India’s Neighbourhood Policy

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to criticism regarding India's neighborhood policy, defending the government's approach to relations with neighboring countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s foreign policy aims for maturity and development-focused ties, despite the political dynamics in these countries.

What is India’s Neighbourhood Policy?

• The country's Neighbourhood First Policy determines its engagement with neighbouring nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• The policy prioritises improving physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity within the region, while also boosting trade and commerce.
• Over time, the Neighbourhood First Policy has become a key institutional focus across various government departments responsible for managing relations and policies with our neighbours.
• India has historically shared deep cultural, economic and political ties with its neighbours. After independence, India aimed to establish itself as a regional leader. However, historical conflicts, differing political ideologies and border disputes often strained these relationships. It officially came to being in 2008.

Criticisms of India’s Neighbourhood Policy

• Over-reliance on Specific Leaders and Parties: India’s focus on individual leaders, like Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, limits flexibility and could cause instability if there are political shifts. Critics argue this reliance on specific leaders reduces India’s ability to adapt to changing political dynamics in the region.
• Lack of “India First” Policy from Neighbours: India’s neighbours, such as Nepal and Bhutan, often prioritize their own national interests or align with China, undermining India’s influence. Critics point out the absence of a consistent “India First” policy among these countries.
• Growing Chinese Influence: China’s increasing economic and strategic influence in South Asia, particularly in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, challenges India’s position. Critics argue that India has not effectively countered China’s growing presence in the region.
• Ineffective Security Responses: India’s response to security threats, such as insurgent groups in Myanmar and cross-border terrorism, has been criticized as inconsistent. Critics argue that India’s delicate approach in dealing with Myanmar has failed to address these ongoing security challenges.
• Economic Dependence without Strategic Returns: India’s economic assistance, such as credit lines and aid to neighbours, has not always translated into strategic benefits or political support, leading to concerns that these investments are not yielding long-term advantages for India’s regional security.

Major initiatives

• SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): India has played a major role in SAARC, aimed at promoting regional cooperation. However, the effectiveness of SAARC has been limited due to political differences, particularly between India and Pakistan.
• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): BIMSTEC has gained prominence as an alternative to SAARC, focusing on economic cooperation, security, and cultural exchange among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.
• Infrastructure projects
  • BBIN Initiative (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal): Improving road and rail connectivity.
  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: Connecting India with Myanmar and further with Southeast Asia.
  • Chabahar Port: Developing a strategic port in Iran to improve connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
    

Related PYQ

1. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (2022)
2. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? (2015)
3. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (2013)