India’s Location:

• Latitudinal Extent: 8°4’N to 37°6’N
• Longitudinal Extent: 68°7’E to 97°25’E
• Southernmost Point: Indira Point (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
• Northernmost Point: Near Indira Col (in the state of Ladakh)
• Easternmost Point: Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Westernmost Point: Guhar Moti (Gujarat)

Size of India:

• Total Area: 3.28 million square kilometers (7th largest in the world).
• Land Boundary: 15,200 km
• Coastline: India’s coastline has expanded significantly over the past five decades. In 1970, it was approximately 7,516 kilometers. By 2023-24, this length increased to about 11,098 kilometers, marking a 47.6% growth. because of betterment in measuring tech
• India accounts for 2.4% of the total geographical area of the world.

India’s Neighbors:

• Land Borders: India shares borders with 7 countries:
  1. Pakistan (Northwest)
  2. China, Nepal, and Bhutan (North and Northeast)
  3. Bangladesh and Myanmar (East)
  4. Afghanistan (a narrow border in the Northwest).
• Maritime Borders: Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea. Neighbors include Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Significance of India’s Location

1. Trade and Cultural Exchange:
   • India has historically served as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
   • Monsoon winds facilitated maritime trade.
2. Maritime Routes:
   • Major sea routes connecting the East and West pass through the Indian Ocean.
3. Neighborly Relations:
   • India’s unique location has influenced its relations with neighboring countries and regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Important Points

• India’s peninsular shape enhances its maritime dominance.
• The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.