India’s Neighbourhood Policy
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: International Relation
Source: IE
Context: India’s neighbourhood policy is under scrutiny as its relations with several neighbouring countries face challenges. With a history of deep cultural and historical ties, India’s approach to its neighbours must balance its growing global aspirations with regional sensitivities.
India’s Neighbourhood Policy:
• Neighbourhood First Policy:
• Emphasizes prioritizing relations with immediate neighbours.
• Seeks economic integration, development partnerships, and cultural ties.
• Gujral Doctrine:
• Advocates non-reciprocity and goodwill gestures toward neighbours.
• Focuses on non-interference, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.
• Act East Policy:
• Connects India with Southeast Asia for trade, security, and cultural integration.
• Strengthens ties with Myanmar, Bangladesh, and ASEAN countries.
Present Diplomatic Means to Handle Neighbours:
• Economic Initiatives:
• Trade agreements and infrastructure projects like BBIN and SAARC.
• Investments in energy, transport, and connectivity in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
• Security Cooperation:
• Joint exercises and counter-terrorism efforts, e.g., BIMSTEC and Quad.
• Border management agreements with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Cultural Diplomacy:
• Leveraging historical and religious ties with Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Promoting Indian soft power through educational scholarships and cultural exchanges.
• Aid and Assistance:
• Humanitarian assistance during crises (e.g., earthquake relief in Nepal).
• Development aid to Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan.
Positive Impacts:
• Economic Growth:
• Enhanced trade and energy cooperation with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
• Cross-border projects like Maitree Super Thermal Power Project with Bangladesh.
• Regional Stability:
• Cooperation on counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
• Proactive measures in disaster management strengthen goodwill.
• Soft Power:
• Popularity of Indian culture, films, and educational initiatives in neighboring countries.
• Religious tourism initiatives, such as Ramayana Circuit.
Negative Impacts:
• Trust Deficit:
• Perceptions of India as a “big brother” in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Accusations of interference in internal politics, e.g., Maldives and Nepal.
• Chinese Influence:
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative offers economic alternatives to India’s neighbours.
• Strategic encirclement through infrastructure projects like Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka.
• Security Concerns:
• Rise in anti-India sentiment used for political gains in Bangladesh and Maldives.
• Border disputes with Nepal strain bilateral ties.
Measures to Prioritize Neighbour Relations:
• Respect Sovereignty:
• Avoid overt interference in domestic politics of neighboring countries.
• Uphold the principle of non-reciprocity in bilateral agreements.
• Strengthen Economic Ties:
• Enhance cross-border infrastructure and connectivity projects.
• Promote regional trade blocs like BIMSTEC and BBIN.
• Collaborate on Shared Challenges:
• Partner in addressing climate change, disaster management, and health crises.
• Ensure equitable sharing of water resources in transboundary rivers.
• Engage Strategically:
• Counterbalance Chinese influence by offering competitive investments and aid.
• Focus on soft-power diplomacy through cultural and educational exchanges.
• Transparent Communication:
• Regular summits and dialogues to address grievances and foster trust.
• Encourage people-to-people contact to mitigate misunderstandings.
Conclusion
India’s neighbourhood policy must focus on fostering trust, mutual respect, and collaboration. Strengthening ties with its neighbours through economic, cultural, and diplomatic initiatives is crucial for regional stability and India’s global aspirations.
Insta Links:
• Neighbourhood First Policy
• “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC-2017)