New NCERT textbook breaks down India's ties with its neighbors
The latest Class 7 NCERT book, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, now has a chapter called "India and Her Neighbours."
It gives students a clear look at how India connects—politically and culturally—with nearby countries like Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Iran, and Oman.
The chapter is part of an updated syllabus that brings related topics together for a bigger picture.
What's inside: conflicts and connections
The chapter dives into tough issues like India's history of wars with Pakistan and ongoing tensions over terrorism.
It also covers recent border disputes with China and highlights how cultural bonds remain strong with Afghanistan despite tricky borders since Partition.
For other neighbors—Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives—the focus is on shared history and close ties.
The goal? Helping students really understand the region's dynamics today.