Introduction
A neighbour is not only a country that shares a land border with us. A neighbour can also be a country connected through the sea. India’s relationships with her neighbours are shaped by geography, history, culture, religion, trade, and politics . India is centrally located in South Asia and has both land-based and maritime neighbours.
India’s total land boundary is about 15,100 km , passing through mountains, deserts, plains, forests and river valleys. India also has a long coastline of about 11,100 km , making it an important maritime nation.
The three large water bodies surrounding India are:
- Arabian Sea (west)
- Bay of Bengal (east)
- Indian Ocean (south)
The Indian Ocean is very important for global trade, as it carries a large portion of the world’s oil and cargo. India’s central position in the ocean makes her important for trade, disaster relief, and regional cooperation. This cooperation among neighbouring countries is called regionalism .
India and Her Land-Based Neighbours
1. India and China
China is India’s largest neighbour. The two countries are separated by the Himalayas. Their border runs across:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
- Ladakh
Cultural Connections
- Buddhism travelled from India to China around the 1st century CE.
- Chinese monks like Faxian and Xuanzang came to India.
- Indian monks such as Bodhidharma , Dharmakṣhema , and Kumārajīva went to China.
- Hindu temples were built in the Chinese port of Quanzhou in the 13th century.
Trade Relations
India exports:
- Iron ore
- Chemicals
- Cotton yarn
India imports:
- Electronics
- Mobile phones
- Industrial equipment
However, China exports much more to India than India exports to China.
Challenges
There have been border tensions and conflicts, but both countries attempt to resolve issues through dialogue and trade.
2. India and Pakistan
Pakistan was part of India before the Partition of 1947.
The border passes through:
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh
Conflicts
Wars occurred in:
- 1948
- 1965
- 1971
- 1999 (Kargil War)
Tensions remain due to terrorism and military conflicts.
Cultural and Religious Links
Despite tensions, shared heritage continues:
- Katas Raj temple
- Hinglaj Mata Mandir
- Sikh shrines
The Kartarpur Corridor allows Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan without a visa. It was opened in 2019 on Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary.
3. India and Bangladesh
Bangladesh was earlier East Pakistan and became independent in 1971.
India shares a long border with:
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Tripura
- Mizoram
Shared Features
- Bangla language
- Common culture
- Shared rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra
The Sundarban National Park is shared by both countries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects biodiversity and acts as a barrier against cyclones.
Challenges
Bangladesh faces threats from rising sea levels and climate change.
4. India and Nepal
Nepal shares an open border with India.
Bordering Indian states:
- Uttarakhand
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Sikkim
Open Border
People can travel without passports or visas. This strengthens trade, education, employment, and family connections.
Cultural Links
- Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu
- Shared festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Holi
India is Nepal’s largest trading partner.
5. India and Bhutan
Bhutan is called the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.”
It shares borders with:
- Sikkim
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
Cooperation
- Hydroelectric power projects
- Renewable energy supply to India
Cultural Links
Bhutan follows Vajrayana Buddhism introduced by Guru Padmasambhava.
Bhutan measures progress through the Gross National Happiness Index , focusing on sustainability and culture.
6. India and Myanmar
Myanmar shares land and maritime boundaries with India.
Bordering states:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram
Importance
- Gateway to Southeast Asia
- Land Border Crossing Agreement (2018)
India helped restore the Ananda Temple in Bagan and gifted a Buddha statue to Myanmar.
7. India and Afghanistan
Afghanistan is landlocked. It earlier shared a border with India before 1947.
Historical Links
- Uttarapatha trade route connected India to Central Asia.
- Spread of Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Bamiyan Buddhas (destroyed in 2001).
Modern Cooperation
India helped build:
- Afghan Parliament building
- Zaranj-Delaram highway
India’s Maritime Neighbours
1. India and Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka lies southeast of India, separated by the Palk Strait.
Cultural Links
- Buddhism introduced by Mahendra and Sanghamitra.
- Shared Hindu epics.
Conflict
Sri Lankan civil war (1980s–2010) caused migration of Tamil people to Tamil Nadu.
2. India and Maldives
Maldives consists of over 1,100 islands.
Cultural Influence
- Buddhism reached early.
- Language Dhivehi has Indian roots.
Cooperation
India helped during:
- 2004 tsunami
- 2014 water crisis
- COVID-19 pandemic
The Maldives is vulnerable to rising sea levels.
3. India and Thailand
Thailand shares maritime links with India.
Cultural Influence
- Dvāravatī (from Dvārakā)
- Ayutthayā (from Ayodhyā)
- Theravada Buddhism
The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway strengthens connectivity.
4. India and Malaysia
Malaysia has ancient links through trade.
- Influenced by Hindu-Buddhist culture.
- Many Indians migrated during colonial times.
- 9% population of Indian origin.
- Strong trade relations.
5. India and Singapore
Singapore means “Lion City.”
- Tamil is an official language.
- Strong trade and investment ties.
- Little India area shows Indian cultural presence.
6. India and Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands.
Cultural Links
- Ramayana influence
- Garuda symbol
- Borobudur Stupa
- Trade with Nalanda
Disaster Cooperation
After the 2004 tsunami, India and Indonesia worked together to set up early warning systems.
Regional Cooperation
In 1985, South Asian countries formed South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Members:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
SAARC promotes cooperation in:
- Education
- Health
- Science
- Development
Conclusion
India’s relationships with her neighbours are not based only on geography but also on:
- Shared history
- Religion
- Trade
- Culture
- Strategic cooperation
India plays a central role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Good neighbourly relations help in maintaining peace, economic growth, cultural exchange, and disaster management.
Being neighbours is not just about sharing borders — it is aboutworking together for mutual progress and harmony.
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