India shares its borders with several countries, spanning different geographical regions. Here's an overview of India's international borders:
1. Pakistan: India shares a land border with Pakistan to the northwest, stretching approximately 3,323 kilometers (2,065 miles). The border is demarcated by the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir and the international border (IB) in the states of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
2. China: India shares a border with China to the northeast, extending about 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles). The border is known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and runs through the mountainous regions of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The boundary is disputed in some areas, leading to occasional tensions between the two countries.
3. Nepal: India shares a border with Nepal to the north, spanning approximately 1,751 kilometers (1,088 miles). The border is open, and citizens of both countries can travel freely without the need for visas. It is demarcated by rivers, ridges, and passes in the Himalayan region.
4. Bhutan: India shares a border with Bhutan to the northeast, covering about 699 kilometers (434 miles). The border is based on the historical treaty of friendship between the two countries and is characterized by close political, economic, and cultural ties.
5. Bangladesh: India shares a border with Bangladesh to the east, spanning approximately 4,096 kilometers (2,545 miles), making it India's longest international border. The border is demarcated by the Radcliffe Line, which was drawn during the partition of British India in 1947. It is characterized by rivers, marshlands, and fenced areas.
6. Myanmar (Burma): India shares a border with Myanmar to the east, stretching about 1,643 kilometers (1,021 miles). The border is demarcated by the Manipur River, Naga Hills, and Chin Hills. It serves as a gateway for trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
7. Sri Lanka: India's southernmost point is just a few kilometers away from Sri Lanka, separated by the Palk Strait. However, there is no land border between the two countries.
These international borders have historical, cultural, political, and economic significance for India and its neighboring countries. Efforts are made to maintain peaceful relations and promote cooperation through diplomatic channels, bilateral agreements, and regional forums.
