Where is India

About Where is India on World Map

The above world map show the location of India in the world, Indi is a country located in South Asia bordered by Indian Ocean.

List of All Neighboring Countries of India

Country	Capital	Population (2023)	Area (sq km)	Border Length with India (km)
Pakistan	Islamabad	241.49 million	881,913	3,323
China	Beijing	1.41 billion	9,596,961	3,488
Nepal	Kathmandu	30.03 million	147,516	1,751
Bhutan	Thimphu	787,853	38,394	699
Bangladesh	Dhaka	173.57 million	147,570	4,096
Myanmar	Naypyidaw	55.23 million	676,578	1,643
Afghanistan (unofficial border)	Kabul	41.12 million	652,230	106 (along the PoK region)
Sri Lanka (Maritime neighbor)	Colombo	22.18 million	65,610	~30 (sea border across Palk Strait)
Maldives (Maritime neighbor)	Malé	521,021	298	No land border (maritime boundary)

Facts Related to India's Strategic Location

Key Fact	Description	Additional Information
Geographical Location	India is located in South Asia, between latitudes 8°4' N to 37°6' N and longitudes 68°7' E to 97°25' E, giving it a strategic position between Western Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean.	India's location makes it a key player in regional geopolitics and trade routes.
Indian Ocean Access	India has a coastline of approximately 7,516 kilometers along the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, providing it with access to key maritime trade routes.	The Indian Ocean is crucial for global energy supplies, with major sea lanes passing through it.
Proximity to Major Oil Routes	India's location near the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca gives it strategic control over critical oil shipping routes.	Over 80% of the world's seaborne oil passes through these straits, highlighting India's energy security interests.
Bordering Countries	India shares land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, making it a central player in South and East Asian geopolitics.	India's border tensions with China and Pakistan are central to regional stability.
Proximity to SAARC and ASEAN Nations	India's location places it close to member nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).	This proximity facilitates regional cooperation and trade agreements.
Economic Gateway	India acts as an economic gateway between Western Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, playing a key role in trade and economic cooperation.	India's trade routes connect Asia to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Choke Points and Strategic Waterways	India's naval presence extends into strategic waterways like the Gulf of Aden and the Andaman Sea, where piracy and maritime security are significant concerns.	India's naval base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands enhances its control over the Malacca Strait.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)	India has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square kilometers in the Indian Ocean region, allowing it to exploit marine resources.	India's EEZ is rich in fisheries, offshore oil and gas reserves.
India's Strategic Defense Partnerships	India maintains key strategic defense partnerships with countries like the United States, Russia, Japan, France, and Israel.	India's partnerships aim to enhance defense capabilities and ensure regional security.
Role in Indo-Pacific Region	India plays a vital role in the Indo-Pacific region, acting as a stabilizing force in maritime security and trade in this geostrategically important area.	The Indo-Pacific is crucial for 60% of global GDP and 50% of global trade.
Strategic Islands	The Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide India with a strategic military outpost in the Bay of Bengal, enhancing its presence in the Indo-Pacific.	The islands are close to the Strait of Malacca, a key shipping route between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Connectivity to Central Asia	India's strategic location positions it as a key player in accessing Central Asian markets through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).	INSTC connects India with Russia, Iran, and Central Asian countries, boosting trade.
Maritime Security Initiatives	India is a leading force in maritime security through initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Quad (India, U.S., Japan, Australia).	These initiatives aim to enhance maritime cooperation and counter security threats in the Indian Ocean.
Gateway to Africa	India's western coastline provides proximity to the African continent, facilitating economic ties and cooperation through the Indian Ocean.	India's investments in Africa are growing in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and technology.
Strategic Location for Energy Imports	India's location allows it to import energy supplies from the Middle East, including oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), through the Arabian Sea.	India is the third-largest energy consumer in the world, relying heavily on imports.

