Detailed Summary
The section discusses India's geographic size and location in terms of its extent and boundaries. India has a total area of 3.28 million square kilometers, constituting about 2.4% of the world's total land area, making it the seventh largest country in the world. The Tropic of Cancer, positioned at 23° 30'N, divides India into almost equal halves. The section emphasizes the country's considerable coastline of 7,516.6 km and its relationships with neighboring countries across land and maritime routes, particularly highlighting significant geographical features.
India’s mainland extends from 8°4'N to 37°6'N latitude and 68°7'E to 97°25'E longitude, and its geostrategic significance is enhanced due to its central location between East and West Asia. The country is surrounded by multiple neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, as well as southern island nations Sri Lanka and Maldives. The importance of India’s placement in the Indian Ocean is noted, as it connects India to various trade routes, further emphasizing its historical role in the exchange of ideas, commodities, and cultural influences.