India occupies a central and strategic position in South Asia, sharing extensive land and maritime borders with numerous countries, which profoundly shapes its space relationships. On its land frontiers, India shares borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. These land borders are diverse, ranging from the rugged Himalayas to dense forests and plains, influencing trade, migration, and security dynamics.

Maritime neighbours include Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, and Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar across the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. India's long coastline and island territories provide significant maritime access and strategic depth. This geographical proximity fosters cultural exchanges, economic cooperation (e.g., SAARC, BIMSTEC), and regional connectivity initiatives. However, it also presents challenges such as border disputes, cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, and maritime security concerns, making India's neighbourhood a complex and vital aspect of its foreign policy and national security.