India’s foreign policy towards its neighbors

Source: The post India’s foreign policy towards its neighbors has been created, based on the article “Yogendra Yadav writes: Is India really ‘neighbourhood first’?” published in “Indian Express” on 19th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- polity-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: This article discusses India’s foreign policy towards its neighbors. It questions whether trying to dominate the region and using force is in India’s long-term interest. It suggests that a more respectful and non-interfering approach might serve India better, focusing on trust and mutual respect.

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

What is India’s Current Approach Towards Its Neighbours?

India’s foreign policy often emphasizes dominance in the region. This includes flexing muscles and influencing political developments in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. However, this has created mistrust and anti-India sentiments.

Why is India’s Neighbourhood Policy Facing Challenges?

1. Hostile Regimes: Countries like Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka currently have leaderships critical of India. Nepal’s PM K P Oli and Maldives’ Mohamed Muizzu have opposed Indian influence.
2. Shift in Alliances: Nepal and Bhutan are leaning towards China for counter-balancing India’s dominance.
3. Perceived Interference: India’s role in Nepal’s democratic transition, the 2015 blockade, and meddling in Nepalese domestic politics are viewed negatively.
4. Growing Anti-India Sentiment: Anti-India narratives in Bangladesh, Maldives, and other nations are gaining traction, often exploited for political gains.
5. Strategic Failures: India’s interventions often lack clear benefits. For example, Indian agencies’ alleged covert actions in Nepal are perceived poorly.
6. Competition with China: China’s growing economic and political influence challenges India’s position in the region.

For detailed information on Challenges in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy in 2024 read this article here

What should be done?

1. Follow “Neighbourliness First”: Respect sovereignty, avoid interference, and peacefully resolve disputes.
2. Adopt Gujral Doctrine: India should accommodate its neighbors without expecting reciprocity, promoting goodwill and trust.
3. Address Mistrust: Take responsibility for past actions, as seen in Nepal, and heal strained relationships.
4. The policy of respecting neighbors and prioritizing mutual trust could improve India’s relations. Rather than trying to control its neighbors, India could focus on building goodwill, strengthening relationships, and promoting regional stability for long-term benefits.

For detailed information on India’s role in its neighboring countries’ political developments read this article here

Question for practice:

Evaluate whether India’s approach of regional dominance has been effective in fostering trust and stability among its neighboring countries.