India’s Neighbourhood Watch, Past and Present

Given the shifting dynamics in India's neighbourhood, it becomes important to evaluate India's role and response to recent political upheavals in neighboring countries.

Historical Successes

• Bangladesh's Democratic Transition: In 2008, India played a crucial role in facilitating democratic elections in Bangladesh, leading to Sheikh Hasina’s government, which has been generally supportive of Indian interests.
• Sri Lanka’s Post-LTTE Period: India’s support was instrumental in Sri Lanka's post-2009 recovery from the LTTE conflict, helping establish closer ties with a unified Sri Lanka.
• Democratic Advancements in Maldives and Myanmar: India supported democratic transitions in the Maldives (2008) and Myanmar (2010), contributing to their political stability and democratic maturation.

Recent Challenges

• Bangladesh’s Political Crisis: In 2024, Bangladesh faced a political crisis with the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government, revealing India’s limited influence and failure to engage effectively with opposition forces.
• Sri Lanka’s Economic and Political Instability: Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis and political turmoil in 2022 highlighted India’s role in providing emergency financial aid and maintaining diplomatic engagement amid instability.
• Maldives and Myanmar’s Political Turbulence: India misjudged the political shifts in the Maldives and Myanmar, leading to diplomatic challenges and necessitating a recalibration of India’s foreign policy approaches.

Current Strategies and Recommendations

• Recalibrating Engagement with Neighbors: India needs to engage more dynamically with Bangladesh and Myanmar, balancing its support between democratic forces and strategic interests to stabilize the region.
• Continued Developmental Support: India’s developmental projects across the region, including in Afghanistan, demonstrate its commitment to fostering goodwill and stability, even amid political upheavals.
• Strategic Patience and Diplomacy: India must employ strategic patience and enhance diplomatic efforts to navigate the complex political landscapes of its neighbors while protecting its interests and promoting regional stability.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the impact of political instability in India’s neighboring countries on its foreign policy. How should India adapt its diplomatic strategies to effectively manage these challenges?