Neighbourhood First Policy - India's Relations with South Asian Countries

Neighbourhood First Policy - India's Relations with South Asian Countries

1. Why Neighbourhood First Matters for UPSC

For UPSC, Neighbourhood First is a high-frequency theme under GS Paper 2 (International Relations) because India's national security, border management, trade, energy security, internal stability, and regional leadership are directly shaped by its relations with South Asian neighbours. Issues like cross-border terrorism, river-water disputes, migration, connectivity projects, Chinese strategic influence, maritime security, and regional institutions regularly appear in Prelims and Mains.

Prelims Angle

• Know the neighbours, regional groupings (SAARC, BIMSTEC, BBIN), major connectivity corridors, and key terms like SAGAR, HADR.
• Map-based readiness: land and maritime neighbours; chokepoints and key ports in the Indian Ocean region.

Mains Angle

• Use Neighbourhood First as a framework to answer questions on regional stability, China factor, connectivity diplomacy, and India's role as a "net security provider".
• Write balanced answers: achievements + constraints + way forward.

2. Origins and Evolution: From "Good Neighbourliness" to Neighbourhood First

India's neighbourhood focus is not new, but it became sharper and more institutional in the last decade. The central idea is simple: India's rise is incomplete without a peaceful and cooperative neighbourhood.

2.1 Historical and Policy Roots

• Civilizational & cultural ties: Shared histories, religions, languages, trade routes, and family linkages across South Asia.
• Strategic logic: A stable neighbourhood reduces external interference, protects borders, and supports regional leadership.
• Economic logic: Neighbours are natural trade partners; seamless connectivity reduces transaction costs.
• Gujral Doctrine (1996-1998): Emphasized non-reciprocal, generous engagement with smaller neighbours to build trust.

2.2 Key Signals of Priority (2014 onwards)

• High-level diplomatic outreach and regular visits to neighbours.
• Emphasis on connectivity (roads, rail, inland waterways, energy grids) and development assistance.
• Stronger focus on maritime neighbourhood in the Indian Ocean alongside land neighbours.

Prelims Angle

• Know "Gujral Doctrine" as a conceptual predecessor.
• Differentiate between SAARC and BIMSTEC (members, objectives, relevance).

Mains Angle

• Explain how neighbourhood policy links domestic stability with foreign policy outcomes (border states, insurgency, trade, migration).

3. Core Principles and Pillars of Neighbourhood First

Neighbourhood First can be understood through a set of practical pillars that translate intent into outcomes.

3.1 Political Priority and Respect for Sovereignty

• Frequent high-level engagement to prevent mistrust and miscommunication.
• Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and domestic political sensitivities of neighbours.

3.2 Development Partnership (Capacity Building + Grants/Lines of Credit)

• Projects in infrastructure, health, education, housing, digital connectivity, and public services.
• Human resource development: training, scholarships, institution-building.

3.3 Connectivity as a Strategic Public Good

• Cross-border roads/rail, integrated check-posts, coastal shipping, inland waterways.
• Energy connectivity: cross-border electricity trade and grids.

3.4 Economic Integration and Trade Facilitation

• Reducing barriers, improving logistics, supporting regional value chains.
• Promoting sub-regional arrangements when broader regional cooperation slows.

3.5 Security Cooperation (Traditional + Non-Traditional)

• Counter-terror cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building.
• Maritime security, anti-piracy, coastal surveillance.
• Non-traditional threats: disasters, pandemics, cyber threats, trafficking.

3.6 People-to-People Ties

• Tourism, pilgrimage circuits, educational exchanges, cultural diplomacy.
• Ease of travel, medical tourism, and diaspora engagement.

Prelims Angle

• Keywords: connectivity, development partnership, HADR, maritime domain awareness, sub-regionalism.

Mains Angle

• Structure answers using these pillars (headline each pillar, then give 1-2 examples).

