The number of countries that are neighboring India are

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider both land and maritime borders.

Correct Answer: B) 9

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Pakistan to the west

China to the north

Nepal to the north

Bhutan to the north

Bangladesh to the east

Myanmar to the east

Afghanistan to the northwest

Sri Lanka to the south, across the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar

The Maldives to the south, across the Indian Ocean

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because it undercounts the number of countries that share a border with India. It fails to include all the maritime neighbors.
Option B: This option is correct. India has nine neighboring countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka (maritime), and the Maldives (maritime).
Option C: This option is incorrect because it undercounts the number of countries that share a border with India. It fails to include all the maritime neighbors.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it overcounts the number of countries that share a border with India. It includes more than the actual nine countries.

Mnemonic: Remember the number 9 by associating it with the word "nine" and thinking of India surrounded by a group of nine friends.