Neighbourhood Policy of India

Historically, India's approach to its neighbors has evolved from Nehru's emphasis on regional stability to Gujral's doctrine of goodwill and non-reciprocity, and finally to Modi's focus on connectivity and economic integration. This evolution highlights a shift towards more proactive engagement and a broader regional strategy. India's immediate neighbors, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, are crucial for regional security and economic integration. Cooperation with these countries addresses shared challenges such as border security, cross-border terrorism, and environmental issues. Meanwhile, India's extended neighborhood, including Southeast Asia and West Asia, offers opportunities for trade, energy security, and strategic partnerships, though it also presents challenges like regional conflicts and the influence of China. India's policy incorporates initiatives like development assistance, connectivity projects, and security cooperation, exemplified by the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and joint patrols with Bangladesh. The policy aims to foster regional integration and counterbalance external influences, reinforcing India's role as a key regional player and advocate for the Global South.

• Presence of Neighboring and Indian Ocean Region Leaders: Leaders from neighbouring countries and the Indian Ocean region, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, Seychelles.
• Reaffirmation of 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and 'SAGAR' Vision: Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR’ vision, emphasising regional cooperation and maritime security.
• Focus on Regional Connectivity and People-to-People Ties: Emphasis was placed on enhancing regional connectivity and fostering closer people-to-people ties within the neighbourhood and Indian Ocean region.
• India’s Vision for 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047: Modi outlined India’s vision to achieve a developed nation status by 2047, highlighting goals for sustainable growth and prosperity.
• Advocacy for Global South and International Engagement: India reiterated its role in amplifying the voice of the Global South and promoting cooperation among developing nations on global platforms.
• Inclusive Invitation to Regional Leaders: Leaders from SAARC, BIMSTEC, Mauritius, and Kyrgyzstan were invited, demonstrating India’s inclusive diplomatic outreach.

• Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964): Nehru emphasised regional cooperation, non- alignment, and peaceful coexistence. He viewed India’s neighbours within a broader Asian context, aiming for stability and peace in South Asia.
• Indira Gandhi (1966-1977, 1980-1984): During her tenure, India faced regional conflicts (e.g., Bangladesh Liberation War). Gandhi focused on bilateral relations, security, and economic cooperation with neighbours.
• Inder Kumar Gujral (1997-1998): Gujral Doctrine emphasised goodwill, non- reciprocity, and non-interference. India sought to improve ties with smaller neighbours, addressing their concerns.
• Narendra Modi (2014-present): Modi’s NFP emphasises connectivity, trade, and people-to-people contact. Initiatives like “Act East” and “Neighborhood First” aims to strengthen regional ties and address shared challenges.

• Geopolitical Security:
  • Shared Borders: Land borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar necessitate close cooperation on border security and management.
  • Regional Stability: Instability in neighbouring countries can spill over into India, impacting security and economic activity. Refugee crisis, civil wars.
  • Countering China: Collaboration with neighbours helps counter China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • Multilateral Leadership: Cooperation strengthens India's leadership role for the Global South in international organisations. Such as the WTO Agreement on Agriculture.
  • Territorial Integrity: Neighbourly cooperation is crucial to maintain India's territorial integrity and combat separatist movements.
  • Maritime Security: Collaboration with neighbours like Maldives and Sri Lanka bolsters maritime security against threats like piracy and terrorism. China’s String of pearls policy.


• Economic Interdependence:
  • Trade and Investment: Neighbours are crucial trade partners, with India aiming to boost regional economic integration through initiatives like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).
  • Connectivity: Efficient trade requires robust cross-border infrastructure for transportation and communication. BBIN road project.
  • Shared Resources: Cooperation and agreements between neighbours are necessary for the management of common resources, such as River water E.g. the Indus Water Treaty (1960).


• Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Links:
  • Shared History and Culture: Many cultural and religious traditions are shared between India and its neighbours. Buddhism, Language, relatives.
  • Cross-Border Movement: People often travel for work, education, and pilgrimage, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
  • Diaspora Communities: Large Indian diaspora communities exist in neighbouring countries, strengthening cultural and economic ties.


• Global Influence and Soft Power:
  • Regional Leadership: India aspires to be a regional leader, and strong relationships with neighbours are crucial for this ambition.
  • Development Cooperation: India can assist neighbours in development projects, enhancing its soft power.
  • International Image: Stable and peaceful relations with neighbours project a positive image of India on the global stage.

