What lessons should India learn from shocks in its neighborhood?

Source: The post what lessons should India learn from shocks in its neighborhood has been created, based on the article “The shock-effects of South Asian tumult” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2024

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

Context: The article discusses how India’s foreign policy in South Asia has faced challenges due to recent political upheavals in neighboring countries. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with all political factions, avoiding one-sided approaches, and revitalizing regional cooperation.

For detailed information on the neighbourhood in turmoil, lessons for India read this article here

What Recent Events Have Affected India’s Neighbourhood?

1. Since 2021, India has faced several shocks in its neighborhood. The coup in Myanmar and the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 were major events.
2. In 2022, Imran Khan was ousted as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa was pushed out of Sri Lanka.
3. More recently, elections in the Maldives replaced the India-friendly Solih government, and coalition issues in Nepal brought the less India-friendly Oli government to power.
4. In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure has left India scrambling to engage with her successors.

What Lessons Should India Learn from These Events?

1. Avoid One-Sided Engagement: India often aligned with specific governments, like Sheikh Hasina’s in Bangladesh, ignoring the opposition. This narrow approach backfired as political tides changed. India should engage with all political factions to maintain balance.
2. Retain Loyalty to Allies: India’s refusal to help Afghan officials after the Taliban takeover harmed its reputation as a reliable partner. However, by allowing Sheikh Hasina to stay in India, it showed loyalty. This should be a consistent approach.
3. Avoid Communal Lenses: Ties in South Asia should not be reduced to religious affiliations. The assumption that good relations are based on religious majorities is flawed. For example, Nepal, a Hindu-majority country, has been a difficult partner, while Bhutan (Buddhist-majority) and Maldives (Muslim-majority) have been strong allies.
4. Revive Regional Cooperation: India must strengthen its role as the leading power in South Asia, independent of global power plays like those between the U.S. and China. India should work on reviving regional mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC to enhance cooperation.

What Common Challenges Exist in South Asia?

1. Political Instability: Frequent changes in government, such as in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, have created uncertainty and affected regional stability.
2. Economic Inequality and Joblessness: High unemployment rates and unequal economic growth have fueled public anger, as seen in protests and unrest in several countries.
3. Democratic Backsliding: The shift towards authoritarianism, as witnessed in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina, undermines long-term stability and can lead to political backlash.
4. External Influence: Rivalries between global powers like the U.S. and China often overshadow regional cooperation, weakening South Asian unity and self-reliance.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s foreign policy has been affected by recent political changes in neighboring South Asian countries.