Trace back to its past and discuss India's close links with its neighbours.

India has been trading and communities from ancient times with its neighbouring countries. The oldest routes between India and many countries were land routes which pass through the Himalayas which lies in the north of India.

Silk route is the major route of the oldest times. It is also known as the Silk Road. It connected Asia to Europe, Central Asia and Africa. It was given name “silk” because of a high percentage of trade was carried out in Silk on this route.

In the fifteenth century, Vasco de Gama discovered a sea route to India. India has become a centre between Africa and other East Asian countries for trade through the Indian Ocean.