Neighbouring Countries of India:- India is located in the southern part of Asia and is the second-largest country in Southeast Asia. Geographically, it is positioned in both the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. In terms of area, India ranks as the seventh-largest country in the world, and it is second only to China in terms of population. The country covers an expansive geographical region, with a land border spanning 15,106.7 kilometres and a coastline stretching 7,516.6 kilometres.
Below is a list of the Neighbouring Countries of India and the states that share borders with them. This valuable information will help enhance your general knowledge, especially when addressing questions related to the geography of India.
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ToggleList of Neighbouring Countries of India
India’s relations with its neighbouring countries are a crucial aspect of its foreign policy, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) being responsible for maintaining peaceful and cooperative relationships in the region. The MEA works to promote regional stability, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange with India’s neighbours, aligning with India’s strategic interests. Check out the Neighbouring Countries of India below.
List of Neighbouring Countries of India | Capital | Border Length | Bordering States |
Afghanistan | Kabul | 106 km | Ladakh (PoK) |
Bangladesh | Dhaka | 4,096.7 km | West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam |
Bhutan | Thimphu | 699 km | West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam |
China | Beijing | 3,488 km | Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh |
Myanmar | Naypyidaw, Yangon | 1,643 km | Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur |
Nepal | Kathmandu | 1,751 km | Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal |
Pakistan | Islamabad | 3,323 km | Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat |
Sri Lanka | Colombo (Commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Legislative) | Sea Border | Separated from India by the Gulf of Mannar |
Maldives | Malé | Sea Border | Situated to the south-west in the Indian Ocean, below the Lakshadweep Islands |
Neighbouring Countries of India Map
Look out the Neighbouring Countries of India Map below.
Important Facts on Neighbouring Countries of India
- Sri Lanka:- Sri Lanka is an island nation located just south of India, with Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its President and Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. The country has two official languages, Sinhala and Tamil, and its capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka’s national game is volleyball, and the Ceylon Junglefowl is its national bird. The country has 9 provinces and uses the Sri Lankan Rupee as its currency. Major religious festivals such as Vesak and Sinhala-Tamil New Year are celebrated nationwide.
- China: China is one of the world’s most populous neighbouring countries of India. It is led by President Xi Jinping, and Mandarin is its official language. Its capital is Beijing, and the Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the national currency. The national game is table tennis, while the Red-crowned Crane is China’s national bird. With 26 provinces, the country is famous for its landmarks like the Yangtze River, the world’s third-longest river. China shares borders with several Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, with the McMahon Line serving as part of its border.
- Myanmar:- Myanmar, also known as Burma, is led by President Win Myint and Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi. The official language is Burmese, and the currency is the Burmese Kyat. The capital is Naypyidaw. Myanmar’s national game is Chinlone (caneball), and its national bird is the Grey Peacock-Pheasant. It has a rich cultural history, with famous festivals like Thingyan and Nayon. The country is known for its Irrawaddy River, its longest river, and Hkakabo Razi, its highest peak.
- Afghanistan:- Afghanistan, a landlocked country in South-Central Asia, has Ashraf Ghani as its President. Its official languages are Dari and Pashto, and the capital is Kabul. The Afghan Afghani is the national currency. Known for its rugged terrain, Afghanistan’s national game is Buzkashi, and the snow leopard is its national animal. The country has 34 provinces and shares the Durand Line as a border with Pakistan. The Wolesi Jirga, Afghanistan’s lower house, has 250 members.
- Bhutan:- Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom led by Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. The country has 20 states, and its official language is Dzongkha. Thimphu is the capital, and the currency is the Ngultrum (BTN). Bhutan’s national game is archery, while the Takin is the national animal. Bhutan is predominantly Vajrayana Buddhist, and its parliament consists of the National Assembly with 55 seats. Famous for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, Bhutan is known for its emphasis on Gross National Happiness.
- Nepal:- Nepal, home to Mount Everest, is led by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The official language is Nepali, and its currency is the Nepalese Rupee. Kathmandu is the capital and largest city. Nepal’s national game is volleyball, and the Himalayan Monal is its national bird. The country has 7 provinces and is known for its highest peak, Mount Everest. Nepal shares strong cultural and religious ties with India and China, contributing to its strategic significance in South Asia.
- Bangladesh:- Bangladesh, led by President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is a densely populated country in South Asia. The official language is Bengali, and the capital is Dhaka. The currency is the Bangladeshi Taka. Bangladesh’s national animal is the Royal Bengal Tiger, while the national game is volleyball. The country’s longest river is the Surma, and Keokradong is its highest peak. Bangladesh shares the Radcliffe Line as a border with India, and the country celebrates major festivals like Durga Puja and Pohela Boishakh.
- Pakistan:- Pakistan, a major South Asian country, is led by President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. Its official languages are Urdu and English, with Islamabad as the capital. The Pakistani Rupee is the national currency. Field hockey is the national game, and the Chukar Partridge is the national bird. Pakistan’s highest peak is K2, and the longest river is the Indus. The country has 4 provinces and shares the Radcliffe Line as a border with India. The country’s parliament consists of the National Assembly with 342 members.
- The Maldives:- The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Its capital and largest city is Malé, and the official language is Dhivehi. The currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, and football is the national game. The White-breasted Waterhen is the national bird, and the coconut is the national fruit. The Maldives consists of numerous atolls and is known for its beautiful beaches and thriving tourism industry. Its parliament, the People’s Majlis, governs the country.
Read about the national symbols of India on Vini IAS.