India and Its Nine Neighboring Countries: A Tapestry of Diversity and Relations and more..

Introduction:

India, the world's largest democracy and a land of rich cultural heritage, shares its borders with nine neighboring countries, each with its unique characteristics, history, and significance in India's foreign relations. These countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. This article explores India's relationships with its neighbors and the diverse tapestry of culture, geography, and diplomacy that defines its regional dynamics.

1. Bangladesh:

Bangladesh, India's eastern neighbor, shares a close cultural and historical bond. The two nations were once part of British India and later gained independence in 1947 (India) and 1971 (Bangladesh). The relationship is characterized by shared rivers, trade ties, and a strong people-to-people connection.

Certainly, here is some key information about Bangladesh:

- Area: Bangladesh covers an area of approximately 147,570 square kilometers.

- Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

- Main Language: Bengali (Bangla) is the official language and the most widely spoken language in Bangladesh.

- Other Languages: While Bengali is the dominant language, there are also some indigenous languages spoken by various ethnic groups in Bangladesh.

- Administrative Divisions: Bangladesh is divided into 8 divisions, which are further subdivided into districts and upazilas (sub-districts).

- Highest Mountain Peak: Saka Haphong is the highest peak in Bangladesh, with an elevation of 1,052 meters (3,451 feet).

- Other Mountains: Bangladesh is primarily a low-lying deltaic country and does not have significant mountain ranges.

- Main River: The Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna rivers are the major rivers in Bangladesh.

- Other Rivers: Bangladesh is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and tributaries, including the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and their distributaries.

- Border Area with India Length: Bangladesh shares a border of approximately 4,096 kilometers with India.

- Connected States of India: The Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share borders with Bangladesh.

- Main Industries: Bangladesh's major industries include the textile and garment sector, agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sector.

- Main Crops: Key crops in Bangladesh include rice, jute, tea, sugarcane, and various fruits and vegetables.

- Name of Assembly: The legislative body in Bangladesh is the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament).

- Name of President: Mohammad Abdul Hamid was the President of Bangladesh. 

- Name of Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. 

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) is one of the main intelligence agencies in Bangladesh.

- Army Name of Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Army is the land-based military force of Bangladesh.

2. Bhutan:

Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, is known for its pristine natural beauty and unique Gross National Happiness index. India and Bhutan maintain strong diplomatic and economic relations, with India assisting in Bhutan's infrastructure development and hydropower projects.

Certainly, here is some key information about Bhutan:

- Area: Bhutan covers an area of approximately 38,394 square kilometers.

- Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency. Indian Rupee (INR) is also widely accepted.

- Main Language: Dzongkha is the official language and the most widely spoken language in Bhutan.

- Other Languages: Bhutan is linguistically diverse, with various regional languages and dialects.

- Administrative Divisions: Bhutan is divided into 20 districts known as dzongkhags.

- Highest Mountain Peak: Gangkhar Puensum is the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, with an elevation of 7,570 meters (24,840 feet).

- Other Mountains: Bhutan is known for its mountainous terrain and is part of the eastern Himalayas.

- Main River: The Punatsangchhu (also known as the Sankosh River) is one of the major rivers in Bhutan.

- Other Rivers: Bhutan has several other rivers, including the Wang Chhu, Kuri Chhu, and more.

- Border Area with India Length: Bhutan shares a border of approximately 699 kilometers with India.

- Connected State of India: The Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal share borders with Bhutan.

- Main Industries: Bhutan's main industries include agriculture, hydropower, and tourism.

- Main Crops: Key crops in Bhutan include rice, maize, wheat, and potatoes.

- Name of Assembly: The legislative body in Bhutan is the National Assembly, also known as the Tshogdu.

- Name of President: Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy,  Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was the King of Bhutan. Bhutan does not have a President.

- Name of Prime Minister: Lotay Tshering was the Prime Minister of Bhutan. 

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) and the Bhutanese Intelligence Bureau (BIN) are involved in intelligence and security matters.

- Army Name of Bhutan: The Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) is Bhutan's military force.

3. China:

China, India's northern neighbor, is one of the world's most populous countries and a global economic powerhouse. The India-China relationship is complex, marked by historical border disputes, economic cooperation, and regional competition.

