boundary have a lot of shared ethnic and cultural ties.
India and Myanmar work together on security and development, especially under India's Act East Policy.
Afghanistan
Location: Northwest Border Length: 106 km
India technically shares a tiny border with Afghanistan, just 106 km, through the Gilgit-Baltistan region (which is currently under Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
Historically, we were connected by major trading routes like the ancient Silk Road. India has been an important friend to Afghanistan, helping with infrastructure, schools, and healthcare.
India's Maritime Neighbors: Across the Water
Sri Lanka
Location: South Distance: Separated by the Palk Strait (only about 30 km wide!)
Sri Lanka is right off India's southern tip. We have strong cultural and religious connections, especially through Buddhism and shared Tamil heritage.
India and Sri Lanka are big partners in trade, tourism, and keeping the sea lanes safe.
Maldives
Location: Southwest Distance: About 700 km by sea
The Maldives is famous for its stunning islands and clear blue waters. This island nation and India have a close maritime relationship. We cooperate on defense, disaster management, and protecting the environment.
India has always stepped up to help the Maldives when they’ve needed it, which has really built a lot of trust.
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, discover all 28 states and their capitals now!
Final Thoughts
India’s neighbors are a fascinating mix that makes this region so unique. From the high mountains of Nepal to the island beauty of the Maldives, every country adds a unique chapter to India’s story.
They're not just lines on a map; they're partners in culture, business, and development. It's a great example of how peace and progress come from working together and understanding each other.
FAQs
1. What are the nine neighboring countries of India?
It's Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan (the seven land neighbors), plus Sri Lanka and the Maldives (the two maritime neighbors).
2. What are the 7 borders of India?
India shares land borders with seven countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. These borders stretch across the north, northwest, and eastern parts of India.
3. What is the name of the border between India and Afghanistan?
It’s called the Durand Line. It runs through the Gilgit Baltistan region, which is currently administered by Pakistan.
4. Is Tajikistan a neighbor of India?
Nope, it's not a direct neighbor. A skinny strip of Afghanistan called the Wakhan Corridor separates it from India.
5. What is India's smallest neighboring country?
The Maldives is the smallest—it's a tiny group of islands southwest of India.
6. Is Tajikistan a Hindu country?
No, Tajikistan is not a Hindu country. It is a Muslim-majority nation, with Islam being the main religion practiced there.
