ThinkRankIndia - Location
Overview
India occupies a strategic central position in the Indian Ocean. This chapter details India's latitudinal and longitudinal extent, its land/sea borders, and the importance of its standard meridian.
Learning Objectives
- Locate India on the global grid (Hemispheres)
- Explain the implications of India's large longitudinal span
- Analyze the importance of India’s maritime location
- Identify India’s neighboring countries and boundaries
Key Concepts
Standard Meridian (82°30'E)
Chosen to standardize time (IST) for the whole country, minimizing the 2-hour time difference between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh.
Strategic Maritime Position
As the only country with an ocean named after it, India dominates the sea routes between Europe and East Asia.
Key Terms
Standard MeridianISTPeninsularGulfStrait
Examples
Palk Strait
The narrow stretch of water separating India from its maritime neighbor, Sri Lanka.
Quick Check
- What is the standard meridian of India?
- Which countries share a land border with India?