Neighboring Countries of India: List, Capitals, and Physical Features
Neighboring countries of India hold immense geographical, cultural, and strategic importance. India, a prominent South Asian nation, stands out as one of the largest countries in the world. Hence, positioned in both the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, India ranks as the seventh-largest country globally by land area. Moreover, with land boundaries extending 15,106.7 kilometers and a coastline of around 11,099 kilometers. Therefore , India enjoys a unique position connecting diverse cultures, economies, and ecosystems across Asia. This article covers India’s neighbouring countries, a key topic for UPSC, APPSC, APSC, and other state government exams. Understanding these relationships is crucial for grasping India’s foreign policy, regional stability, and global interactions.
Neighboring Countries of India: An Overview
India shares its borders with nine neighboring countries, forming a blend of land and maritime boundaries. On land, it borders Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, while across the sea, it shares maritime borders with Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The geographical boundaries of a nation plays an important role in diplomatic, economic and strategic policies of a nation. India, being a country of diverse cultures, ethnicity, language holds profound significance in maintainingb the international relation with its neighbouring countries.
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Neighboring Countries of India | 9 |
| Land Border Length | 15,106.7 km |
| Coastline Length | 11,099 km |
| Countries Sharing Land Borders | Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan |
| Countries Sharing Maritime Borders | Sri Lanka, Maldives |
Hence , India’s border regions not only influence its foreign policy and defense strategies, but they also shape cross-border trade, culture, and tourism, making this geographical knowledge essential for competitive exam aspirants.
List of Neighboring Countries of India with Capitals and Bordering States
Nestled in southern Asia, India’s vast geographic expanse connects it with nine neighbouring countries, each playing a unique role in shaping its foreign policy, regional cooperation, and economic engagements. From the towering Himalayas in the north to the azure waters of the Indian Ocean in the south, India’s diverse borders serve as vital gateways for trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.Each neighboring nation holds a distinct geographical and cultural connection with India. Here’s the detailed informations listing all neighboring countries of India with their capitals, border lengths, and Indian states sharing the borders.
| Country | Capital | Border Length (km) | Bordering Indian States/UTs |
| Afghanistan | Kabul | 106 km | Ladakh (PoK area) |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | 4,096.7 km | West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam |
| Bhutan | Thimphu | 699 km | West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam |
| China | Beijing | 3,488 km | Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Myanmar | Naypyidaw | 1,643 km | Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | 1,751 km | Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal |
| Pakistan | Islamabad | 3,323 km | Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo (Commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Legislative) | Sea Border | Separated from India by the Gulf of Mannar |
| Maldives | Male | Sea Border | Lies southwest of India below the Lakshadweep Islands |
Neighboring Countries of India: Physical Features
India, located in southern Asia, has a strategic geographic position that has shaped its history, culture, and global importance. With a land border of 15,106.7 km and a coastline of 7,516.6 km, it shares boundaries with nine neighbouring countries, making it a crucial player in regional affairs.
As the seventh-largest country and one of the most populous in the world, India’s diversity in languages, cultures, and traditions adds to its economic and political significance. Its geographic features, rich heritage, and strategic location continue to influence India’s foreign policy and its efforts to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring nations.
1. Afghanistan – India’s Gateway to Central Asia
Afghanistan lies to the northwest of India, sharing a border with Ladakh (PoK). Geopolitically, India has closely monitored Afghanistan’s stability. and the two countries have partnered on several developmental and infrastructure initiatives. The country witnesses frequent earthquakes due to tectonic activity. Recently, on 1st September, 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s mountainous eastern region. Moreover , it acts as a strategic link between South and Central Asia.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border Length | 106 km |
| Official Languages | Dari, Pashto |
| Currency | Afghan Afghani |
| States/Provinces | 34 Provinces |
| Area | About 652,230 sq km |
| Major Economy | Agriculture; Manufacturing of textiles, carpets, handicrafts, and woollens |
| Religion | Islam |
2. Bangladesh – India’s Eastern Neighbor
Located to the east of India, Bangladesh shares its borders with five Indian states: West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam. The two countries share deep cultural, economic, and historical ties, and their bilateral relations have seen significant improvement in recent years.
Geographically, Bangladesh lies in the low-lying river plains of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, making the land highly fertile but prone to flooding during the monsoon season.
Economically, Bangladesh is a major partner in trade and water management with India. As of 2023-24, India-Bangladesh bilateral trade stands at $13 billion, making Bangladesh one of India’s largest trading partners in the subcontinent.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border Length | 4,096.7 km |
| Official Language | Bengali |
| Currency | Bangladeshi Taka |
| States/Provinces | 8 Divisions |
| Area | 143,998 sq km |
| Economy | Agriculture, Industry, and Services |
| Religion | Islam |
| Capital | Dhaka |
| Time Zone | Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), UTC +6 |
| Population | Approx. 170 million (2023) |
| Key Facts | One of the most densely populated countries; economy heavily reliant on textiles and ready-made garments |
3. Bhutan- India’s Trusted Himalayan Partner
India and Bhutan share a unique and time-tested friendship built on mutual trust, cooperation, and respect. Bhutan shares its borders with four Indian states — West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.
