Strategic location of India
Also called: Central location in the Indian Ocean · Topic: India: Location, Size, Extent and Divisions · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "India - Location"
Meaning
India lies in south-central Asia at the head of the Indian Ocean. Its peninsula juts into the ocean between the ocean's two arms, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This puts India midway on the sea routes that join Europe, Africa and West Asia with East and Southeast Asia. No other country has so long a coast on the Indian Ocean. This position helps India's trade and naval reach. It also lets India help first when disasters strike the region.
Example
Ships carrying oil from West Asia to East Asia pass south of India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie near the approaches to the Malacca Strait. Port Blair hosts the Andaman and Nicobar Command (2001), India's only tri-service command, which means the Army, Navy and Air Force work together under one head.
Don't confuse with
- Latitudinal location: that describes India's place on the globe's grid (8°4'N–37°6'N) and its effect on climate. Strategic location is about India's position on sea routes and in regional power.