India’s neighbourhood dilemmas -India’s growing neighbourhood dilemmas

Source: The post India’s neighbourhood dilemmas has been created on the article “India’s growing neighbourhood dilemmas” published in “The Hindu” on 8th December 2023.

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

News: The article discusses India’s difficulties in managing relationships with neighbouring countries in South Asia. It highlights challenges from anti-India regimes and China’s growing influence. The need for India to improve its diplomatic strategies and increase diplomatic personnel is also emphasized.

What dilemmas does India face in the neighbourhood?

Rise of Anti-India Regimes: India confronts the rise of anti-India regimes, like the one in the Maldives, which is urging Indians to leave.

Structural Challenges from China’s Influence: The increasing engagement of South Asian countries with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and other projects. China’s strategic involvement in countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, overshadow India’s influence.

China’s Border Settlement Strategy: China’s efforts to resolve border disputes with neighboring countries, except India, as demonstrated in Bhutan, creates strategic concerns for India in the region.

What are the reasons behind India’s neighbourhood dilemmas?

Regional Geopolitical Architecture:
a) Diminishing US Presence-The United States’ decreasing involvement in South Asia has created a vacuum, now being filled by China, to India’s disadvantage
b) Rise of China– China’s significant growth acts as a ‘geopolitical buffer’ for smaller states, challenging India’s influence in the region
c) Use of the ‘China Card’-  Neighbouring countries are increasingly using their relationship with China as a strategic tool in their foreign policy
d) Lack of Interconnectedness and Poverty– The region’s underdevelopment and poverty make the economically more capable China an attractive partner
e) India’s Normative Approach– India’s traditional, normative policy towards the region has been less effective compared to China’s non-normative, pragmatic approach.

India’s Policy Stance: India’s foreign policy shows a deep-seated status quo bias, primarily engaging with those in power, which can alienate other important groups or emerging power centers in these countries.

Misconceptions in Indian Diplomacy:
a) Overestimation of Regional Influence– India believed that excluding Pakistan, South Asia would align with its geopolitical views, which hasn’t been the case
b) Overestimation of Cultural Connections- The assumption that India’s cultural and historical ties would ensure better relations with neighbors has not been as effective against China’s more resource-driven approach.

What should be done?

1. a) India needs to recognize the fundamental shift in South Asia’s balance of power, where China is now a key player
   b) Proactively seek involvement of friendly external countries to counter the region becoming Sino-centric
   c) Engage with a variety of political and social actors in each neighbouring country, not just those in power
   d) Significantly boost the number of diplomats to handle India’s foreign policy effectively, given its large population and expanding role in global affairs.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges and reasons behind India’s difficulties in managing relationships with its neighbouring countries in South Asia.