India’s role in its neighboring countries’ political developments

Source: The post India’s role in its neighboring countries’ political developments has been created, based on the article “India’s neighbourhood watch, past and present” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd August 2024 

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

Context: The article discusses India’s role in its neighboring countries’ political developments, the challenges it faces due to recent upheavals, and the need for India to maintain consistent engagement with these nations to protect its interests. 

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

What was India’s role in promoting democracy in its neighborhood between 2008-2010? 

1. Between 2008-2010, India played a pivotal role in supporting democratic transitions in its neighborhood.
2. In Bangladesh, India supported the 2008 elections, which brought Sheikh Hasina to power, and contributed to a stable partnership for 15 years.
3. India’s sustained engagement in Sri Lanka contributed to the defeat of the LTTE in 2009, strengthening ties with a unified Sri Lanka.
4. In the Maldives, India backed the first multi-party elections in 2008, leading to Mohamed Nasheed’s presidency.
5. India extended significant development assistance, including a $1 billion line of credit to Bangladesh and rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka.

What has changed in India’s neighborhood by 2024? 

1. Bangladesh: In August 2024, Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed due to democratic deficits, an economic downturn, and violent suppression of protests. This ended a 15-year partnership with India.
2. Sri Lanka: In 2022, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled amidst mass protests. Sri Lanka’s economy and democracy were severely impacted, despite India’s $4 billion bailout.
3. Maldives: In 2024, President Mohamed Muizzu won unexpectedly, highlighting India’s lack of engagement with him earlier.
4. Myanmar: In 2021, the military took over again, reversing democratic gains. The situation is worsening, with the conflict spilling over into India’s northeast.
5. Afghanistan: The Taliban captured power in 2021, turning the clock back after two decades.
6. Pakistan: In 2022, the civilian government was toppled, seen as a move by the military.

How has India responded to these changes? 

1. India’s responses have varied. In Sri Lanka, India provided a $4 billion bailout package during its economic crisis. 
2. Despite initial missteps, India is now engaging with the new Maldivian government. India has cautiously interacted with the Taliban to protect its interests in Afghanistan. 
3. However, India faces challenges in Myanmar, where it must balance its relationship with the military and the Opposition. 
4. In Bangladesh, India needs to rebuild ties with various political parties.

What is India’s strategy moving forward? 

1. India needs more sustained engagement with its neighbors. In Myanmar and Bangladesh, India must support forces that keep democratic spaces open. In Myanmar, this includes working with ethnic groups. In Bangladesh, India should build new understandings with different political parties. 
2. Developmental support remains a key tool for fostering closer relations with these nations, as shown by past successes in Afghanistan, where even the Taliban avoided attacking Indian projects due to their benefits for the people.
3. Adapting to Change: India should remain flexible, as shown by its engagement with the new Maldivian government after the unexpected election results in 2024.

Question for practice: 

Examine how India’s strategy of promoting democracy in its neighborhood has evolved in response to political upheavals between 2008 and 2024.