Basic Geography of India: Location, Latitude, Longitude, Time Zone, Neighbours, States and Boundaries
This article provides UPSC-oriented, high-value notes covering the fundamental geography of India with tables, MCQs, previous year questions (PYQs), and internal links for deeper revision.
Use this as a revision aid and a reference for prelims and mains geography preparation.
Location of India
India is located in South Asia and forms the major portion of the Indian subcontinent. It is situated entirely in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres and projects southwards into the Indian Ocean as a large peninsula.
- Latitudinal extent (mainland): 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N
- Longitudinal extent: 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E
- Standard Meridian (for IST): 82°30′ E
- North–South extent: approximately 3,214 km
- East–West extent: approximately 2,933 km
These extents determine climatic variation, day-length differences and other spatial phenomena relevant to UPSC questions.
Area of India: 3.287 million km² (approx.) | Coastline (including islands): 7,516.6 km
Hemisphere: Northern & Eastern.
Latitudinal & Longitudinal Extent – Effects and Significance
India ranges from 8°4′ N (Indira Point, Great Nicobar) in the south to 37°6′ N (Indira Col, Siachen) in the north. This wide latitudinal range results in diverse climatic zones from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the far north.
India spans from 68°7′ E (Gujarat) to 97°25′ E (Arunachal Pradesh). The longitudinal spread leads to nearly two hours difference in local solar time between the extreme west and extreme east of the country.
IST is calculated from the meridian 82°30′ E, which passes near Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh). IST = UTC + 5:30. The single time zone is retained for administrative uniformity despite the longitudinal spread.
Internal link: Climate of India
Neighbouring Countries
| Country | Indian States / UTs sharing border | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Jammu & Kashmir*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat | Long western boundary; maritime proximity in Gulf of Kutch. |
| China | Jammu & Kashmir*, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh | High-altitude land boundary; LAC disputes. |
| Nepal | Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal | Open border in many sectors; significant cultural links. |
| Bhutan | West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam | Himalayan border; strategic and environmental cooperation. |
| Bangladesh | West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram | Complex and subdivided border with enclaves historically. |
| Myanmar | Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram | Connected to India's northeast; important for Act East policy. |
| Afghanistan (indirect / historic) | Jammu & Kashmir (through Pakistan-occupied areas — historic claim) | Not a current direct border for mainland India; mention for historical context. |
*Note: Jammu & Kashmir is shown in the table for reference to boundary sharing; administrative status has changed since 2019. Verify administrative terminology per exam requirement.
Importance of India’s Position
India's geographic position is significant in terms of physical, climatic, cultural and strategic aspects. The following points summarise its importance for UPSC-level answers.
- Strategic location: Situated at the centre of the Indian Ocean, India controls key sea lanes connecting West Asia & East Asia.
- Climatic influence: Position between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer influences monsoon patterns and tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.
- Biodiversity gradient: Latitudinal extent results in diverse biomes — tropical forests, deciduous forests, alpine ecosystems.
- Trade & maritime advantage: Proximity to major maritime routes such as the Strait of Malacca and the Arabian Sea enhances trade potential.
- Neighbourhood diplomacy: Borders with multiple countries shape foreign policy and security priorities.
In answers, emphasise both physical and geopolitical aspects: trade routes, resource access, monsoon modulation, and continental connectivity (South Asia & Southeast Asia links).
States and Their Position (Regional Overview)
The following table groups states by broad geographical region and notes a key positional feature relevant for UPSC answers.
| Region | States / UTs (Representative) | Positional feature / Importance |
|---|---|---|
| North | Jammu & Kashmir*, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand | Himalayan ranges, perennial rivers, strategic frontiers |
| North Plains | Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar | Alluvial plains, food bowl, dense population |
| West | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra | Desert margin, long western coastline, port economy (Gujarat, Maharashtra) |
| Central | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | Plateau & river basins, mineral resources |
| East | West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand | Coastal plain (Bengal and Odisha), mineral & industrial belts |
| Northeast | Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal | Biodiversity, wet-rice agriculture, connectivity challenges |
| South | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala | Peninsular plateau, long coastline, monsoon variability, ports |
| Islands | Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar | Strategic maritime outposts, exclusive economic zones |
Internal links: Indian States Geography | Northeast India
Distribution of Boundaries
India's boundaries are varied in nature — land boundaries (Himalayan and plains), maritime boundaries, and disputed or sensitive boundaries. The following table summarises the distribution and relevant issues.
| Type of boundary | Characteristics | Key issues |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan (Northern) | High altitude, glaciated, sparse population | Border disputes, transboundary rivers, strategic defence |
| Indo-Gangetic plains | Alluvial, densely populated, agriculturally productive | River disputes, boundary alignment (historic), crossings |
| Western desert (Rajasthan) | Arid, sparse population | Border infrastructure, infiltration concerns |
| Northeastern (hill ranges) | Hilly, forested, ethnic diversity | Connectivity, insurgency history, international boundary complexities |
| Maritime boundary | Coastline with contiguous & exclusive economic zones | Fisheries, maritime security, EEZ delimitation |
When writing mains answers, couple the physical description of a boundary with specific policy or strategic implications and, where relevant, give recent examples (e.g., infrastructure development, transboundary water treaties).
Important Straits and Maritime Links Relevant to India
- Strait of Malacca — primary sea route for East Asia–South Asia trade.
- Palk Strait & Gulf of Mannar — connect India and Sri Lanka; important for fisheries.
- Bab-el-Mandeb & Hormuz — chokepoints affecting energy and trade routes to West Asia.
Internal link: Maritime Geography
Practice MCQs (for Prelims)
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) — Useful for Prelims & Mains
- Which meridian is the basis for calculating Indian Standard Time? Answer: 82°30′ E
- Which one of the following is the southernmost point of India? Answer: Indira Point (Great Nicobar)
- Through how many states does the Tropic of Cancer pass? Answer: Eight
- The East-West and North-South extents of India are approximately: 2,933 km and 3,214 km respectively.
- Discuss the strategic importance of India's geographical position with reference to maritime trade routes and security.
Answer pointers: Indian Ocean location, control of sea lanes, chokepoints (Malacca, Hormuz), Act East policy relevance, naval diplomacy, EEZ. - Analyse the implications of India's latitudinal and longitudinal extent on its climate and agriculture.
Answer pointers: Latitudinal diversity leads to multiple cropping zones, monsoon variability; longitudinal spread causes sunrise/sunset differences affecting daily life and demands on governance.
Internal link: Previous Year Questions
Summary (Quick Revision Table)
| Feature | Key fact |
|---|---|
| Latitudinal extent | 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N |
| Longitudinal extent | 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E |
| Standard Meridian | 82°30′ E (IST = UTC+5:30) |
| North–South extent | ~3,214 km |
| East–West extent | ~2,933 km |
| Coastline | 7,516.6 km (including islands) |
| Tropic of Cancer | Passes through 8 states |
Further Reading & Internal Links
Exam tip: For UPSC answers, combine factual accuracy with analysis — state the geographic fact and immediately link it to policy, economy, security or development where relevant.
.png)
0 Comments