The international land borders in South Asia may be divided into two categories – (a) The intra-regional
borders which are shared within the SAARC region; and (b) The inter-regional borders which are shared with a
country other than SAARC members. County-wise details of the borders’ length are provided in annexure -1. India
being largest in geographical size, shares longest intra-regional (9975.7 Km) as well as inter- regional land borders
(5131 Km.) in the region. There is a 12539.7 Km. single distance intra-regional international land border sharing in
the region. A total 11864 Km. inter-regional international land borders are shared with 6 countries other than the
SAARC. A 1751 Km long international border runs along India and Nepal, with 20 districts of 5 states falling in India;
and 26 districts of the 5 Development Regions in Nepal joining to it. This border is open and porous through which
cross-border movement in countryside is a common practice. The people living on both sides belong to same race,
caste system and religious background with majority of Hindus followed by Muslims and Buddhists. Mutual
dependency for labour, market, social relationships; and the almost one sided services provided by India to Nepal in
education and health facilities, especially in the border area, strengthen cross-border linkages among the societies.
Cross border marriages and religious celebrations can be routinely seen in the border area. It shows cross-border
affiliations between the two neighbouring states.