India has been a key development partner for Bhutan, supporting its progress in sectors such as hydropower, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The close political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations make their relationship one of the most exemplary bilateral partnerships in South Asia.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border Length | 699 km |
| Official Language | Dzongkha |
| Currency | Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) (equivalent to Indian Rupee) |
| States/Provinces | 20 Districts (Dzongkhags) |
| Area | 38,394 sq km |
| Economy | Hydropower, Agriculture, Forestry, and Tourism |
| Religion | Buddhism, Hinduism |
| Capital | Thimphu |
| Population | Approx. 0.8 million (2023) |
| Time Zone | Bhutan Standard Time (BST), UTC +6 |
| Key Facts | Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”; Bhutan measures national progress through Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of GDP. |
4. China – India’s Northern Neighbor
India’s northern neighbor, China, shares its borders with five Indian states — Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. It shares a long border with India along the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, characterized by diverse geographical features such as glaciers, arid deserts, and earthquake-prone zones.
China is also the source of several major rivers, including the Brahmaputra (known as Tsangpo in Tibet), which flows into India and plays a vital role in the region’s ecology and economy.
While the Sino-Indian border remains an area of strategic sensitivity and occasional tension, both countries continue to engage in dialogue and economic cooperation. China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, with growing interaction in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border Length | 3,488 km |
| Official Language | Mandarin (Putonghua) |
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (Renminbi – RMB) |
| States/Provinces | 26 Provinces, 5 Autonomous Regions, 4 Municipalities, and 2 Special Administrative Regions (Hong Kong & Macau) |
| Area | About 9,596,960 sq km |
| Economy | Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Services |
| Religion | Atheism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam |
| Capital | Beijing |
| Population | Approx. 1.4 billion (2023) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (CST), UTC +8 |
| Neighbouring Countries | 14 (including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Russia, etc.) |
| Key Facts | India and China share the longest international border for India; bilateral relations involve cooperation and tensions over border disputes such as Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh; key focus areas include trade, defense, and regional influence in Asia. |
5. Myanmar – India’s Gateway to the East
Located to the east of India, Myanmar shares its borders with four Indian states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The two countries share deep cultural and economic ties and cooperate closely on regional connectivity, security, and trade.
Geographically, Myanmar lies to India’s east and features mountain ranges, dense forests, and coastal plains. The country experiences a tropical climate with heavy monsoon rainfall.
Strategically, Myanmar plays a key role in India’s Act East Policy, serving as a crucial link for cross-border trade and connectivity projects between India and Southeast Asia.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border Length | 1,643 km |
| Official Language | Burmese |
| Currency | Burmese Kyat (MMK) |
| Area | 676,578 sq km |
| Economy | Agriculture, Industry, and Services |
| Religion | Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism |
| Capital | Naypyidaw |
| Population | Approx. 55 million (2023) |
| Time Zone | Myanmar Standard Time (MMT), UTC +6:30 |
| Neighbouring Countries | India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos |
| Key Facts | Shares borders with India’s Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh; plays a key role in India’s Act East Policy and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. |
6. Nepal – India’s Himalayan Neighbor
Sharing its borders with five Indian states — Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand — Nepal enjoys close historical, cultural, and religious ties with India.
A landlocked Himalayan nation, Nepal features rugged mountain ranges, including Mount Everest, alongside the fertile Terai plains. The country is known for its rich hydropower potential and is also prone to seismic activity due to its tectonic location.
Nepal and India share deep cultural, economic, and water-resource linkages, with India serving as Nepal’s key partner in trade, transit, and development cooperation.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border Length | 1,751 km |
| Official Language | Nepali |
| Currency | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) |
| States/Provinces | 7 Provinces |
| Area | 147,181 sq km |
| Economy | Agriculture, Industry, and Tourism |
| Religion | Hinduism, Buddhism |
| Capital | Kathmandu |
| Population | Approx. 30 million (2023) |
| Time Zone | Nepal Standard Time (NST), UTC +5:45 |
| Neighbouring Countries | India, China |
| Key Facts | India shares an open border with Nepal; both nations maintain deep cultural, religious, and economic ties. Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, and plays a crucial role in India’s Himalayan and regional diplomacy. |
7. Pakistan – India’s Western Neighbor
India’s western neighbor, Pakistan, shares its borders with Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The India-Pakistan relationship has been historically complex, marked by disputes and occasional military tensions, yet the two countries also share areas of strategic and environmental cooperation.
Geographically, Pakistan features deserts, fertile plains, and high mountain ranges, with the Indus River system playing a vital role in sustaining its agriculture.