4. Regional Platforms and Policy Tools Supporting Neighbourhood First

4.1 SAARC: Potential but Politically Constrained

SAARC was envisioned as South Asia's main regional platform, but political tensions—especially India-Pakistan issues—have frequently stalled progress. As a result, India increasingly uses alternative and complementary platforms.

4.2 BIMSTEC: Bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia

BIMSTEC is strategically important because it connects India's eastern and northeastern priorities with the Bay of Bengal region, and it functions even when SAARC is inactive.

4.3 BBIN and Sub-Regionalism

BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) reflects a practical approach: when region-wide consensus is difficult, smaller groups can move faster on trade, transit, and energy.

4.4 HADR and "First Responder" Diplomacy

India's ability to deliver rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) builds trust and credibility in the region. Disaster response also becomes a tool of soft power and strategic reassurance.

4.5 Maritime Neighbourhood and SAGAR

Although South Asia is the core, India's neighbourhood approach increasingly includes the maritime domain—especially for island neighbours—through the concept of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and partnerships for coastal surveillance and maritime security.

Prelims Angle

• Be clear about memberships: SAARC vs BIMSTEC vs BBIN.
• Understand why BIMSTEC gained importance (functional cooperation, Bay of Bengal focus).

Mains Angle

• Show how India shifts from SAARC to sub-regionalism without abandoning regionalism.
• Use HADR as a concrete example of "public goods" diplomacy.

5. India's Country-Wise Relations in South Asia (UPSC-Ready Notes)

This section gives an exam-oriented country-wise overview with core interests, cooperation areas, irritants, and way forward.

5.1 Bangladesh

Why it matters: Bangladesh is central to India's Act East policy, Northeast connectivity, counter-terror cooperation, and Bay of Bengal stability.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Connectivity: Road, rail, and port access to support India's Northeast and regional trade.
• Border management: Cooperation to curb trafficking and illegal activities while maintaining humane handling of border issues.
• Energy cooperation: Power trade and grid interconnections strengthen energy security.
• Security: Cooperation against extremist networks improves internal security in border states.

Key Challenges

• River-water sharing: Agreements and negotiations on shared rivers remain sensitive.
• Domestic political sensitivities: Issues like migration narratives can trigger public opinion reactions.
• Trade asymmetry perceptions: Need to address non-tariff barriers and improve market access.

Way Forward

• Push faster completion of connectivity and infrastructure projects with transparent timelines.
• Strengthen river-basin management through data sharing, flood forecasting, and cooperative frameworks.
• Expand value-chain trade and joint manufacturing in mutually beneficial sectors.

5.2 Bhutan

Why it matters: Bhutan is a trusted neighbour and a key partner for India's Himalayan security, hydropower cooperation, and Northeast stability.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Hydropower partnership: A pillar of economic cooperation and long-term interdependence.
• Development support: India supports Bhutan's infrastructure, education, and capacity building.
• Security coordination: Close coordination helps maintain stability in the Himalayan region.

Key Challenges

• Economic vulnerability: Bhutan's economy is small and exposed to external shocks.
• Strategic pressures: Regional geopolitics and border sensitivities require careful handling.

Way Forward

• Diversify cooperation beyond hydropower: digital economy, tourism, skilling, and green development.
• Deepen people-to-people ties, education partnerships, and youth exchanges.

5.3 Nepal

Why it matters: Nepal is crucial for India's Himalayan security, Ganga basin ecology, open-border management, and regional connectivity.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Open border & people ties: Unique relationship with deep civilizational and family linkages.
• Connectivity: Roads, rail links, integrated check-posts, and cross-border infrastructure.
• Energy cooperation: Hydropower projects and power trade support Nepal's growth and India's energy needs.
• Disaster management: Himalayan ecology makes cooperation on disasters essential.

Key Challenges

• Political perception issues: Periodic trust deficits and domestic political narratives can strain ties.
• Boundary sensitivities: Border-related issues require dialogue and careful diplomacy.
• Project delays: Implementation gaps create frustration and open space for external influence.

