The Republic of India shares borders with several sovereign countries; it shares land borders with China, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Myanmar.[1] Bangladesh Myanmar and Pakistan share both land borders as well as maritime borders, while Sri Lanka shares only a maritime border through Ram Setu. India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
Land borders of India
India shares land borders with six sovereign nations. The state's Ministry of Home Affairs also recognizes a 106 kilometres (66 mi) land border with a seventh nation, Afghanistan, as part of its claim of the Kashmir region (see Durand Line).[2]
Maritime borders of India
Maritime borders of India are the maritime boundary recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea entails boundaries of territorial waters, contiguous zones, and exclusive economic zones. India, with its claim of a 12-nautical-mile (22 km; 14 mi) territorial maritime zone and 200-nautical-mile (370 km; 230 mi) exclusive economic zone, has a more than 7,000-kilometre (4,300 mi) maritime border shared with seven nations.
| Maritime Border Country | Length (km) and (mi) | Force | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bangladesh |
Indian Navy | New Moore Island in Bay of Bengal | |
 Indonesia |
Indian Navy | Indira Point in Andaman Sea | |
 Myanmar |
Indian Navy | Landfall Island in Andaman Sea | |
 Pakistan |
Indian Navy | Sir Creek in Arabian Sea | |
 Thailand |
Indian Navy | Similan Islands in Andaman Sea | |
 Sri Lanka |
>400 kilometres (250 mi)[5] | Indian Navy | Katchatheevu in Palk Strait |
 Maldives |
Indian Navy | Maliku Kandu in Laccadive Sea |
Border ceremonies
India co-hosts the joint ceremonies with the neighbouring nations at the following border crossings. The most attended and emotionally charged among these is the one at Wagha-Attari Border near Amritsar-Lahore.
India-Pakistan border
At the following border crossing sites the beating retreat flag ceremonies are jointly held by the military of both nations every day at 6 pm, which are open to the public as tourist attractions.[6][7] No special permit or ticket is needed. From north to south, the ceremony sites are as follows:
- Attari–Wagah border ceremony near Amritsar in Punjab.[6][7]
- Ganda Singh Wala–Hussainiwala border ceremony near Firozepur in Punjab.[6][7]
- Sadqi-Sulemanki border ceremony near Fazilka in Punjab.[8][9][10]
- Khokhrapar–Munabao border ceremony in Barmer district of Rajasthan.[6][7]
India-China border
India and China have five Border Personnel Meeting point (BPM points) where they hold the flag meeting to discuss the military matters as well as the ceremonial BPMs for cultural exchange to improve bilateral relations by celebrating New Year's Day (January 1),[11] India's Republic Day (January 26), Harvest Festival (April 14),[12] PLA Day ( May 15) and Indian Independence Day (August 15).[13] These meetings include the playing of each country's national anthem and saluting of their respective flags, and ceremonial addresses by representative of both armies.[12] On Indian side only Indian citizens are allowed to visit only 2 passes out of these several BPM passes/sites, Bum La Pass and Nathu La, only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, only after obtaining Inner Line Permit (ILP) one day in advance.[14]
These BPM passes and border posts where these meetings are held, from west to east, are as follows:
- Daulat Beg Oldi
- Spanggur Gap (Chushul)
- Nathu La: The pass is used for pilgrims to monasteries in Sikkim such as Rumtek, one of the holiest shrines in Buddhism. For Hindus, the pass reduces the journey time to Lake Manasarovar from fifteen days to two days.[15]
- Bum La Pass (Tawang): on Sundays and during cultural ceremonies.
- Kaho, India (north of Kibithu in Walong sector).
India-Bangladesh border
Benapole–Petrapole border ceremony, a similar but much friendlier ceremony than the Indo-Pakistani Attari-Wagah ceremony, is held daily jointly by India's Border Security Force and Border Guards Bangladesh at India-Bangladesh border from 4.30 to 5 pm. It is open to civilians without any ticket or special permit.[16][17] The Benapole–Petrapole joint retreat ceremony results in lowering of national flags of India and Bangladesh.[18]
Designated crossings with ICP & LCS
The map of ICP and LCS.
