List of neighbouring countries of India and their Capitals (2025 Updated List)
India, located in South Asia, shares its borders with several countries, making it a strategically important nation both geographically and politically. Understanding the neighbouring countries of India and their capitals is a must-know topic for students, competitive exam aspirants (UPSC, SSC, Banking), and general awareness.
In this post, we will look at the countries that share land borders and maritime borders with India, along with important facts, maps, and capital cities.
Table of Contents
📌 Countries Sharing Land Borders with India
India shares land boundaries with 7 countries. These countries are listed below with their capitals and some key facts:
| Country | Capital | Border Length (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Islamabad | 3,323 km |
| China | Beijing | 3,488 km |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | 1,751 km |
| Bhutan | Thimphu | 699 km |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | 4,096 km (longest) |
| Myanmar | Naypyidaw | 1,643 km |
| Afghanistan | Kabul | 106 km (disputed, PoK) |
📌 Countries Sharing Maritime Borders with India
India also has maritime boundaries with 2 countries:
| Country | Capital |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte / Colombo |
| Maldives | Malé |
🌐 Total Neighbouring Countries of India: 9
| Type | Countries |
|---|---|
| Land Border | Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan |
| Maritime Border | Sri Lanka, Maldives |
Key Facts and Insights:
- Longest land border shared with: Bangladesh (4,096 km)
- Smallest land border: Afghanistan (only 106 km – in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir)
- Only two countries that India shares both land and maritime ties with: Bangladesh and Myanmar
- Cultural ties: India (Bharat) has deep cultural, religious, and historical ties with neighbour Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
- Security relevance: Borders with China and Pakistan are of high strategic importance.
- Trade & Connectivity: India shares open borders with Nepal and Bhutan, allowing free movement of people and goods.
🗺️ Map Overview
Summary Table – Neighbouring Countries of India (2025)
| # | Country | Capital | Border Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakistan | Islamabad | Land |
| 2 | China | Beijing | Land |
| 3 | Nepal | Kathmandu | Land |
| 4 | Bhutan | Thimphu | Land |
| 5 | Bangladesh | Dhaka | Land + Maritime |
| 6 | Myanmar | Naypyidaw | Land + Maritime |
| 7 | Afghanistan | Kabul | Land (PoK area) |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | Colombo / S. J. Kotte | Maritime |
| 9 | Maldives | Malé | Maritime |
Why This Is Important?
- Important because these topics are frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, and State PCS exams.
- Helps in understanding India’s foreign policy and neighborhood diplomacy.
- Supports awareness about trade, border issues, cultural connections, and international relations.