Certainly, here is some key information about China:

- Area: China is the world's third-largest country by area, covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometers.

- Currency: Renminbi (CNY), often referred to as the Chinese Yuan.

- Main Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language and is widely spoken. There are also many other regional languages and dialects.

- Other Languages: Various ethnic minorities in China have their own languages, including Cantonese, Tibetan, Uighur, and others.

- Administrative Divisions: China is divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 direct-controlled municipalities (including Beijing and Shanghai), and 2 Special Administrative Regions (SARs) - Hong Kong and Macau.

- Highest Mountain Peak: Mount Everest, also known as Mount Qomolangma in Tibetan, is the world's highest peak with an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet).

- Other Mountains: China has several major mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Kunlun Mountains, Tian Shan, and the Qinling Mountains 

- Main River: The Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) is the longest and most important river in China.

- Other Rivers: China has several major rivers, including the Yellow River (Huang He), Mekong River, and the Xi River.

- Border Area with India Length: The border between China and India is approximately 3,488 kilometers long.

- Connected States of India: The Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh share borders with China.

- Main Industries: China has a diverse economy with major industries including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and services.

- Main Crops: Major crops include rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton.

- Name of Assembly: The legislative body in China is the National People's Congress (NPC).

- Name of President: Xi Jinping was the President of China. 

- Name of Prime Minister: Li Keqiang was the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. 

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is China's main intelligence agency.

- Army Name of China: The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is China's armed forces.

4. Myanmar:

Myanmar, located to the east of India, shares a border with India's northeastern states. The two countries cooperate on trade, energy, and security matters. India's "Act East" policy aims to strengthen ties with Myanmar as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Certainly, here is some key information about Myanmar (Burma):

- Area: Myanmar covers an area of approximately 676,578 square kilometers.

- Currency: Burmese Kyat (MMK).

- Main Language: Burmese (Myanmar) is the official language and the most widely spoken language in Myanmar.

- Other Languages: Myanmar is ethnically diverse, and there are several minority languages and dialects spoken across the country, including Shan, Karen, Kachin, and others.

- Administrative Divisions: Myanmar is divided into 15 states and regions.

- Highest Mountain Peak: Hkakabo Razi is the highest peak in Myanmar and Southeast Asia, with an elevation of 5,881 meters (19,295 feet).

- Other Mountains: Myanmar is home to several mountain ranges, including the Shan Hills and the Chin Hills.

- Main River: The Irrawaddy River (Ayeyarwady River) is one of the major rivers in Myanmar.

- Other Rivers: Myanmar has other significant rivers like the Chindwin, Sittaung, and Salween (Thanlwin) rivers.

- Border Area with India Length: Myanmar shares a border of approximately 1,643 kilometers with India.

- Connected State of India: The Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram share borders with Myanmar.

- Main Industries: Myanmar's major industries include agriculture (especially rice and pulses), manufacturing, mining, and tourism. 

- Main Crops: Key crops in Myanmar include rice, beans, maize, and pulses.

- Name of Assembly: Myanmar has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) and the Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities).

- Name of President: U Win Myint was the President of Myanmar. 

- Name of Prime Minister: Myanmar does not have the position of Prime Minister.

 - Main Intelligence Wing Name: The Myanmar Military Intelligence is one of the main intelligence agencies in Myanmar.

- Army Name of Myanmar: The Tatmadaw, also known as the Myanmar Armed Forces, is the military force of Myanmar.

5. Nepal:

Nepal, a landlocked country in the Himalayas, enjoys a deep cultural and historical connection with India. Both nations share an open border and collaborate on various fronts, including trade, security, and development.

Certainly, here is some key information about Nepal:

- Area: Nepal covers an area of approximately 147,516 square kilometers.

- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

- Main Language: Nepali (Nepalese) is the official language and the most widely spoken language in Nepal.

- Other Languages: Nepal is a linguistically diverse country with many regional languages and dialects, including Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamang, and more.

- Administrative Divisions: Nepal is divided into 7 provinces, which are further subdivided into districts and municipalities.

- Highest Mountain Peak: Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, is the world's highest peak with an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet).

- Other Mountains: Nepal is known for its numerous mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Annapurna Range, Langtang Range, and more.