• Economic Powerhouse: Southeast Asia (SEA) is a fast-growing economic region, offering vast trade and investment opportunities (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia).
• Connectivity: Robust maritime connectivity is crucial for trade and energy security (e.g., access to the Malacca Strait). India invests in port development and maritime cooperation with SEA nations.
• Security: Cooperation is vital to counter piracy, human trafficking, and emerging threats in the Indian Ocean (e.g., joint patrols with Indonesia).
• Strategic Partnerships: Balancing China's influence in the region is a strategic concern for India. Building partnerships with SEA nations promotes a multipolar regional order.
• Cultural Links: Historical ties and shared Buddhist heritage with some SEA countries (e.g., Thailand) strengthen cultural exchange.
• Emerging Markets: Landlocked countries like Laos and Myanmar offer potential markets for Indian goods and services.

• Energy Security: West Asia (WA) is a major source of oil and gas imports for India (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Iran). Strong ties ensure reliable energy supplies.
• Economic Diversification: WA offers opportunities to diversify India's trade beyond hydrocarbons, promoting investments in infrastructure and services
• Diaspora: Large Indian diaspora communities in WA contribute significantly to remittances and act as bridges for economic and cultural exchange (8 millions Indian workers in the Gulf).
• Strategic Partnership: Cooperation is crucial for combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability (Joint counter-terrorism initiatives).
• Geopolitical Influence: Stronger ties with WA nations enhance India's strategic influence in the region and its voice on global issues.
• Geo-strategy: Countering security threats like terrorism and piracy, promoting regional stability.
• Connectivity: Collaboration on infrastructure projects like pipelines and undersea cables can improve connectivity between India and WA.
  • International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement.
• Historical Ties: Long-standing cultural and trade links with WA nations (historical trade routes) offer a foundation for stronger relations.

• Territorial Disputes: Unresolved border issues with some neighbours (for example, China-India border dispute, and water sharing with Nepal) can create tension and instability.
• Security Threats: Cross-border terrorism (Pakistan) and insurgency (Northeast India) pose major security concerns.
• Political Instability: Internal conflicts or weak governance in some neighbouring countries (Myanmar) can create regional instability and spill over effects for India.
• Uneven Development: Disparities in economic development between India and some neighbours can create challenges for regional integration.
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Limited infrastructure for cross-border trade and connectivity can hinder economic cooperation.
• Environmental Issues: Transboundary environmental issues like water pollution and climate change require coordinated regional responses.

• Regional Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts and political instability in WA (e.g., Syrian Civil War, Israel-Hamas Conflict) disrupt trade and threaten energy security for India.
• Dependence on Oil Imports: India's reliance on oil imports from WA makes it vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions (repeated attacks by Houthi Rebels from Yemen towards the Red Sea)
• Radicalization and Terrorism: The threat of radicalization and terrorist activities emanating from WA can pose security challenges for India.

• China's Influence: China's growing economic and military influence in Southeast Asia can be seen as a strategic challenge for India ( focus on Authoritarian regime durability in the region, promotion of Chinese language and culture, Illicit Chinese economy-online casino economy , online scammers and rampant corruption).
• Maritime Disputes: Territorial disputes in the South China Sea can lead to regional tensions and impact freedom of navigation for India.
• Unequal Trade Balances: India's trade deficit with some East Asian countries (China) can be a concern.

• Development Assistance: Lines of Credit (LoCs) for infrastructure projects in Nepal and Bhutan. SAGAR initiative.
• Connectivity Projects: India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project.
• Security Cooperation: Joint patrols and exercises with Bangladesh for border security. Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association).
• Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Offering scholarships to students from Sri Lanka and Maldives. Project Mausam
• Disaster Management: Immediate relief assistance to Nepal after the earthquake in 2015. Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
• Regional Forums: Leadership in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) initiatives.
• Trade and Economic Cooperation: Cross-border trade facilitation under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Initiative.
• SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): Aimed at promoting regional cooperation among South Asian countries.
• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): Focuses on economic cooperation, security, and cultural exchange among Bay of Bengal countries.

"India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy reflects its strategic imperative to prioritise regional stability and economic integration, recognizing that a secure neighbourhood is essential for its own security and the development." - C. Raja Mohan.