India’s relationship with its neighboring countries

Source: The post India’s relationship with its neighboring countries has been created, based on the article “Respect thy neighbour” published in “Business Standard” on 17th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – India and its neighborhood- relations.

Context:  The article discusses India’s relationship with its neighboring countries, highlighting challenges and shifts in policy from past to present leaders. It critiques India’s approach as overly assertive, which has strained relations, and suggests adopting softer, more inclusive strategies like scholarships and cultural exchanges to improve ties and respect among neighbors.

For detailed information on India’s neighbourhood dilemmas read this article here

What is India’s historical approach to neighborhood relations?

1. Vajpayee’s Initiative: In 1999, Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated peace with Pakistan by taking a bus ride to Lahore, emphasizing the importance of good neighborly relations.
2. Manmohan Singh’s Policy: In 2008, he promoted the “neighborhood first” policy, prioritizing regional relationships.
3. Modi’s Actions: In 2014, Narendra Modi invited regional leaders to his swearing-in and made surprise visits, like the one to Lahore in 2015.
4. Current Scenario: Despite efforts, relations have strained, with issues in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka reflecting challenges in India’s neighborhood approach.

What are the consequences of India’s current neighborhood strategy?

1. Strained Relations with Bangladesh: India’s closest ally for 15 years, Bangladesh, is now in crisis. Dhaka’s role in securing India’s northeast is critical, but the current instability jeopardizes this relationship.
   For detailed information on Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations read this article here
2. Deterioration with Pakistan: Since the August 2019 changes in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has almost fully broken off from India, leading to heightened tensions.
3. Increased Distrust with Nepal: Nepal altered its national maps to include Indian territories, showing a significant rise in distrust. This move was unanimously endorsed by Nepal’s Parliament.
4. Growing Anti-India Sentiments: In Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan, India’s perceived hectoring and nationalist rhetoric have caused negative reactions. For instance, the rise of Mohamed Muizzu in Maldives was fueled by an “India Out” campaign.
5. Pressure on Bhutan: Bhutan faces intense pressure from China to “settle” its border disputes, potentially compromising its close relationship with India.
6. Media and Public Opinion: Aggressive media portrayals and ultranationalist social media have exacerbated these issues, worsening India’s image in the region.

What Should be Done?

1. Adopt Softer Diplomacy: Shift focus from “muscular” strategies to cultural and intellectual engagement. Example: Offer more scholarships and internships to students from neighboring countries.
2. Strengthen Educational Ties: Improve academic institutions to attract students from neighboring countries who currently study overseas. Example: Encourage cultural performances and movie exchanges.
3. Reduce Religious Overtones: Avoid highlighting religious visits in diplomacy, as seen in Nepal and Bangladesh, which may alienate Muslim-majority neighbors.
4. Engage in Inclusive Policies: Respect sovereignty and public opinion in neighboring countries. Example: The 2015 blockade against Nepal harmed relations.
5. Promote Economic Cooperation: Continue vital economic linkages like power trade with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, while reducing nationalist rhetoric in the media.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s current neighborhood strategy has impacted its relations with neighboring countries