The Neighborhood First Policy is a diplomatic initiative adopted by India to strengthen ties with its immediate neighbors in South Asia. The policy aims to enhance regional cooperation, economic integration, and strategic partnerships with countries in the Indian subcontinent. By prioritizing relations with its neighbors, India seeks to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region while countering external influences such as China’s growing presence.
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Objectives of the Neighborhood First Policy
1. Strengthening Bilateral Ties
– Enhancing diplomatic and political relations with South Asian neighbors through regular engagements and high-level visits.
2. Economic and Trade Integration
– Promoting trade, investments, and infrastructure projects to boost economic growth in the region.
3. Security Cooperation
– Collaborating on counterterrorism, border security, and maritime security to ensure regional stability.
4. Connectivity and Infrastructure Development
– Developing road, rail, and port infrastructure to improve interconnectivity within South Asia.
5. Humanitarian and Development Assistance
– Providing aid and assistance to neighboring countries in times of crisis, including disaster relief and capacity-building programs.
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Successes of the Neighborhood First Policy
1. Stronger Diplomatic Engagements
– India has deepened its diplomatic ties with neighbors through initiatives such as the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summits and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
– High-level visits and agreements have strengthened relations with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
2. Improved Connectivity Projects
– India has invested in major connectivity projects such as:
– BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) for seamless movement of goods and people.
– Kaladan Multimodal Project to connect India with Myanmar and Northeast India.
3. Economic and Energy Cooperation
– India has signed trade agreements and energy-sharing projects with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
– Hydropower projects in Bhutan and energy trade with Nepal have strengthened economic ties.
4. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
– India has provided aid to Nepal after the 2015 earthquake and to Sri Lanka during economic crises.
– During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri Initiative to South Asian nations.
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Failures and Challenges of the Neighborhood First Policy
1. Tensions with Pakistan
– Hostile relations with Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and Kashmir continue to hinder regional cooperation.
– The revocation of Article 370 (2019) worsened India-Pakistan ties, reducing diplomatic engagements.
2. China’s Growing Influence
– China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has led to increased economic dependence of neighboring countries on China.
– Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives have accepted Chinese investments, sometimes straining ties with India.
3. Border Disputes and Security Concerns
– India has unresolved border issues with Nepal and China, leading to occasional tensions.
– The India-Nepal border dispute over Kalapani and Lipulekh remains unresolved.
4. Slow Implementation of Projects
– Many connectivity and trade projects face delays due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and political instability in neighboring countries.
– Example: The India-Myanmar-Thailand highway has been slow to progress.
5. Weak SAARC Integration
– SAARC has remained ineffective due to political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan.
– BIMSTEC has emerged as an alternative, but its regional impact is still evolving.
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Conclusion
The Neighborhood First Policy has been a cornerstone of India’s regional diplomacy, fostering stronger economic and security ties with its neighbors. However, challenges like China’s influence, regional conflicts, and slow project execution continue to hinder its success. To make the policy more effective, India must enhance regional cooperation through strategic economic investments, diplomatic dialogues, and efficient implementation of connectivity projects. A stable and cooperative South Asia is crucial for India’s security and economic growth, making the Neighborhood First Policy a key aspect of its foreign strategy.
