Understanding India's Neighbourhood First Policy

India's Neighbourhood First Policy

India's Neighbourhood First policy is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen relationships and promote cooperation with neighboring countries. Initiated by the Indian government, this policy highlights the significance of regional stability, economic integration, and mutual trust to achieve broader developmental goals.

Key Objectives of the Neighbourhood First Policy

• Strengthening Diplomatic Ties:
  • Engage in proactive diplomacy to build stronger bilateral and multilateral relations with neighboring nations.
  • Foster dialogue and collaboration on political, economic, and security issues.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • Promote trade and investment between India and its neighbors.
  • Facilitate infrastructure development to enhance connectivity and economic integration within the region.
• Security and Stability:
  • Collaborate on security issues, including counter-terrorism, border management, and maritime security.
  • Address regional security challenges through joint initiatives and cooperation.
• Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges:
  • Enhance cultural ties and promote interactions to build goodwill and understanding.
  • Implement programs that facilitate educational, cultural, and technical exchanges.
• Regional Integration:
  • Actively participate in regional organizations such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA to promote collective regional interests.
  • Work towards creating a cohesive and cooperative regional environment.

Importance of the Neighbourhood First Policy

The Neighbourhood First policy is essential for India's geopolitical and economic ambitions. By fostering a secure and stable regional environment, India aims to pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity within its borders and across the South Asian region. This policy underscores India's commitment to being a responsible regional player and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to address common challenges and achieve shared goals.

Hits and Misses of India's Neighbourhood First Policy

Only with a secure and stable regional environment can India realize its vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India)—Neighbourhood First in practice.

Successes

• Diplomatic Engagements:
  • India's proactive diplomatic outreach has led to enhanced dialogue and engagement with neighboring countries.
  • Bilateral visits, summit meetings, and joint initiatives have improved ties and addressed mutual concerns.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Initiatives like the SAARC Development Fund and AIIB have facilitated vital infrastructure projects.
  • These projects have improved connectivity and encouraged economic integration.
• Security Cooperation:
  • Despite challenges, India has collaborated with neighbors on security issues.
  • Initiatives like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium have fostered cooperation in counter-terrorism and border management.
• Regional Initiatives:
  • India's active participation in regional groupings like BIMSTEC and IORA has contributed to regional stability.
• Cultural Exchanges:
  • Programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) have strengthened people-to-people ties.

Failures

• Unresolved Border Disputes:
  • Ongoing border disputes with Pakistan and China have hindered trust and cooperation.
• Geopolitical Rivalries:
  • Growing competition, especially with China, complicates India's neighborhood dynamics.
• Economic Disparities:
  • Significant economic disparities affect the effectiveness of cooperation initiatives.
• Internal Instability:
  • Political instability and governance challenges in neighboring countries obstruct closer cooperation.
• Limited Progress in SAARC:
  • Bilateral tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, limit SAARC's effectiveness.

Energising Neighbourhood First

To reinvigorate the Neighbourhood First policy, the Indian government should focus on:

• Diplomatic Outreach: Prioritize high-level visits and regular dialogue to build trust.
• Conflict Resolution: Intensify efforts to resolve border disputes through mediation.
• Economic Integration: Accelerate infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity.