Introduction

We use 1867 GPS-measured velocities to geodetically constrain Indian plate motion and intra-plate strain to examine plate boundary deformation and plate interactions around the Indian plate. Our solution includes 14 GPS velocities from continuously recording stations from within the stable Indian plate interior which are used to estimate the rotation parameters of the Indian plate. These refined plate motions estimates allow for the rigorous analysis of the India-Eurasia convergence zone where we estimate convergence to be 5-10% higher than previous geodetic estimates (e.g., Paul et al., 2001; Socquet et al., 2006a). Dense station coverage along the Himalayan range front allows us to rigorously test boundary parameterizations and develop a preferred plate boundary model. In our preferred model the Himalayan range front accumulates $\sim$50% of the India-Eurasia convergence with as much as 25 mm/yr of slip accumulation along some segments.

We use a block modeling approach to incorporate both rigid block rotation and a first-order model of near-boundary elastic strain accumulation effects in a formal inversion of the GPS velocities. The robust plate motion parameters for Eurasia, Australia, and India allow for the rigorous testing of variable plate boundary geometries and considerations of models that include smaller micro-plates within the plate boundary zones. These models allow us to further illuminate patterns in the interseismic strain accumulation along the Indian plate boundaries including Himalayan range front.