Challenges in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy in 2024

Source: The post challenges in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy in 2024 has been created, based on the article “Shyam Saran writes: Why political uncertainty in Sri Lanka may not mean it draws away from India” published in “Indian Express” on 24th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses setbacks in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. It highlights political instability in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, along with growing threats from Pakistan and Bangladesh. India must adapt to these challenges and strengthen regional economic and security ties.

For detailed information on India’s relationship with its neighboring countries read this article here

What are the challenges in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy in 2024?

1. Pakistan’s Cross-Border Terrorism: Pakistan has reverted to escalating cross-border terrorism, posing a serious security threat to India.
2. Nepal’s Political Instability: Nepal has undergone another change in government, with K P Oli, known for worsening bilateral relations, returning as Prime Minister, creating diplomatic concerns for India.
3. Bangladesh’s Political Crisis: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid widespread protests against her government. India faces public resentment for being perceived as complicit in her governance. Radical Islamic groups like Jamaat and Pakistani influence are reviving.
4. Sri Lanka’s Political Shift: Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s left-wing National People’s Power (NPP) government may derail economic recovery. Indian investments like Adani’s $553 million container port project in Colombo face uncertainty.
5. Northeast Security Risks: Ethnic conflict in Manipur, Myanmar’s civil war, and instability in Bangladesh could create a volatile security situation in India’s Northeast.

How has Sri Lanka’s political landscape changed?

1. Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected President of Sri Lanka, leading the National People’s Power (NPP) party. This marks the first time that none of the mainstream political parties are in power. The NPP’s left-wing Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has historically been anti-India. Dissanayake’s populist policies may derail Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
2. He plans to renegotiate IMF terms and review key private sector projects, including India’s Adani group’s solar project and container port project.
3. India is economically interdependent with Sri Lanka, contributing $4 billion during Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis. The economic viability of Colombo port relies on Indian transshipment. While there are concerns about Dissanayake’s policies, his balanced approach toward India and China offers some optimism for stable relations.

How is the situation in Bangladesh affecting India?

1. India has been criticized for supporting Sheikh Hasina’s government without engaging with other political groups, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or Jamaat.
2. The political unrest in Bangladesh could lead to security threats in India’s Northeast region, which is already facing ethnic conflict in Manipur and civil war in Myanmar.

What should India’s approach be in dealing with its neighbors?

1. India needs a comprehensive strategy to handle its neighbors, focusing on both bilateral and regional relations.
2. Economic interdependence can be leveraged, as seen in India’s role in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. India can also be the growth engine for the region and lead efforts on issues like climate change, beginning with its subcontinental neighbors.
3. Address regional security concerns in the Northeast, particularly with Bangladesh’s instability, Pakistan’s terrorism, and the Myanmar civil war.
4. India should avoid relying solely on ruling elites, as seen in Bangladesh with Sheikh Hasina. Engaging broader political groups can reduce anti-India sentiment.

Question for practice:

Examine the key challenges India faces in its “Neighbourhood First” policy in 2024 and how it should address these challenges to maintain regional stability and security.