Way Forward

• Prioritize delivery: complete promised projects with predictable timelines.
• Use cooperative mechanisms for border and river issues rather than media-driven confrontation.
• Promote sub-regional integration via BBIN-style frameworks where feasible.

5.4 Sri Lanka

Why it matters: Sri Lanka is central to India's Indian Ocean security, maritime trade routes, and regional stability. It also has a sensitive dimension involving Tamil welfare and fishermen issues.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Economic support: India's assistance during Sri Lanka's economic crisis (notably in 2022) strengthened goodwill.
• Maritime security: Coastal surveillance, joint exercises, and maritime domain awareness.
• Connectivity and investment: Infrastructure, energy, and logistics cooperation where mutually beneficial.

Key Challenges

• Fishermen issue: Arrests and incidents in the Palk Strait remain politically sensitive.
• Tamil reconciliation: Need for inclusive political solutions within Sri Lanka affects perceptions in India.
• External strategic competition: Indian Ocean geopolitics can complicate economic and port-related decisions.

Way Forward

• Create a durable, humanitarian approach to the fishermen issue: technology, regulated fishing, and cooperative mechanisms.
• Support economic recovery through sustainable projects that respect Sri Lanka's priorities and sovereignty.
• Strengthen maritime cooperation focused on common security threats.

5.5 Maldives

Why it matters: Maldives is a key island neighbour in the Indian Ocean, important for maritime security, sea lanes, and strategic balance.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Development partnership: Infrastructure, public services, capacity building, and community projects.
• Security cooperation: Coastal surveillance, training, and maritime domain awareness.
• People-centric support: Medical ties, emergency assistance, and quick-response cooperation build trust.

Key Challenges

• Domestic politics: Shifts in political narratives can influence foreign policy posture.
• Strategic competition: External powers seek influence in the Indian Ocean; Maldives becomes a focus area.

Way Forward

• Keep engagement people-first: visible community outcomes reduce misinformation and distrust.
• Strengthen maritime cooperation with transparency and respect for Maldivian sovereignty.

5.6 Afghanistan (South Asia Dimension)

Why it matters: Afghanistan affects India's security environment through terrorism risks, regional stability, and connectivity to Central Asia.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Development assistance: Long-standing projects in infrastructure, health, and capacity building built goodwill.
• Humanitarian support: Assistance during crises supports India's image as a responsible regional power.
• Connectivity vision: Access to Central Asia via regional connectivity initiatives remains strategically relevant.

Key Challenges

• Security uncertainty: Terror networks and instability complicate consistent engagement.
• Regional rivalry: Overlapping interests of multiple powers shape outcomes.

Way Forward

• Maintain a pragmatic, humanitarian-first engagement while protecting security interests.
• Work with regional and international partners for stability and counter-terror priorities.

5.7 Pakistan (The Hardest Neighbour in Neighbourhood First)

Why it matters: Pakistan is central to South Asian peace, but the relationship is constrained by cross-border terrorism, Kashmir-related tensions, and lack of trust. Neighbourhood First cannot ignore Pakistan, but it also cannot compromise core security concerns.

Areas Where Cooperation Has Potential (If Conditions Improve)

• Trade and transit: Could improve regional economic integration.
• Humanitarian and people ties: Cultural ties and humanitarian issues can reduce hostility.
• Regional stability: Cooperation reduces space for extremist networks.

Key Constraints

• Terrorism and security concerns: The primary barrier to sustained normalization.
• Breakdown of regional processes: SAARC effectiveness is affected by India-Pakistan tensions.

Way Forward

• Maintain principled engagement: peace and talks require an environment free from terrorism.
• Use sub-regionalism (BBIN, BIMSTEC) to keep regional cooperation moving where SAARC stalls.

