India is renowned for its vast diversity, encompassing not only its people but also its varied landscapes in the north, east, west, and south, marked by both land and marine borders. Today, we delve into the significant international boundaries of India, exploring the intricacies and disputes associated with them.

The extensive land frontier of India, spanning approximately 15,200 km, has been a focal point of various challenges with neighbouring nations. Many of these issues stem from territorial claims, arising due to ambiguities in international borders, leading to disputes and complexities in the relationship between India and its neighbouring countries.

BORDERS OF INDIA WITH NEIGHBOURING STATE

India possesses a diverse and extensive land frontier that spans 15,200 km, sharing borders with various neighbouring countries. Here is a breakdown of India's international boundaries:

Pakistan (West and North West):

• Border Length: 3,310 km.
• Indian States: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir (constituting approximately 22% of India's total land border).

Afghanistan (North West):

• Border Length: 80 km.
• Shortest Border: Jammu & Kashmir (PoK) shares a border with Afghanistan, representing only 0.52% of India's total land border.

China (North):

• Border Length: 3,917 km.
• Indian States: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh (constituting approximately 26% of India's total land border).

Nepal (North):

• Border Length: 1,752 km.
• Indian States: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim.

Bhutan (North):

• Border Length: 587 km.
• Indian States: West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.

Bangladesh (East):

• Border Length: 4,096 km.
• Indian States: West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya (constituting approximately 27% of India's total land border).

Myanmar (East):

• Border Length: 1,458 km.
• Indian States: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

India's longest border is with Bangladesh, and the shortest border is with Afghanistan. These international boundaries represent not only geographical diversity but also strategic and diplomatic significance for India.

India's Border with China

India's border with China is the second-longest, following closely after its border with Bangladesh. Touching five Indian states—Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—the Sino-Indian border is strategically divided into three sectors: the Western, Middle, and Eastern sectors.

The Western Sector

Separating Jammu and Kashmir from China's Xinjiang province, this sector's boundaries are significantly influenced by British policies regarding the state of Jammu and Kashmir. China asserts claims over territories like Aksai Chin, the Changmo valley, Pangong Tso, and the Spongegar Tso area in northeast Ladakh, as well as a strip of approximately 5,000 sq km along the entire length of eastern Ladakh. Additionally, China lays claim to a portion of the Hunza-Gilgit area in North Kashmir, ceded to it in 1963 by Pakistan.

The Middle Sector

Touching the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, this sector holds strategic importance in the Sino-Indian boundary.

The Eastern Sector

Spanning 1,140 km, the boundary runs from the eastern limit of Bhutan to a point near Diphu Pass (Talu Pass) at the trijunction of India, Tibet, and Myanmar. Often referred to as the McMahon Line, negotiated during the Shimla Accord in 1913-14, it is named after Sir Henry McMahon, then Foreign Secretary of British India.

The India-Nepal Boundary

Bordering Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim, the porous Indo-Nepalese border allows unrestricted movement of goods and people between the two countries. It predominantly runs in an east-west direction along the foothills of the Shiwalik Range.

The India-Bhutan Boundary

Characterised by peaceful coexistence, there are no boundary disputes between India and Bhutan.

The Indo-Pakistan Boundary

Resulting from the 1947 partition under the Radcliffe Award, the Indo-Pakistan boundary includes major disputed regions like Jammu and Kashmir and Sir Creek.

The India-Bangladesh Border

Stretching 4,096 km, this is India's longest border, determined under the Radcliffe Award during the division of the province of Bengal.

India-Myanmar Boundary

Running along the watershed between the Brahmaputra and Irrawaddy, this boundary passes through thickly forested regions, with states like Mizo Hills, Manipur, and Nagaland on the Indian side.

India-Sri Lanka Boundary

Separated by the Palk Strait, Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu is only 32 km away from Talaimanar in the Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka, connected by a group of islets forming Adam’s Bridge.

FAQs: India's International Boundaries and Landscapes

1. What is the significance of India's diverse landscapes and international borders?

Ans. India's diversity extends not only to its people but also to its landscapes in the north, east, west, and south, marked by both land and marine borders. The international borders play a crucial role in shaping India's strategic, diplomatic, and geographical significance. 

2. How extensive is India's land frontier, and what challenges does it pose?

Ans. India's land frontier spans approximately 15,200 km, presenting challenges with neighbouring nations due to territorial claims and ill-defined international borders, leading to disputes and complexities in relationships.

3. Which countries share land borders with India, and what are the key statistics?

Ans. India shares land borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Each border has distinct characteristics, with lengths ranging from 80 km (Afghanistan) to 4,096 km (Bangladesh).

4. Which Indian states share borders with neighbouring countries, and how much of India's land border do they constitute?

Ans. States like Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and others share borders with neighbouring countries, collectively constituting different percentages of India's total land border.

5. What are the key features of India's border with China?

Ans. India's border with China, the second-longest, is strategically divided into three sectors: Western, Middle, and Eastern. It touches states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, and is marked by territorial disputes and claims.

6. Can you provide insights into the territorial claims and disputes along the India-China border?

Ans. The Western Sector, influenced by British policies in Jammu and Kashmir, sees China's claims over Aksai Chin and other areas. The Middle Sector involves Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, while the Eastern Sector runs from Bhutan to the trijunction of India, Tibet, and Myanmar.

7. What is the significance of India's borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka?

Ans. Each border has unique characteristics, with peaceful coexistence in the India-Bhutan border, disputed regions in Indo-Pakistan borders, and historical divisions under the Radcliffe Award shaping the India-Bangladesh border.

8. How does India's geographical diversity contribute to its strategic and diplomatic standing?

Ans. India's diverse landscapes and strategic location foster trade, diplomatic ties, and active participation in global affairs. The geographical positioning aids economic and diplomatic engagement with the international community.

9. Why is India's border with Bangladesh considered the longest, and what is its historical background?

Ans. India's border with Bangladesh is the longest, stretching 4,096 km, determined under the Radcliffe Award during the division of the province of Bengal. It represents a historical context that shapes the geopolitical landscape of the region. 

10. What is the significance of India's maritime borders and their role in international trade?

Ans. India's extensive coastline, complemented by well-established maritime channels, plays a crucial role in international trade. The advantageous location in the Indian Ocean positions India as a key player in global maritime activities.