How does the long

India has a very long coastline of approximately 7516 km. The long coastline of India provides an eminent position in South Asia from economic and trade point of view.

i. India is bounded by Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west and the great Indian Ocean in the south which gives an advantage to India in sea trade.

ii. All the sea trade from Europe and Africa to West Asia must pass through the India and Indian Ocean which makes it so important.

iii. The Indian Ocean connects India with the Africa and Gulf countries which provide India oil, a basic natural resource requirement.

iv. It moderates the climatic conditions of the regions bordering the sea.

v. Indian coastline offers natural harbours which help in promoting maritime trade across Central Asia and South East Asia.

vi. It has made India’s fishing industry one of the largest in the world.

vii. Increases tourism potential of coastal states.

viii. Provides a cheap mode of transport.

ix. The southwest monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean bring rainfall in the country.