Pakistan and India are linked through shared river treaties, climatic challenges, and regional environmental concerns, reflecting the interdependent nature of their geography and resources.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border Length | 3,323 km |
| Official Language | Urdu |
| Currency | Pakistani Rupee (PKR) |
| States/Provinces | 4 Provinces |
| Area | 796,095 sq km |
| Economy | Agriculture, Industry, and Services |
| Religion | Islam |
| Capital | Islamabad |
| Population | Approx. 240 million (2023) |
| Time Zone | Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), UTC +5 |
| Neighbouring Countries | India, Afghanistan, Iran, China |
| Key Facts | India and Pakistan share a long and sensitive border; relations are shaped by historical conflicts, trade, and security concerns. Pakistan’s Indus River system is a key component of India-Pakistan water-sharing agreements. |
8. Sri Lanka – India’s Southern Neighbor
Separated from India by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka lies to the south of India. The two countries share strong cultural, historical, and economic ties and collaborate on regional and maritime issues.
Geographically, Sri Lanka is an island nation featuring tropical monsoons, fertile coastal plains, and central highlands.
Strategically and economically, Sri Lanka is a key partner in maritime trade, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border | Sea Border |
| Official Languages | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) |
| States/Provinces | 9 Provinces |
| Area | 65,610 sq km |
| Economy | Agriculture, Industry, and Services |
| Religion | Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (official), Colombo (commercial) |
| Population | Approx. 22 million (2023) |
| Time Zone | Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST), UTC +5:30 |
| Neighbouring Countries | India (sea border) |
| Key Facts | Located just south of India, connected via the Palk Strait; key for India’s maritime security and regional trade. |
9. Maldives – India’s Maritime Neighbor
Located to the southwest of India in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an island nation separated from India by the Lakshadweep Sea. The two countries share close cultural, economic, and security ties, strengthened through cooperation in maritime security, tourism, and climate resilience.
Geographically, the Maldives consists of over 1,000 coral islands forming 26 atolls, known for their white sandy beaches and rich marine biodiversity. The country experiences a tropical climate influenced by the monsoon winds.
The Maldives is a crucial partner in India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies, reflecting India’s commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
| Attribute | Details |
| Border | Sea Border |
| Official Language | Dhivehi |
| Currency | Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) |
| States/Provinces | 21 Administrative Atolls |
| Area | 300 sq km |
| Economy | Tourism, Fisheries, Shipping, and Construction |
| Religion | Islam (State Religion) |
| Capital | Malé |
| Population | Approx. 0.5 million (2023) |
| Time Zone | Maldives Standard Time (MST), UTC +5 |
| Neighbouring Countries | India (sea border) |
| Key Facts | Located southwest of India in the Indian Ocean; India is Maldives’ key development partner and first responder in crises under the “Neighbourhood First Policy” and initiatives like Operation Cactus and Greater Male Connectivity Project. |
Neighboring Countries of India: Important Facts and Relations
India-China Relations
India and China share a history of cultural and trade exchanges dating back to thousands of years. Formal diplomatic relations were established on 1st April, 1950. Though the Panchsheel Agreement of 1954 emphasized peaceful coexistence, border disputes continue to shape their modern relationship.
India-Pakistan Relations
The relationship between India and Pakistan has been shaped by shared history since the partition of 1947. Despite ongoing tensions, both countries maintain diplomatic channels to promote peace and regional stability.
India-Bangladesh Relations
India’s assistance during the Liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 laid the foundation for strong bilateral ties. Today, the two nations collaborate on trade, counterterrorism, and water management, strengthening mutual trust.
India-Sri Lanka Relations
Cultural and historical bonds between India and Sri Lanka have shaped long-standing relations. Cooperation in trade, defence, and infrastructure continues to define their partnership, with mutual efforts to maintain regional peace.
Regional Cooperation through SAARC
Founded in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) promotes unity and development across South Asia. With India as a key member, SAARC encourages collaboration on education, health, and climate resilience among its eight member nations.
Conclusion
The neighboring countries of India play a vital role in shaping the country’s foreign policy, trade relations, and security strategy. From the Himalayan mountains in the north to the Indian Ocean islands in the south, India’s borders define more than geography , they represent a shared heritage of history, culture, and cooperation. Hence , understanding these neighbors is not only important for aspirants preparing for competitive exams, but also for anyone who wishes to comprehend India’s position as a regional leader in South Asia.
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India shares its boundaries with nine countries in total seven by land and two by sea. The land neighbors are Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, while the maritime neighbours include Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Bangladesh shares the longest boundary with India, stretching about 4,096.7 kilometers. This extensive border connects multiple Indian states such as West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, fostering strong social and economic ties.
Afghanistan shares the shortest boundary with India, covering roughly 106 kilometers. The boundary lies in the region of Ladakh, close to the Pakistan-occupied areas, and has strategic importance due to India’s interests in Central Asia.