Integrated Check Posts (ICP)
India has 7 functional ICPs, and plans are underway to upgrade 13 more LCS to ICP, including 7 at borders taking total of border ICP to 14, at the cost of ₹3,000 crore (US$360 million) (c. Oct 2017).[19][20] Designated Integrated Check Posts (ICP), with both customs and immigration facilities are:[21]
- Assam
- Karimganj–Golapganj uppozilla in Sylhet District of Bangladesh via Sutarkandi integrated checkpost crossing on NH37(India) and Sheola post (Sylhet division, Bangladesh), the plan announced c. Oct 2017.[19]
- Mizoram
- Kawrpuichhuah – official spelling (also spelled as Kawarpuchiah or Kawripuichhuah) – near Tlabung in Lunglei district, opened in Oct 2017.[19][23][24] The 22 km long Lunglei–Tlabung–Kawrpuichhuah road was upgraded in 2014–2015 in a World Bank-funded project to enhance India-Bangladesh border connectivity.[25] It is located on Khawthalangtuipui river (Karnaphuli)
- Tripura
- Agartala–Dhaka via Agartala integrated checkpost (India) and Akhaura checkpost crossing, already functional (c. 2017).[20]
- "Belonia, India – Parshuram, Bangladesh road and rail crossing checkposts" in South Tripura district which connect the railway from Santirbazar in India to Feni in Bangladesh.
- West Bengal (clockwise from Kolkata to north)
- Kolkata–Dhaka via Petrapole integrated checkpost crossing, already functional (c. 2017).[20]
- Barasat (India) to Ghojadanga (Bangladesh), the plan announced c. Oct 2017.[19][26]
- Mahadipur in Malda district in Malda–Rajshahi via Mahadipur crossing, in-principle approval in 2019.[26][19]
- Fulbari, the plan announced c. Oct 2017.[19]
- Hili, plan announced c. Oct 2017.[19]
- Changrabandha railway station, in-principle approval in 2019.[26]
- Jaigaon at Alipurduar district of West Bengal, plan approved c. 2016.[27]
- Zochawchhuah (Lawngtlai district in India) - Zorinpui (Myanmar) at the Indo-Myanmar border on Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project has already been operational since Oct 2017.[28][24] Survey for the Rail line from Sairang to Hmawngbuchhuah (1 km north of Zochawchhuah) was completed in August 2017 and it will be constructed in a future phase.[29]
- Banbasa in Champawat district of Uttarakhand, in-principle approval in 2019.[26]
- Bhitthamore in Sitamarhi district of Bihar, in-principle approval in 2019.[26][30]
- Panitanki, Darjeeling district of West Bengal,[27] in-principle approval in 2019.[26]
- Sonauli, Uttar Pradesh[citation needed].
- Taulihawa-Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh[27]
- Attari at Wagah in Punjab, already operational (2017) (see Samjhauta Express).
- Kartarpur Corridor, a border crossing for Indian citizens, only, to be able to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, from Dera Baba Nanak, visa-free.