- Main River: The Ganges (Ganga) and its tributaries, including the Gandaki and Koshi rivers, flow through Nepal.

- Other Rivers: Nepal has several other rivers like the Karnali, Seti, and Tamor.

- Border Area with India Length: Nepal shares a border of approximately 1,751 kilometers with India.

- Connected States of India: The Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand share borders with Nepal.

- Main Industries: Nepal's major industries include agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and manufacturing.

- Main Crops: Key crops in Nepal include rice, maize, wheat, sugarcane, and potatoes.

- Name of Assembly: The legislative body in Nepal is the Federal Parliament, consisting of the House of Representatives (Pratinidhi Sabha) and the National Assembly (Rastriya Sabha).

- Name of President: Bidya Devi Bhandari was the President of Nepal. 

- Name of Prime Minister: Sher Bahadur Deuba was the Prime Minister of Nepal. 

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The National Investigation Department (NID) is Nepal's main intelligence agency. 

- Army Name of Nepal: The Nepali Army, also known as the Gorkha Army, is the military force of Nepal.

6. Pakistan:

India and Pakistan share a complex and often strained relationship due to historical disputes, including the Kashmir conflict. Despite these tensions, the two countries have diplomatic interactions and engage in dialogue on various issues.

Certainly, here is some key information about Pakistan:

- Area: Pakistan covers an area of approximately 881,913 square kilometers.

- Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR).

- Main Language: Urdu is the national language and one of the official languages of Pakistan. English is also widely used for official and business purposes.

- Other Languages: Pakistan is linguistically diverse, with Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, and Saraiki being some of the prominent regional languages.

- Administrative Divisions: Pakistan is divided into 4 provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan), 2 autonomous territories (Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir), and the federal capital territory (Islamabad).

- Highest Mountain Peak: K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the highest peak in Pakistan and the second-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).

- Other Mountains: Pakistan is home to several other significant mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush.

- Main River: The Indus River is the main river in Pakistan, flowing from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea.

- Other Rivers: Pakistan has several other rivers and tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej.

- Border Area with India Length: Pakistan shares a border of approximately 2,912 kilometers with India.

- Connected States of India: The Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat share borders with Pakistan.

- Main Industries: Pakistan's major industries include agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, and services.

- Main Crops: Key crops in Pakistan include wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and maize.

- Name of Assembly: The legislative body in Pakistan is the Parliament of Pakistan, consisting of the National Assembly (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House).

- Name of President: Arif Alvi was the President of Pakistan. 

- Name of Prime Minister: Anwaar - ul- Haq Kakar was the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is one of the main intelligence agencies in Pakistan.

- Army Name of Pakistan: The Pakistan Army is the land-based military force of Pakistan.

7. Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka, India's maritime neighbor, has a close relationship marked by cultural exchanges, trade, and developmental assistance. India played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's post-civil war reconstruction and continues to support its development efforts.

Certainly, here is some key information about Sri Lanka:

- Area: Sri Lanka covers an area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers.

- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

- Main Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka.

- Other Languages: English is also commonly used for official and business purposes. Sri Lanka is linguistically diverse, with various regional languages and dialects.

- Administrative Divisions: Sri Lanka is divided into 9 provinces.

- Highest Mountain Peak: Pidurutalagala, also known as Mount Pedro, is the highest peak in Sri Lanka, with an elevation of 2,524 meters (8,281 feet).

- Other Mountains: Sri Lanka has several other mountain ranges, including the Knuckles Mountain Range and the Central Highlands.

- Main River: The Mahaweli River is the longest river in Sri Lanka.

- Other Rivers: Sri Lanka has several other rivers, including the Kelani River and the Kalu Ganga. 

- Border Area with India Length: Sri Lanka does not share a land border with India. It is separated from India by the Palk Strait.

- Connected State of India: The Indian state of Tamil Nadu is the closest to Sri Lanka, across the Palk Strait.

- Main Industries: Sri Lanka's major industries include agriculture (tea, rubber, and rice), manufacturing, tourism, and services.

- Main Crops: Key crops in Sri Lanka include tea, rubber, rice, coconuts, and spices.

- Name of Assembly: Sri Lanka's legislative body is the Parliament of Sri Lanka, consisting of the Parliament of Sri Lanka (unicameral) and the President.

