NCERT has introduced a newly written 31-page chapter on India’s neighbours in the updated Class 7 Social Science book “Exploring Society India and Beyond.” The chapter, which did not exist in earlier editions, expands the understanding of India’s neighbourhood through geography, culture, shared history, and modern-day diplomacy. The update highlights regional partnerships, tensions, and long-standing civilisational linkages shaping India’s relations with South Asian countries.
New NCERT Content Highlights India-Pakistan Tensions and Cross-Border Challenges
The chapter provides a data-supported overview of India’s complex ties with Pakistan. It notes that Pakistan Army-backed terror attacks have repeatedly hindered normal bilateral relations, resulting in long phases of mistrust and interrupted dialogue. The text also explains how Partition and 4 major conflicts continue to influence political, economic, and emotional connections between the two countries. Before presenting the key themes, the chapter explains how the India-Pakistan border represents both a geographic division and a symbolic reminder of shared heritage and intertwined history. It also mentions the Kartarpur Corridor, operational since 2019, enabling Indian devotees to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur without visa restrictions.
India-China Relations Framed Through History, Culture, and Modern Conflict
The section on China begins with an exploration of centuries-old civilisational links, especially the spread of Buddhism. NCERT describes India and China as Asia’s largest and most influential nations, bound by trade, culture, and evolving geopolitical competition. The textbook emphasises both the heightened border tensions and steps taken to reduce conflict through trade, dialogue, and border management mechanisms. The “Don’t Miss Out” section highlights 13th-century Hindu merchants who built temples in Quanzhou, featuring carvings of Vishnu, Shiva, and episodes from the Ramayana and Puranas, illustrating India’s historical presence in Chinese port cities.
Updated Focus on South Asian Partners: Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan
Before presenting country-wise summaries, the chapter introduces the idea of a broader South Asian neighbourhood that includes maritime partners and culturally aligned nations beyond land borders. Key highlights include India’s:
- Close partnership with Bangladesh, linked through rivers, shared history, and cultural ties
- Open-border relationship with Nepal, supporting movement for education, healthcare, and employment
- Strong cooperation with Bhutan through hydropower projects and Buddhist heritage
These sections underline India’s multi-layered engagement in the region, connecting diplomacy, development, and historical bonds. NCERT’s updated chapter aims to give Class 7 students a well-rounded understanding of regional geopolitics, cultural exchanges, and the importance of peaceful dialogue in shaping India’s neighbourhood policies.
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