• Understand the concept of maritime neighbours and provide examples related to India.
• Explain the influence of Buddhism on India's relationships with its neighbours.
• Define 'open border' policy and discuss its implications for India-Nepal relations.
• Analyze the statement 'Being neighbours is not just about geography' with relevant examples.
• Identify ways in which India has supported smaller neighbouring countries and provide examples.
• Discuss how shared challenges can lead to cooperation, citing examples from the chapter.
• Speculate on how borders would differ if drawn by cultural connections rather than geography.
• Engage in map activities to label India's neighbours and illustrate cultural flows.

India and Her Neighbours

Overview

• Our destinies are inextricably tied together. What affects one nation affects the rest of us. - Nelson Mandela (1995)

Maritime Neighbours

• Definition: A maritime neighbour is a country connected to another by a shared sea or ocean, even without a direct land border.
• Examples:
  • Sri Lanka: Immediate neighbour across the waters.
  • Maldives: Another immediate maritime neighbour.

Land Neighbours

• Countries Sharing Land Borders:
  • Pakistan: Northwest neighbour.
  • Afghanistan: Northwest neighbour.
  • China: Northern neighbour (region of Tibet).
  • Nepal: Northern neighbour.
  • Bhutan: Northern neighbour.
  • Bangladesh: Eastern neighbour.
  • Myanmar: Eastern neighbour.

Cultural and Historical Links

• Buddhism: Created links with India's neighbours through cultural exchanges and trade.
• Trade Routes: Historical trade routes facilitated cultural and religious exchanges, such as those between Indian kingdoms and Indonesia.

Open Border Policy

• Definition: An open border policy allows free movement of people across borders.
• Example: The India-Nepal open border policy affects the lives of people living along the border by allowing easy access and movement.

Cooperation Through Shared Challenges

• Shared challenges can lead to opportunities for cooperation among neighbouring countries.

Redrawing Borders

• If borders were drawn only by culture and connections, the map would look different, emphasizing cultural zones over political boundaries.

Activities

• Label India's neighbours on a blank map.
• Draw arrows showing cultural flows (e.g., food, festivals, languages) between India and her neighbours.
• Imagine and redraw new 'borders of friendship' connecting neighbours through rivers, trade routes, or cultural zones.