How many countries share borders with India?
India, a land of vast geographical and cultural diversity, shares its land borders with seven countries. These borders go beyond just lines, showing the results of past relationships, cultural ties, economic activities and important war strategies. Between the high Himalayas in the north, thick forests in the east and deserts in the west, India’s borders include different types of landscapes and countries.
1. Bangladesh – The Longest Land Border
To the east of India is Bangladesh which borders India through a land border that is more than 4,096.7 kilometers long. Bangladesh’s huge boundary with India includes the regions of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
Importantly, the India-Bangladesh border boasts the world´s longest border fencing system, primarily designed to manage migration, control illicit trade, and strengthen national security. Despite this physical barrier, profound historical, cultural, and linguistic bonds between the two nations endure, shaped by the subcontinent´s partition and Bangladesh´s liberation war.
Currently, the border facilitates significant cross-border trade and interpersonal exchanges, particularly in areas where both formal and informal commerce flourish. This combination of stringent security measures and enduring socio-cultural links makes this border one of the most intricate yet dynamic frontiers in South Asia.
2. China – A Strategic and Mountainous Border
The second longest land border of India is with China which measures roughly 3,488 kilometers. It moves across the Indian union territory and the states of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. A large part of the border is found in high mountains and covers disputed regions, mainly near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). There are frequent tensions and armed confrontations along the India-China border which is a strong focus of Asia’s geopolitics.
3. Pakistan – A Highly Sensitive Border
Located on India’s western edge, Pakistan is separated from India by a 3,323-kilometer border which goes through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The partition of British India that took place in 1947 gave rise to this boundary which is still among the world’s most disputed, heavily monitored and politically toughest borders.
Host to the ongoing Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, this border symbolizes decades of conflict, but also hosts ceremonial crossings like Wagah-Attari which draw public attention.
4. Nepal – A Culturally Intimate Border
India shares a 1,751 kilometer border with Nepal which lies just to the north. There are five Indian states located on this frontier: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim. Since the India-Nepal border is open, where citizens of both countries can travel freely without a visa, moving between the two countries is easy for people and goods; this has strengthened their family, cultural and religious links.
5. Myanmar – The Eastern Gateway
To the east, Myanmar (formerly Burma) shares a 1,643-kilometer-long border with India.. This border meets Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Rugged land, lots of forests and different ethnicities are characteristics of the region. It is important for India’s Act East Policy, as it supports more trade and easier connections with Southeast Asia.
6. Bhutan – A Special Relationship
The border between India and Bhutan which is 699 kilometers in length, is found in Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The two nations enjoy a unique bond that consists of mutual trust, help in trade and joining forces on strategy. Compared to others in South Asia, this border is very peaceful and stable.
What sets this border apart in South Asia is its exceptional openness—citizens of both India and Bhutan can cross without a visa, making it one of the few truly open international borders in the region. This visa-free arrangement facilitates frequent people-to-people exchanges, cross-border trade, and cultural interconnection.
7. Afghanistan – The Narrowest Land Border
India claims a 106-km boundary with Afghanistan via the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but currently has no direct access to this frontier. Nevertheless, the region is controlled by Pakistan under the Gilgit-Baltistan area, while India disputes the region by including it in the Jammu and Kashmir state. Since there is uncertainty in the region, travel to this area from India cannot be direct.
Maritime Borders
It also shares its maritime boundaries with two different countries.
- Sri Lanka: Separated by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar, close to Tamil Nadu’s southern coast.
- Maldives: Located to the southwest of India in the Arabian Sea, near the Lakshadweep Islands.
Conclusion
India´s borders, stretching across Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan, are as varied and active as its landscape. While relationships with some nations, such as Nepal and Bhutan, are characterized by openness and cooperation, the borders with others, like China and Pakistan, are fraught with contention and heavy military presence. The extensive fenced border with Bangladesh stands as the world´s longest of its type, a testament to both the need for cooperation and the necessity of security measures. These international boundaries profoundly affect India´s trade, foreign policy, and regional standing, demanding continuous diplomatic engagement and vigilance to reconcile peace, prosperity, and national interests.
