Neighbourhood First Policy

SYLLABUS:

GS 2> International relations   >  India Foreign Policy   >   India and Developing world

REFERENCE NEWS:

• Leaders of seven neighboring countries attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth, Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ and Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay. This underscores New Delhi's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, highlighting the importance of strong ties with neighboring countries.
• After the ceremony, Modi met the visiting leaders, reaffirming India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) vision.

NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST POLICY:

• Neighbourhood First Policy India’s ‘Neighbourhood First policy’ guides its approach towards the management of relations with countries in its immediate neighbourhood, that is, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Neighbourhood First policy, inter alia, is aimed at enhancing physical, digital and people to people connectivity across the region, as well as augmenting trade and commerce. This policy has evolved into an institutional priority for all the relevant arms of the Government managing relations and policies with our neighbourhood. (Source: Ministry of External Affairs)

SIGNIFICANCE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST POLICY:

• Strategic Importance and Regional Stability:
  • The Neighbourhood First policy is key to regional stability and strategic relations in South Asia. It focuses on strong bilateral ties, fostering a stable environment that promotes mutual interests and peace, thus reducing tensions and enhancing collaboration. 
  • For example, India's enhanced ties with Bangladesh, illustrated by the resolution of the maritime boundary dispute in 2014 and the Land Boundary Agreement in 2015, have fortified security and cooperation.
• Economic Integration and Trade Enhancement:
  • The policy aims to strengthen economic growth through increased trade. For instance, India is Nepal's largest trade partner, with significant investments such as the Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line and integrated check-posts, which boost connectivity and economic ties.
• Connectivity and Infrastructure Development:
  • This aspect emphasizes infrastructure to improve regional integration. For example, India's participation in Bhutan's hydroelectric projects, like the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project, enhances energy cooperation and economic benefits for both countries. Additionally, through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), India has supported infrastructure projects in Nepal, improving road connectivity and facilitating easier trade routes.
• People-to-People Connectivity:
  • The policy enhances cultural and educational relations. For example, projects like the construction of the Jaffna Cultural Centre and scholarships for Sri Lankan students in India deepen cultural connections and mutual understanding. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme has also provided training and capacity-building opportunities for professionals from neighboring countries, fostering closer cultural and professional bonds.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: 
  • India's Neighbourhood First policy emphasizes its commitment to providing humanitarian aid, establishing its role as a regional leader. For example, during the Maldives' 2014 water crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, India's prompt deployment of resources and medical teams demonstrated its readiness to assist in times of need.
• Security and Defence Cooperation: 
  • The Neighbourhood First policy prioritizes strengthening security and defense cooperation with neighboring countries, which is essential for maintaining regional peace and stability. India actively engages in capacity-building initiatives and defense collaborations to enhance collective security. 
  • For instance, India’s efforts in Afghanistan, including infrastructure projects like the Afghan-India Friendship Dam and training Afghan security forces, along with collaboration on counter-terrorism, border management, and maritime security, underscore this commitment.
• Multilateral Engagements and Diplomatic Successes: 
  • Under the Neighbourhood First policy, India’s active participation in regional organizations like BIMSTEC and SAARC enhances cooperation on common issues. For example, India's involvement in these groups promotes economic and security collaboration. Additionally, India’s diplomatic outreach, including bilateral visits, summit meetings, and joint initiatives, particularly with Bangladesh, has strengthened ties and addressed mutual concerns.
• Regional Initiatives and Cultural Exchanges: 
  • The Neighbourhood First policy actively involves India in regional groupings such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India) initiative, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). These initiatives contribute to regional stability, economic cooperation, and collective security in the Indian Ocean region, while cultural exchange platforms under the policy have enhanced people-to-people ties and built regional goodwill.

