India’s Neighbourhood First policy is central to its foreign policy, emphasizing regional cooperation, peace, and development with South Asian neighbors. However, strained ties with countries like Nepal, Maldives, and Bangladesh highlight the need for recalibrating this approach toward a more inclusive framework of "neighborliness first." A balanced approach is crucial for addressing challenges like China's influence, territorial disputes, and regional aspirations.
Credits: Geeks for geeks
Significance of Neighbourhood First for India
Strategic Security Imperatives
Stability in India’s border regions (15,106.7 km land borders, 7,516.6 km coastline) ensures national security.
Counters China's "String of Pearls" through cooperative measures like the India-Maldives-Sri Lanka maritime exercise ‘Dosti.’
Economic Integration and Growth
South Asia’s 2 billion population offers vast trade opportunities, with initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway fostering connectivity.
Kashmir conflict and border tensions with China impede regional stability.
Incidents like the Galwan Valley standoff exemplify ongoing challenges.
Rising Chinese Influence
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) fuels debt diplomacy, e.g., Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port.
Growing Chinese investments in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal challenge India’s dominance.
Trust Deficit and Political Challenges
Perceived interference in neighbors’ affairs, such as Nepal’s constitution-making process, creates friction.
Political shifts in Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh reduce India’s influence.
Economic and Trade Barriers
Intra-regional trade remains low at 5% compared to ASEAN’s 25%.
Delayed projects like the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project reflect regional integration hurdles.
Resource and Environmental Issues
Water-sharing disputes (e.g., Teesta agreement with Bangladesh) remain unresolved.
Climate change impacts threaten regional stability, particularly in Bangladesh and Maldives.
Measures to Strengthen the Neighbourhood First Policy
Economic Integration and Connectivity
Fast-track regional projects like the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.
Develop cross-border Special Economic Zones and integrated check posts.
Security and Maritime Cooperation
Establish a Regional Counter-Terrorism Coordination Center.
Strengthen maritime domain awareness through joint operations and automated systems.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
Expand ICCR scholarships and establish regional universities for technical studies.
Promote joint media initiatives and journalist exchange programs.
Digital and Technological Collaboration
Extend India Stack technologies to neighboring countries for seamless digital integration.
Create a South Asian Digital Hub for fintech and e-governance innovations.
Environmental and Resource Management
Launch a Regional Climate Action Task Force and shared disaster warning systems.
Develop joint climate-resilient agricultural initiatives in border areas.
Conclusion
India must transition from a posture of geographic dominance to one of inclusive neighborliness, emphasizing shared development and mutual respect. Strengthening regional economic ties, resolving disputes, and fostering cultural cooperation are pivotal. A revitalized Neighbourhood First policy can enable India to reaffirm its leadership in South Asia and ensure lasting peace and prosperity.
.png)