- Munabao in Barmer district in Rajasthan (see Thar Express)
Land Customs Stations (LCS)
Designated Land Customs Stations (LCS) are (no immigration facilities):[31]
- Assam
- Mankachar Land Customs Stations (India) – Rowmari post (Natun Bandar, Rangpur division, Bangladesh)
- Karimganj Steamer and Ferry Station (KSFS) (India) – Zakiganj post (Sylhet division, Bangladesh)
- Guwahati Steamer Ghat (Dhubri district, India)
- Dhubri Steamer Ghat (Dhubri district, India) – Rowmati (Maymansingh division, Bangladesh)
- Assam non-functional LCS are:
- Mahisasan railway station (Karimganj district, India) – Shahbazpur (Sylhet division)
- Golokganj (Dhubri district) – Sonahaat (Rangpur Division)
- Silchar Railway Mail Service (India) – independent of the border (no border, inland LCS)
- Meghalaya
- Baghmara (South Garo Hills, India) – Bijoyour post (Bangladesh)
- Bholaganj (East Khasi Hills district) – Chatak (Sunamganj division)
- Borsara Land Customs Stations (West Khasi Hills, India) – Borsara post (Bangladesh)
- West Garo Hills – Bakshiganj via Mahendraganj crossing on NH12
- Tura–Nalitabari via Dalu crossing on NH217 (West Garo Hills, India) and Nakugaon post (Bangladesh)
- Shellabazar (West Khasi Hills district) – Sunamganj(Sylhet division)
- Gasuapara (South Garo Hills district) – Karoitol (Mymansing division)
- Meghalaya non-functional LCS are:
- Tripura
- Srimantapur (Sipahijala district) – Bibir Bazar (Comilla division), became operational in January 2016.[32]
- Dhalaighat (Dhalai district) – Kumarghat (Sunamganj division)
- Khowaighat (West Tripura district) – Balla (Habiganj division)
- Manu (Dhalai district) – Chatlapur (Sylhet division )
- Muhurighat (South Tripura district) – Belonia (Feni division )
- Old Ragnabazar (North Tripura district) – Betul (Fultali) (Sylhet division)
- Longewala in Jaisalmer district of Rajsthan
Border bazaars and haats
This proposed list of border bazaars and haats is in varying stages of implementation, as suggested by State Governments to the Ministry of External Affairs for setting up Border Haats.[21]
India–Bangladesh
India–Bangladesh border Haat areas are as follows:
- Meghalaya[34]
- Mizoram
- Mamit district
- Mapara - Longkor
- Tuipuibari - Not provided
- Lunglei district
- Mamit district
- Tripura: Decision on Tripura Haats will be subsequent to the completion of the agreement w.r.t. Meghalaya Haats.
- West Tripura district
- South Tripura district
- North Tripura district
- Pal Basti (Raghna),
- Hiracherra (Kailasahar)
- Kamalpur, Tripura (Dhalai)
India-Bhutan
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2021) |
India-Bhutan Border Haat on India-Bhutan border are in operation.
India–Myanmar
India–Myanmar border Haats are.[35][36]
- Arunachal Pradesh Border Haats
- Changlang district
- Pangsau Pass (Nampong), - Pangsau, Kachin State
- Chingsa (Khimiyang Circle) – Langhong, Kachin State
- Makantong (Khimiyang Circle) – Ngaimong, Kachin State
- Changlang district
- Manipur Border Haats
- Ukhrul district
- Kongkan Thana – Aungci, suggested by State Government.
- Ukhrul district
- Chandel district
- New Somtal – Thenjen, or Khampat
- Chandel district
- Churachandpur district
- Behiang – Khenman, or Chikha.
- Churachandpur district
- Mizoram Border Haats
- Nagaland Border Haats
In popular media
Pradeep Damodaran's book Borderlands: Travels Across India's Boundaries chronicles all land borders of India.[37] The Bollywood director J. P. Dutta has specialised in making Hindi movies with India's border as a key element of the theme, his movies are Border, Refugee, LOC: Kargil, Paltan, etc.[38]
See also
- India related
- Climate of India
- Disputed territories of India
- Exclusive economic zone of India
- Extreme points of India
- Geography of India
- Look East policy
- Look-East connectivity
- Northeast India connectivity projects
- General
- Lists
- List of countries and territories by land borders
- List of countries and territories by land and maritime borders
- List of countries and territories by maritime boundaries
- List of countries that border only one other country
- List of land borders by date of establishment
- List of divided islands
- List of island nations
- List of political and geographic borders
References
- ^ "Neighbouring Countries of India 2020: Map, Capitals, Connected States". www.careerpower.in.
