The shock-effects of South Asian tumult

India has faced significant geopolitical challenges in its neighborhood since 2021, including coups, political upheavals, and changing alliances across South Asia. The recent shifts—such as the exit of friendly governments and the rise of less favorable ones—highlight the need for India to reassess its diplomatic strategies and regional engagement to mitigate the impact of such radical changes.

Need for Balanced Engagement

• Diplomatic Vigilance: India must maintain active and balanced diplomatic engagements with all political factions in its neighboring countries to avoid being caught off guard by sudden political shifts.
• Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Pragmatic engagement with all political entities, including opposition groups, ensures a more resilient foreign policy stance and prevents the perception of bias.
• Avoiding One-Sided Alliances: Historical instances show that reliance on one political side in neighboring countries can lead to vulnerabilities when power dynamics change.

Importance of Maintaining Reputation

• Support to Friends: India must avoid neglecting its allies, as seen in the case of Afghanistan and Sheikh Hasina. Showing support to former allies can help preserve trust and reliability.
• Avoiding Communal Bias: Policies perceived as communal or biased, like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, can damage relationships with neighboring countries, regardless of their religious demographics.
• Demonstrating Commitment: India should show commitment to securing minorities within its own borders to strengthen its position when advocating for minority rights elsewhere.

Reinforcing Regional Leadership

• Countering External Influence: India must assert its position as a leading regional power amidst growing influence from global powers like China and the U.S., which can undermine its interests.
• Reviving Regional Mechanisms: Re-engaging with regional cooperation mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC can enhance India’s influence and foster stability in the region.
• Addressing Core Issues: Focus on addressing joblessness and democratic backsliding in South Asia to prevent unrest and instability, reinforcing the importance of democratic governance and economic progress.

Mains Question

Q. Discuss the implications of recent geopolitical changes in South Asia for India's foreign policy. What lessons should India draw from these changes to strengthen its regional influence and diplomatic strategies?