6. A Comparative Table: India's Neighbourhood Engagement Toolkit

7. Key Challenges Limiting Neighbourhood First Outcomes

7.1 Trust Deficit and Perception Management

• Smaller neighbours may fear asymmetry due to India's size and influence.
• Domestic politics in neighbours can turn "India factor" into an election issue.

7.2 China Factor and Strategic Competition

• Infrastructure financing and strategic presence by external powers create competition for influence.
• Neighbours try to balance India and China to maximize benefits, which can complicate India's priorities.

7.3 Implementation Deficit

• Delays in project execution reduce credibility and allow rivals to fill gaps.
• Overpromising without fast delivery can backfire politically.

7.4 Border, Migration, and Internal Security Spillovers

• Illegal trafficking, cross-border crime, insurgent networks, and migration pressures are persistent challenges.

7.5 Water, Climate, and Ecological Stress

• Shared rivers, floods, glacial melt, cyclones, and sea-level rise demand cooperative frameworks.
• Climate disasters can rapidly turn into humanitarian and political crises.

Mains Angle (How to Write This in an Answer)

• Write challenges in 5-6 subheads: trust deficit, China factor, implementation, security spillover, climate/water, regional institutional stagnation.
• Add 1 line of way forward under each challenge to show solution orientation.

8. Way Forward: Making Neighbourhood First More Effective

8.1 Deliver Projects Faster and Better

• Focus on timely completion, quality control, and transparent communication.
• Prioritize high-impact, people-visible projects (health, water, transport, digital services).

8.2 Build Trust Through Mutual Sensitivity

• Respect domestic priorities and avoid "one-size-fits-all" models.
• Promote joint ownership and local capacity building rather than purely contractor-driven projects.

8.3 Deepen Economic Integration with Fairness

• Reduce non-tariff barriers, improve customs efficiency, and simplify logistics.
• Support regional value chains: textiles, food processing, pharma, digital services.

8.4 Climate and Disaster Cooperation as the New Regional Anchor

• Create shared early warning systems, flood forecasting, cyclone response coordination.
• Joint work on resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation finance.

8.5 Maritime Security and Island Neighbour Focus

• Expand coastal radar networks, training, and maritime domain awareness partnerships.
• Offer transparent, sovereignty-respecting security cooperation that addresses common threats.

8.6 Keep Regionalism Alive Through Flexible Platforms

• Use BIMSTEC/BBIN and other functional coalitions while keeping SAARC's people-centric agenda alive where possible.
• Push technical cooperation even when politics blocks leader-level summits.

Mains Angle (High-Quality Conclusion Line)

Neighbourhood First will succeed when India is seen not only as the largest power in South Asia, but as the most reliable partner—one that delivers public goods, respects sovereignty, and builds shared prosperity through connectivity, trust, and security cooperation.

9. UPSC Answer Writing Toolkit: How to Frame a 150/250-Word Answer

9.1 150-Word Template (GS2)

• Intro (1-2 lines): Define Neighbourhood First + why neighbourhood matters.
• Body (4-5 points): Pillars (connectivity, development, security, trade, people ties) + 1-2 examples.
• Challenges (2-3 lines): trust deficit, China factor, implementation delays, security concerns.
• Way forward (2-3 lines): faster delivery, cooperative frameworks, climate/HADR focus, sub-regionalism.
• Conclusion (1 line): stable neighbourhood = stronger India.

9.2 Likely UPSC Mains Questions (Practice)

10. Quick Facts (Last-Minute Revision)

• Neighbourhood First prioritizes South Asia through political engagement, development, connectivity, security, and people ties.
• When SAARC stalls, India emphasizes BIMSTEC and sub-regionalism (BBIN).
• Island neighbours highlight the maritime dimension of neighbourhood policy alongside land borders.
• Big constraints: trust deficit, implementation delays, China factor, terrorism/security spillovers, climate and water stress.
• Best scoring approach in UPSC: write balanced answers with examples + solution-oriented way forward.