- Name of President:Ranil Wickremesinghe was the President of Sri Lanka.

- Name of Prime Minister: Dinesh Gunawardena was the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. 

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The State Intelligence Service (SIS) is one of the main intelligence agencies in Sri Lanka.

- Army Name of Sri Lanka: The Sri Lanka Army is the land-based military force of Sri Lanka.

8. Afghanistan:

Afghanistan, located in South Asia's western region, has faced decades of conflict. India has been actively involved in Afghanistan's reconstruction and development, including building infrastructure and capacity-building programs.

Certainly, here is some key information about Afghanistan:

- Area: Afghanistan covers an area of approximately 652,864 square kilometers.

- Currency: Afghan Afghani (AFN).

- Main Language: Pashto and Dari (a variety of Persian) are the official languages and are widely spoken.

- Other Languages: Afghanistan is linguistically diverse, with various regional languages and dialects, including Uzbek, Turkmen, and Balochi.

- Administrative Divisions: Afghanistan is divided into 34 provinces known as "welayat."

- Highest Mountain Peak: Noshaq is the highest peak in Afghanistan, with an elevation of 7,492 meters (24,580 feet).

- Other Mountains: Afghanistan is part of the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges, with numerous high peaks.

- Main River: The Amu Darya and the Helmand River are among the major rivers in Afghanistan.

- Other Rivers: Afghanistan has several other rivers and tributaries, including the Kabul River.

- Border Area with India Length: Afghanistan shares a border of approximately 106 kilometers with India.

- Connected State of India: The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir shares a border with Afghanistan.

- Main Industries: Afghanistan's major industries include agriculture, mining, and handicrafts.

- Main Crops: Key crops in Afghanistan include wheat, corn, rice, and fruits such as grapes and pomegranates.

- Name of Assembly: Afghanistan has a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of the People (Wolesi Jirga) and the House of Elders (Meshrano Jirga).

- Name of President: Talibans main leader was the President of Afghanistan. 

- Name of Prime Minister: Afghanistan does not have the position of Prime Minister.

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The National Directorate of Security (NDS) was Afghanistan's main intelligence agency before the changes in government. The situation may have changed, and the agency may have a different name or structure now.

- Army Name of Afghanistan: The Afghan National Army (ANA) was the military force of Afghanistan before the changes in government. The situation may have changed, and the military structure may be different now.

9. Maldives:

The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, shares a strategic maritime relationship with India. Both countries collaborate on issues like maritime security, climate change, and disaster management.

Certainly, here is some key information about the Maldives. 

- Area: The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean and covers an area of approximately 298 square kilometers.

- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

- Main Language: Dhivehi (Maldivian) is the official language and the most widely spoken language in the Maldives.

- Other Languages: English is also commonly used for official and business purposes, especially in the tourism industry.

- Administrative Divisions: The Maldives is divided into 26 atolls, which are further subdivided into islands.

- Highest Mountain Peak: The Maldives is known for its low-lying coral atolls, and it does not have significant mountain peaks.

- Other Geographical Features: The Maldives is composed of coral atolls, sandy beaches, and a multitude of islands.

- Main Atolls: Some of the main atolls in the Maldives include the North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, and Ari Atoll.

- Main Lagoon: The Maldives is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and it does not have significant rivers or lakes 

- Border Area with India Length: The Maldives does not share a land border with India. It is located south-southwest of India in the Indian Ocean.

- Connected State of India: The closest Indian territory to the Maldives is the union territory of Lakshadweep.

- Main Industries: Tourism is the backbone of the Maldivian economy. Fishing and agriculture are also important industries.

- Main Crops: The Maldives primarily relies on fisheries for its seafood industry.

- Name of Assembly: The legislative body in the Maldives is known as the People's Majlis.

- Name of President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was the President of the Maldives. 

- Name of Prime Minister: The Maldives does not have the position of Prime Minister.

- Main Intelligence Wing Name: The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is responsible for defense and security matters.

- Army Name of the Maldives: The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is responsible for land-based military operations.

Please note that political leadership and other details may have changed since my last knowledge update in September 2023, and you should verify the most current information from reliable sources.