I love geopolitics.
Why?
Because all countries are prisoners of their geography, and politics more or less revolves around where these countries are located.
India has a coastline of 7,516.6 kilometers, which means there is a vast area that needs to be patrolled continuously, as malicious actors can easily enter the mainland via the sea.
Coastal security has become even more important since the 26/11 attacks.
India is, for the most part, a peace-loving country, but this also makes us a soft target for aggression.
Major wars that we have fought since independence:
1. First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948) – Kashmir War
Cause: Pakistan-backed tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir.
Outcome: Ceasefire brokered by the UN; Pakistan occupied part of Kashmir (now called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or PoK), and the rest remained with India.
2. Sino-Indian War (1962)
3. Second Indo-Pak War (1965)
4. Third Indo-Pak War (1971) – Bangladesh Liberation War
Cause: India supported East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) during its struggle for independence.
Outcome: Decisive Indian victory; creation of Bangladesh; over 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendered.
5. Kargil War (1999)
Cause: Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
Outcome: India recaptured most positions; Pakistan faced international pressure and withdrew.
As you can see, most of the wars India has fought have been against Pakistan. Pakistan is considered India’s sworn enemy — even today, it sponsors terrorism and is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians in India. Pakistan is a terrorist state. That’s it. I’m not going to expand on the premise.
India is friendly with everyone, except its neighbours. China and Pakistan keep provoking India.
India and China have been trying to maintain peace, but India is often seen as a counterbalance to China’s influence in Southeast Asia, which creates friction in the relationship.
Nepal and the Himalayas act as a protective barrier from China, but the Himalayas also contribute to India’s intense summer heat. India has everything—from deserts to chilly mountains, from snow to scorching heat that evaporates water, from ocean views to vast plains. What more could one desire?
Since the recent coup in Bangladesh, the country has become openly hostile toward India. Atrocities against minorities have been reported there, souring the relationship between the two nations.
The Bangladesh–India border is practically invisible, as people cross into India freely. The West Bengal government is known to issue legal identification to illegal immigrants, worsening the problem for political gain.
Apart from hostile neighbours, India is a good friend to everyone. The vast coastline hasn’t been monetised as much as I’d like to see, but that’s fine. No worries.
Summary
Pakistan: Enemy
China: kinda enemy, right now neutral
Sri Lanka: kinda friend
Nepal: kinda friend
Bangladesh: was friend, now hostile
Afghanistan: kinda friend
Myanmar: neutral
