INDIA’S NEIGHBOURS

1.4 INDIA’S NEIGHBOURS

Description

Quick Overview

India shares borders with multiple countries and has strategic geographic importance in South Asia.

Standard

India is strategically located in South Asia, bordered by several countries, and includes various island groups that enhance its maritime and cultural exchanges. This section outlines the geographic boundaries, sizes, and significance of India's location in connection to its neighbors.

Detailed

Overview of India's Geography

India occupies a crucial geographic position in South Asia, marked by an area of 3.28 million square kilometers, which constitutes 2.4% of the world's land area. The Tropic of Cancer runs through India, dividing the country nearly in half. It features multiple geographical structures, including mountain ranges to the north and a long coastline that provides strategic maritime connections.

Location and Boundaries

Positioned entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, India spans latitudes from 8°4'N to 37°6'N and longitudes from 68°7'E to 97°25'E. Its total land boundary stretches about 15,200 kilometers, and its coastline, including its island territories, measures approximately 7,516.6 kilometers.

Emergence of Key Geopolitical Connections

India is bordered by seven countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Its southern neighbors include the island countries of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The significance of these borders lies not only in political terms but also in historical exchanges of culture, ideas, and commerce, facilitated by ancient land and maritime routes. The opening of the Suez Canal has further integrated India's positioning to routes linking Europe and Asia.

Conclusion

Understanding India’s neighbors unveils its profound influence in regional dynamics, reinforcing its role in trade, culture, and history.

Key Concepts

  • Geographical location: India is strategically placed between East and West Asia.

  • Size: India's total area is 3.28 million sq km, making it the seventh-largest country.

  • Borders: India shares its land boundaries with seven countries and has significant maritime territories.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In the South, Sri Lanka, and Maldives too, island neighbors, welcoming you.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine India as a bridge: to the West it shares a handshake with Pakistan and Afghanistan; to the North, it welcomes the wisdom from Nepal and Bhutan, and in the East, it exchanges smiles with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • P ABC N B M: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh - Hometown of India!

🎯 Super Acronyms

S.I.N.A

  • South India Neighbors Augment trade – for Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Examples

  • The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands enhance India's tourist appeal and cultural depth.

  • India’s position facilitates maritime trade routes to Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Tropic of Cancer

    Definition:

    A circle of latitude at 23°30′ N that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

  • Term: Andaman Islands

    Definition:

    An archipelago in the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of the Indian mainland.

  • Term: Lakshadweep Islands

    Definition:

    A group of islands in the Arabian Sea, southwest of the Indian mainland.

  • Term: Coastline

    Definition:

    The area where land meets the sea; India's coastline includes the mainland and its island territories.

  • Term: Union Territories

    Definition:

    Administrative divisions of India which are governed directly by the Central Government.