Where is India Located: Geographical Importance and Strategic Benefits

India is located in South Asia, making it one of the most strategically positioned countries in the world. Spanning an area of approximately 3.287 million square kilometers, it is the seventh-largest country by land area and the second most populous, with over 1.4 billion people as of 2023. India's geographical coordinates extend from 8°4' N to 37°6' N latitude and from 68°7' E to 97°25' E longitude. Its central location in South Asia, bordered by multiple countries and seas, gives India a unique advantage in both regional and global geopolitics.

Geographical Boundaries of India

India shares land borders with seven countries, which adds to its geopolitical significance in the region. These countries include:

• Pakistan to the northwest with a border length of approximately 3,323 kilometers.
• China to the north with a border length of about 3,488 kilometers, making it the longest international border India shares with any country.
• Nepal to the north with a border length of 1,751 kilometers.
• Bhutan to the north with a border of 699 kilometers.
• Bangladesh to the east, sharing a border of 4,096 kilometers, the longest land border India shares with any neighboring country.
• Myanmar to the east with a border of 1,643 kilometers.
• Afghanistan shares an unofficial border of 106 kilometers in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.

In addition to these land borders, India is strategically positioned between three significant bodies of water:

• The Indian Ocean to the south.
• The Arabian Sea to the southwest.
• The Bay of Bengal to the southeast.

India has a coastline stretching approximately 7,516 kilometers, giving it access to important global maritime trade routes.

Strategic Location Benefits of India

1. Gateway to Southeast and West Asia

India's location positions it as a gateway between Southeast Asia and Western Asia, allowing it to serve as a crucial link between the two regions. Its proximity to countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strengthens its trade and economic relations with these regions. India’s location allows it to facilitate trade routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

2. Access to Key Maritime Routes

India's coastal access to the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal places it in control of vital global shipping lanes. The Indian Ocean serves as a major route for transporting oil, with 80% of the world’s oil supply passing through this region. India’s strategic positioning allows it to monitor and safeguard key shipping routes such as the Strait of Malacca and the Strait of Hormuz.

3. Regional Security and Naval Power

India’s naval bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide a strategic advantage in controlling the Bay of Bengal and overseeing the Malacca Strait. With access to these strategic waterways, India plays a vital role in ensuring maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, which is crucial for global trade. India is also part of strategic defense groupings like the Quad (India, USA, Japan, and Australia) to enhance regional security.

4. Connectivity with Landlocked Nations

India’s geographical location provides essential access to landlocked nations like Nepal and Bhutan. India acts as a primary trade route for these countries, ensuring their access to global markets through Indian ports. Additionally, India’s position allows it to provide logistical and diplomatic support to its neighboring countries in times of crisis.

5. Proximity to Global Energy Suppliers

India is located near some of the largest global energy suppliers, particularly in the Middle East. Its proximity to the Gulf region, where much of the world’s oil and gas supply originates, is vital for its energy security. India imports around 85% of its oil, with a significant portion coming from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. This proximity reduces transportation costs and strengthens India's energy partnerships.

6. Trade Hub and Economic Integration

India’s position in South Asia makes it an economic hub connecting major markets. It participates in regional organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which enhances economic and trade cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

7. Strategic Outposts in the Indian Ocean

India’s islands, particularly the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, serve as crucial military outposts that enhance India’s ability to project naval power across the region. These islands allow India to monitor naval traffic, ensure security in the Indo-Pacific, and safeguard trade routes.

India’s Geopolitical Importance

India’s central location in South Asia, combined with its growing economic power, positions it as a key geopolitical player. India’s involvement in regional and international forums such as BRICS, G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) strengthens its role in shaping global policies and regional security.

1. Border Disputes and Defense Significance

India shares sensitive borders with both Pakistan and China, making it a key player in regional security. The ongoing border tensions with these two nations, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, demand a strong defense infrastructure and diplomatic engagement. India’s strategic location requires it to maintain a robust defense system, which includes modernization of its military and strengthening of defense alliances.

2. Role in Indo-Pacific Security

India’s geographic position makes it a vital player in the Indo-Pacific region, which has emerged as a global center of economic and geopolitical activity. India’s partnership with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia through the Quad alliance enhances its role in ensuring peace and stability in the region, countering maritime threats, and securing trade routes.