CHALLENGES AND FAILURES OF NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST POLICY:

• Political Instability and Internal Conflicts: 
  • Political instability in neighboring countries presents significant challenges to the Neighbourhood First policy. 
  • For example, frequent government changes in Nepal have led to inconsistencies in policy and delays in bilateral projects, while ongoing conflict in Afghanistan complicates India's efforts to maintain stability and support.
• Unresolved Border Disputes: 
  • Persistent border disputes with Pakistan and China hinder trust and cooperation.
  •  For example, skirmishes along the India-Pakistan border and standoffs with China in Doklam and Ladakh highlight security challenges that strain relations.
• Geopolitical Rivalries: 
  • Growing competition, especially with China, complicates India’s regional dynamics. For example, China's development of the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has strengthened its regional presence, challenging India's influence.
• Economic Constraints and Disparities: 
  • Economic disparities and infrastructural deficits limit effective economic cooperation. 
  • For example, despite India's commitment to infrastructure projects in Bhutan and Nepal, financial and logistical challenges have caused delays, affecting their success.
• Internal Instability: 
  • Ethnic conflicts and governance issues in neighboring countries hinder cooperation and stability. 
  • For example, cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and ethnic conflicts in Myanmar challenge India's efforts to maintain stable relations.
• Limited Progress in SAARC: 
  • Bilateral tensions, especially between India and Pakistan, have impacted SAARC's effectiveness. 
  • For example, political disagreements have prevented regular SAARC summits, limiting the organization’s role in regional cooperation.

WAY FORWARD:

To reinvigorate the Neighbourhood First policy and realize its vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected region, the newly elected Indian government should focus on several key areas:

• Diplomatic Outreach and Engagement:
  • High-level visits, summit meetings, and regular dialogue should be prioritized to address outstanding issues and build trust among regional partners. Avoiding knee-jerk reactions to the internal politics of neighboring countries is crucial, as mature statesmanship can foster stable and lasting relationships.
• Economic Integration and Infrastructure Development:
  • Accelerate efforts to improve connectivity and economic integration through infrastructure projects, trade facilitation, and investment incentives. Initiatives like the BBIN and BIMSTEC can unlock the potential for regional cooperation and trade. Economic assistance should continue uninterrupted to enhance India's image as a reliable partner.
• Security Cooperation:
  • Strengthen cooperation on security issues, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and border management. Explore military diplomacy to prevent misunderstandings at the national level, such as positive engagements between the militaries of India and Nepal.
• Multilateral Engagement:
  • Deepen engagement in regional multilateral organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA. Playing a proactive role in shaping the agenda of these organizations can address common challenges and promote regional cooperation.
• Conflict Resolution and Confidence-Building Measures:
  • Intensify efforts to resolve longstanding border disputes and other bilateral conflicts through dialogue, mediation, and confidence-building measures. Joint military exercises, cultural exchanges, and educational scholarships can help build mutual trust and understanding.
• Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Ties:
  • Expand programs like ITEC, cultural festivals, and tourism initiatives to facilitate greater interaction between Indian citizens and those of neighboring nations. Leveraging India's soft-power assets, such as Bollywood, yoga, and traditional arts, can enhance its image and influence.
• Environmental Cooperation:
  • Collaborate on environmental initiatives and sustainable development projects to address shared challenges like climate change and natural resource management. Leverage initiatives like the International Solar Alliance to promote renewable energy adoption and sustainability.
• Public Diplomacy and Soft Power:
  • Maximize the use of India's soft-power assets to build positive perceptions and strengthen ties with neighbors. Public diplomacy campaigns and cultural outreach programs can help foster goodwill. For instance, sponsoring visits to Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya can build strong cultural connections.
• Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management:
  • Develop strong mechanisms for conflict prevention, crisis management, and humanitarian assistance. Proactively engage in regional peacekeeping and humanitarian relief efforts to promote stability and security, enhancing India's image as a benevolent regional leader.
• Youth and Civil Society Engagement:
  • Empower youth initiatives, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements to promote peace, tolerance, and cooperation. Strengthening people-to-people connections can diminish the impact of politically motivated anti-India propaganda.

By implementing these measures, the government can rejuvenate India's Neighbourhood First policy, fostering a secure and stable regional environment that supports India's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Neighbourhood First in letter and spirit is essential for achieving this goal.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Explain the significance of India's Neighbourhood First policy. Also, discuss the major challenges faced by India in implementing its Neighbourhood First policy. (15 marks)