Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) conducts a biennial assessment of the country's forest resources using remote sensing satellite data, publishing the results in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
Step 2: Detailed Explation:
According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover of India is \( 7,13,789 \text{ sq km} \).
This forest cover constitutes exactly 21.71% of the total geographical area of India.
Forest cover is defined as all lands more than one hectare in area with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, irrespective of land use, ownership, or legal status.
This includes different canopy density classes: Very Dense Forest ($>$70% canopy density), Moderately Dense Forest (40% to 70% canopy density), and Open Forest (10% to 40% canopy density).
This metric is distinct from the combined "Forest and Tree Cover," which incorporates small tree patches outside recorded forest areas.
Step 3: Fil Answer
The total forest cover of India as per ISFR 2021 is 21.71% of the geographical area.