The correct option is (a).
Explanation
India shares its land boundaries with seven countries and maritime boundaries with two island nations. The relative location of these neighbours is defined by cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and their geographical nature (landlocked or coastal).Statement 1 is Correct: Nepal and Bhutan are located to the north of India, situated within the Himalayan mountain range. Both are landlocked nations, meaning they are entirely surrounded by land and have no direct access to the sea.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean to the south of India. It is not landlocked (as it is an island surrounded by water) and is not located in the north.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Bangladesh is located to the east of India. It shares a border with India on its west, north, and east. In the context of India's general geography, Pakistan is the neighbour in the west, while Bangladesh is the neighbour in the east.
Key Takeaway: Nepal and Bhutan are northern landlocked neighbours; Sri Lanka is a southern island neighbour; Bangladesh is an eastern neighbour.