- ^ https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/BMIntro-1011.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ SSB to strengthen presence on India-Bhutan border, Times of India, 20 Dec 2017.
- ^ "doklam: SSB to strengthen presence on India-Bhutan border | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. 20 December 2017.
- ^ "Fishing rights disputes between India and Sri Lanka". Archived from the original on 2017-12-22. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
- ^ a b c d 5 crossing points in India: All you need to know, India Today, 10 OCt 2016.
- ^ a b c d Beating Retreat Wagah India, CHanging Guards, accessed 8 July 2021.
- ^ Sadqi retreat ceremony, nic.in, accessed 8 July 2021.
- ^ Second Wagah: India, Pak agree to new ceremony, beating retreat on Punjab border, Hindustan Times, 201 April 2017.
- ^ At Sadiqi border, strained Indo-Pak ties dampen spirits, The Tribune, 17 April 2019.
- ^ "Indian, Chinese armies decide to improve ties at functional level". News18. 2 January 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ a b Yusuf, Jameel (April 14, 2016). "India, China officials meet on Ladakh border, pledge to maintain LAC sanctity". Deccn Chronicle. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
- ^ "Bonhomie, friendship between Indian and Chinese border personnel at Nathu La". Sify. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
- ^ Envis Team (4 June 2006). "Ecodestination of India-Sikkim Chapter" (PDF). Eco-destinations of India. The Environmental Information System (ENVIS), Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. p. 45. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 June 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2006.
- ^ Vinayak, G (28 July 2004). "Nathu La: closed for review". The Rediff Special. Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2006. Retrieved 26 November 2006.
- ^ "Retreat Ceremony at Indo–Bangladesh Border". PIB. Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
- ^ Kumar, Satish (14 July 2015). India's National Security: Annual Review 2014. Routledge India. p. 512. ISBN 978-1138927438.
- ^ "PETRAPOLE SET TO HAVE A SPECTACULAR RETREAT CEREMONY" (PDF). PRESS RELEASE. BORDER SECURITY FORCE. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g [1], Indian Express, Oct 2017.
- ^ a b c "India plans to construct 7 integrated check posts on the border with Bangladesh". Dhaka Tribune. October 18, 2017.
- ^ a b "Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, North East India". mdoner.gov.in.
- ^ Dawki ICP foundation stone laid.
- ^ India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Business Line.
- ^ a b "12th Five Year Plan". Archived from the original on 2013-06-19. Retrieved 2019-06-11.
- ^ $107 Million World Bank Project to Connect Mizoram with Bangladesh and Myanmar via Roads, World Bank.
- ^ a b c d e f Delhi approves Sutarkandi integrated check post along Indo-Bangla border, North East News, 7 Jan 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan border to have more ICP, Oct 2016.
- ^ a b India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Times of India, 1 Oct 2017.
- ^ India's northeast opened up Archived 2018-11-27 at the Wayback Machine, PowerUpConstruction.Com
- ^ "सीतामढ़ी के भिठ्ठामोड़ में भारत-नेपाल सीमा के नो-मेंस लैंड पर बनेगा इंटीग्रेटेड चेकपोस्ट". Hindustan (in Hindi). Retrieved 2021-01-17.
- ^ ICP and LCS
- ^ "Tripura opens new land customs station along Bangladesh border". bdnews24.com.
- ^ "India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh". @businessline. October 2017.
- ^ Meghalaya border haats, megindustry.gov.in, accessed 28 Aug 2021.
- ^ Closer economic ties with neighbours vital, The Hindu, 7 May 2019.
- ^ Border haats of India
- ^ What will you see if you visit the precise point where India ends and Sri Lanka begins?, Scroll.in, 1 March 2017.
- ^ Adrian M. Athique, 2010, A Line in the Sand: The India–Pakistan Border in the Films of J.P. Dutta, Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies, University of Queensland, Pages 472-499.