India’s Neighbourhood First Policy is a strategic initiative to enhance and strengthen relationships with its immediate neighbours. Read here to learn more.
The policy underscores India’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.
It emphasizes cooperative and mutually beneficial relations with neighbouring countries, fostering regional integration and addressing common challenges.
As the new government swears in for the third consecutive term in 2024, the commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR initiative has been reiterated strongly.
Neighbourhood First Policy
The concept of the Neighbourhood First Policy came into being in 2008.
It was conceived to bolster relations with certain priority countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India’s strategy for interacting with its neighbours is marked by non-reciprocity, consultation, and an emphasis on attaining concrete results.
The method above emphasises improving connection, infrastructure, development cooperation, and security, and promoting increased interpersonal interactions.
Objectives
Regional Stability:
- Promote peace and stability in the region.
- Address security challenges collectively.
Economic Integration:
- Enhance trade and economic cooperation.
- Facilitate connectivity projects to boost regional trade.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties:
- Strengthen cultural bonds and promote people-to-people exchanges.
- Facilitate tourism and educational linkages.
Collaborative Development:
- Support the development needs of neighbouring countries through capacity-building and infrastructure projects.
- Promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
Key Elements of the Neighbourhood First Policy
Diplomatic Engagement:
- High-level visits and diplomatic dialogues to strengthen bilateral ties.
- Active participation in regional forums like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
Economic Cooperation:
- Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
- Financial assistance and developmental aid for infrastructure and capacity-building projects.
Connectivity and Infrastructure:
- Development of road, rail, and maritime connectivity projects.
- Initiatives like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement.
Security Cooperation:
- Joint efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
- Defence cooperation through joint exercises and training programs.
Humanitarian Assistance:
- Disaster relief and humanitarian aid during natural calamities.
- Healthcare cooperation, including medical aid and support during pandemics.
Bilateral Relations under Neighbourhood First Policy
- Bangladesh:
- Significant progress in resolving boundary issues with the Land Boundary Agreement.
- Enhanced trade and connectivity through projects like the Maitree Express (train service) and the development of border haats (markets).
- Nepal:
- Infrastructure projects like the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline and cross-border rail links.
- Hydropower cooperation and development of integrated check posts for smooth trade.
- Bhutan:
- Hydropower projects that benefit both nations.
- Continued focus on cultural ties and educational exchanges.
- Sri Lanka:
- Economic cooperation through investments in infrastructure and development projects.
- Support for post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.
- Maldives:
- Strong defence and security cooperation, including joint exercises.
- Development assistance in areas like water and sanitation, healthcare, and education.
- Afghanistan:
- Development aid for infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- Strategic partnership focusing on capacity-building and economic development.
- Myanmar:
- Enhancing connectivity through projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
- Cooperation in areas such as border management and counter-insurgency operations.
- Pakistan:
- Efforts to improve bilateral relations despite ongoing tensions.
- Diplomatic initiatives to address common issues like terrorism and trade barriers.
Achievements and Challenges
- Improved bilateral relations with many neighbours, leading to enhanced economic and security cooperation.
- Successful implementation of several connectivity and infrastructure projects.
- Strengthening of cultural and people-to-people ties.
Challenges
- Challenges of illegal migration and smuggling of weapons and drugs require improved security infrastructure at borders.
- India’s bilateral relations with China and Pakistan have been plagued by contentious issues. Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is a core concern.
- The deficiency in India’s border infrastructure and the need to stabilise and develop border regions.
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Initiative by India
The SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative is a strategic vision introduced by India to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the initiative underscores India’s role as a security provider in the region and emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive approach to regional maritime security and economic growth.
Objectives
Maritime Security:
- Enhance maritime security and safety in the Indian Ocean.
- Combat piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities at sea.
Economic Cooperation:
- Promote sustainable economic growth and development in the region.
- Foster trade, investment, and connectivity among IOR countries.
Cultural and Social Cooperation:
- Strengthen cultural ties and promote people-to-people connections.
- Facilitate educational and scientific exchanges.
Environmental Sustainability:
- Protect the marine environment and address challenges like climate change and pollution.
- Promote sustainable use of marine resources.
Capacity Building:
- Support the capacity building of smaller IOR states in areas like maritime security, disaster response, and resource management.
Key Components of the SAGAR Initiative
Maritime Security Cooperation:
- Joint naval exercises and patrols with IOR countries to enhance interoperability and coordination.
- Establishment of maritime domain awareness centres and information-sharing networks.
- Capacity building and training programs for the navies and coast guards of IOR nations.
Economic and Infrastructure Development:
- Development of port infrastructure and connectivity projects to boost regional trade.
- Initiatives like the Sagarmala project to modernize Indian ports and promote port-led development.
- Investment in infrastructure projects in IOR countries to enhance regional connectivity.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):
- Rapid response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises in the region.
- Provision of disaster relief supplies and assistance in disaster risk reduction and management.
Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection:
- Collaboration on marine conservation projects and sustainable fisheries management.
- Initiatives to address ocean pollution, marine biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts.
- Promotion of blue economy strategies to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Diplomatic and Cultural Engagement:
- Strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering cultural exchanges with IOR countries.
- Organizing cultural festivals, academic exchanges, and tourism promotion activities.
Strategic Importance
- Geopolitical Significance:
- The Indian Ocean is a crucial maritime route for global trade and energy supplies.
- Ensuring security and stability in the IOR is vital for India’s strategic and economic interests.
- Regional Influence:
- The initiative enhances India’s influence and leadership role in the IOR.
- Promotes a rules-based maritime order and supports regional institutions like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- Countering Threats:
- Addresses security threats such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
- Strengthens regional cooperation to counter non-traditional security challenges.
Key Collaborations and Partnerships
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):
- Active participation and leadership in IORA to promote regional cooperation.
- Collaborative projects and initiatives in areas like trade, investment, and maritime safety.
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad):
- Engagement with the Quad (India, USA, Japan, Australia) to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
- Collaborative efforts to address common security challenges and promote maritime security.
Way forward
Since 1947, the Neighbourhood First policy has been a crucial part of India’s foreign policy, focusing on building stronger relationships, promoting regional cooperation, and addressing shared issues with its immediate neighbours.
- The monitoring of demographic changes caused by illegal migration in border areas.
- The Ministry of External Affairs should work in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments to address illegal migration.
- It is crucial to engage with regional and multilateral organisations to sensitise them to the role of Pakistan in fostering terrorism. Efforts should be made to establish a common platform for countering terrorism under the Neighbourhood First Policy.
- For engagement with India’s neighbours, connectivity infrastructure such as cross-border roads, railways, and inland waterways and ports need improvement.
- The feasibility of setting up a regional development fund for connectivity infrastructure under regional frameworks should be explored.
- The Ministry should take initiatives to enhance maritime domain awareness in India’s extended neighbourhood.
- India’s northeastern region shares land borders with many neighbouring countries. The economic development of northeastern states is integral to the success of the Neighbourhood First Policy and the Act East Policy.
Conclusion
India’s Neighbourhood First Policy is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, reflecting the importance of a stable and prosperous South Asia.
Through diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and collaborative development initiatives, India aims to foster a sense of regional solidarity and shared growth.
While challenges remain, the policy has paved the way for significant progress in India’s relations with its neighbours, contributing to regional stability and development.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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