credits- cnnIndia, the seventh-largest country in the world, shares a vast land border spanning 15,106.7 km with seven neighboring countries. These borders are not just geographical demarcations but crucial elements of India’s strategic, economic, and security policies.
1. Bangladesh – 4,096.7 km
India’s longest international border is with Bangladesh, running through West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It is vital for trade and cross-border movement. Despite historical ties, issues like illegal migration and border security remain challenges. However, agreements such as the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015 have helped resolve disputes and enhance cooperation.
2. China – 3,488 km
India’s border with China is marked by territorial disputes, particularly in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains a flashpoint, with tensions flaring up periodically, as seen in the Galwan Valley clash of 2020. Despite multiple rounds of military talks, border tensions persist, impacting bilateral relations.
3. Pakistan – 3,323 km
India shares a volatile border with Pakistan, covering Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Security concerns, cross-border terrorism, and ceasefire violations frequently strain relations between the two nuclear-armed nations.
4. Nepal – 1,751 km
India’s border with Nepal is unique as it remains open, allowing unrestricted movement of people and trade. However, border disputes, like the one over Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh, have occasionally caused diplomatic tensions. Strong cultural and economic ties continue to define Indo-Nepal relations.
5. Myanmar – 1,643 km
India’s eastern border with Myanmar, covering Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, is crucial for its Act East Policy. This border also sees cross-border insurgency issues, necessitating strong security cooperation between the two nations. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is a key infrastructure project to enhance connectivity.
6. Bhutan – 699 km
India and Bhutan share a friendly border with deep diplomatic and cultural ties. The Doklam standoff in 2017, involving China, highlighted Bhutan’s strategic importance in India’s security matrix.
7. Afghanistan – 106 km
Though India officially shares a border with Afghanistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), it remains inaccessible due to Pakistan’s control over the region. The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan has added complexity to India’s engagement in the region.
India’s vast and diverse borders influence its foreign policy, security strategy, and economic diplomacy, making border management a top priority for national interest.
