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INDIA’S GROWING NEIGHBOURHOOD DILEMMAS

Syllabus:

• GS 2: India And Its Neighbourhood

Focus:

This article explores the growing dilemmas India faces in its neighbourhood, South Asia. Despite ambitious foreign policy goals, India struggles with maintaining its influence in the region due to several factors, including the rise of China and its own policy limitations.

India’s Neighbourhood 

The geographical entity of the Indian subcontinent possesses distinctive characteristics, with India sharing borders with nations differing significantly in size, resources, and strength.

• India’s neighbourhood encompasses the South Asian region, housing eight countries, along with the Indian Ocean region.
• The nations within this vicinity comprise Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, the Tibetan autonomous region of China, and Sri Lanka.

Importance of Neighbourhood for India

Political Influence: Strengthening ties with neighbouring nations enhances

India’s political influence in regional and global forums. Helps gather support for India’s permanent seat in UNSC.

2. Strategic Significance: India’s neighbourhood holds immense strategic importance due to its geographical proximity, directly influencing India’s security and regional stability.
3. Trade and Economic Ties: Neighbouring countries are key trade partners, fostering economic cooperation and influencing India’s economic growth.

For Example :

India’s trade with South Asia remained nearly 4 % of its total global trade which highlights the enormous potential of scaling up.

4. Cultural and Historical Bonds: Shared cultural and historical ties with neighbouring nations contribute to diplomatic relations and people-to-people connections.
5. Security Concerns: Instabilities or conflicts in the neighbourhood directly impact India’s security, making it crucial for diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution.

For Example :

Like Myanmar Military took over raised concerns about the possible border infiltration in the North East.

Source: Live mint

Counterterrorism Cooperation: Collaborating with neighbours is vital for effective counterterrorism efforts, addressing common threats and ensuring regional security.

For Example :

Operation Sunrise and Sunrise 2 with Myanmar to destroy insurgent Camps along Indo-Myanmar Border.

Infrastructure Development: Collaborative projects in the neighbourhood contribute to infrastructure development, facilitating connectivity and regional progress.

For Example :

Kaladan Multimodal Transit project with Myanmar.

Counterbalancing External Influence: Strengthening ties with neighbouring nations helps counterbalance external powers’ influence in the region, maintaining regional autonomy.

India’s Initiatives towards balancing Neighbourhood 

Neighbourhood First Policy:

Principle of mutual respect, understanding, and sensitivity to neighbours’ concerns.

2. Act East Policy: Focus on enhancing ties with Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific countries.
3. Connectivity Initiatives: Promotion of projects like the International North-South Transport corridor, (INST) Chabahar port, and Kaladan multimodal transit transport project.
4. Development Cooperation: Support through initiatives like Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), etc.
5. Humanitarian assistance: Vaccine Diplomacy- Substantial contribution to regional COVID-19 response through vaccine distribution.
6. Sub Regional Groupings :

BBIN Network: Active participation in the Bangladesh–Bhutan–India–Nepal sub-regional grouping.

Country-Specific Initiatives:

• Bhutan: Treaty of peace and friendship in 1949, cooperation in hydropower, financial support for Bhutan’s plans.
• Nepal: Treaty of peace and friendship in 1950, agreements on hydropower projects like Arun hydropower , and the recent Treaty of Transit in 2023 which will give Nepal access to India’s Inland Waterways.
• Sri Lanka: Assistance for the ‘Unitary Digital Identity Framework,’ financial support during balance of payment crisis.
• Bangladesh: Agreements on river water sharing , India’s support in Matree Super thermal Power Project In Bangladesh.
• Maldives: Greater Male connectivity project and restoration of Addu atolls.
• Myanmar: Assistance in education, healthcare, disaster management, capacity building, and cultural initiatives.

Prologue:

• Indian foreign policy’s Achilles heel lies in its challenging neighbourhood.
• Despite global aspirations, South Asia poses significant hurdles.

Neighbourhood Dilemmas:

• Political Dilemma: Rise of anti-India regimes in South Asia.

For Example:

• Maldives scenario: Government pushing INDIA-OUT Campaign which posses significant challenge to India’s political influence.
• Potential ideological shift in Bangladesh elections challenging India’s influence .

• Structural Dilemmas from Beijing’s Rise:

For Example:

• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) entanglement.
• China’s outreach surpassing India’s in impact.
• Border dispute settlements strengthening China’s position.

• Geopolitical Architecture Shifts:

US departure leaves a power vacuum, allowing China to fill the void, impacting India’s influence.

For Example :

US departure from Afghanistan.

• Strategic-Autonomy Dynamics:

Smaller states in the region leverage the ‘China card’ against India, complicating strategic relationships.

For Example:

Sri-lanka in Colombo Port Terminal Deal pitching China’s deal against India for economic gains.

• China’s norms-free stance:

China’s non-normative approach gains traction thereby shifting the traditional India-centric calculus in South Asia.

For Example :

China’s Chequebook Diplomacy

• Resident vs. Non-Resident Power:

India faces challenges as the resident power, grappling with cultural and ethnic complexities, while China benefits from being non-resident.

For Example:

Impact on India Pakistan Relations due to cultural and ethical complexities whereas China does not face any such issue.

Causes of Dilemmas:

• Regional Geopolitical Architecture:

Diminished US presence and China’s aggressive rise alter the regional dynamics significantly.

• Policy Stance Challenges:
• Status quo bias in dealing with regional politics.
• Narrow focus on those in power, leading to alienation.
• Lack of engagement with multiple power centres or opposition leaders.
• Mistaken Assumptions:
• Belief that South Asia without Pakistan would align with India.
• Culture-centric approach questioned; does it hinder diplomatic success?
• Relying on cultural connections prove flawed, impacting India’s influence.

Way Forward: 

• Acknowledging Fundamental Changes:
• Recognizing the shift in South Asia’s balance of power and adjusting India’s approach accordingly.
• Embrace ‘Southern Asia,’ recognizing China’s serious regional contender role.
• Involvement of External Actors:

Actively seeking friendly external actors’ participation to counter the region’s potential Sino-centric tilt. 

• Flexible Diplomacy:

Engaging multiple actors within neighbouring countries, addressing anti-India sentiments, and adopting a nuanced approach.

• Need for More Diplomats:

Addressing the critical shortage of diplomats to meet the demands of India’s expanding role in global affairs.

India’s diplomatic pursuits in its neighbourhood necessitate pragmatic shifts, acknowledging the evolving geopolitical landscape and adopting flexible, inclusive strategies.

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-growing-neighbourhood-dilemmas/article67615316.ece/amp/

Mains Practice Question:

In the light of the evolving geopolitical realities of South Asia, critically examine the Dilemmas faced by India in its Neighbourhood. Suggest a comprehensive strategy for India to navigate its complex neighbourhood and maintain its regional leadership.