Diplomatic Challenges in India's Neighborhood

Table of contents

Context (TH): India’s neighbourhoods have experienced significant political shifts, challenging its diplomatic strategies and necessitating a reassessment of regional engagement to protect its interests.

Diplomatic Challenges in India’s Neighborhood

Myanmar’s Military Coup (2021): The military coup disrupted India’s engagement with Myanmar, affecting security cooperation and infrastructure projects.
Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan (2021) led to instability in Afghanistan, raising concerns about terrorism, regional security, and India’s investments in Afghan infrastructure.
Political Instability in Sri Lanka (2022) led to the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, affecting India’s interests in the region, especially with Chinese influence growing in Sri Lanka.
Change in Government in Nepal (2022) to a less India-friendly government under K.P. Sharma Oli strained bilateral relations, particularly over border issues and Nepal’s increasing closeness to China.
Electoral Change in the Maldives (2023): The electoral defeat of the pro-India government of Ibrahim Solih and the rise of Mohamed Muizzu, were perceived as less favourable to India.
Shift in Bangladesh’s Political Landscape (2023): The potential departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a key ally of India, and the rise of opposition forces that may not be as India-friendly.

Initiatives by India to Address Diplomatic Challenges in the Neighborhood

Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS) in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles to enhance maritime security.
Joint Military Exercises: Conduct regular joint military exercises such as “Mitra Shakti” with Sri Lanka, “Sampriti” with Bangladesh, and “Surya Kiran” with Nepal.
Border Area Development Program (BADP) to Improve infrastructure and security along India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) strengthens maritime security by building a coherent maritime situational picture and serving as a key information hub for the region.
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): India’s vision for the Indian Ocean, aligning with the ‘Act East’ policy to enhance capacities for safeguarding land and maritime territories.
Neighborhood First Policy to focus on prioritizing diplomatic, economic, and security ties ensuring a stable and cooperative regional environment.
Lines of Credit to Neighboring Countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, to support infrastructure development, energy projects, and other economic activities.
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): India’s active participation in BIMSTEC to strengthen economic and technical cooperation.
SAARC Satellite: Provide satellite-based services to SAARC member countries, including communication, weather forecasting, and disaster management.
Vaccine Maitri initiative: India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to neighbouring countries, reinforcing its role as a responsible and caring neighbour during the global pandemic.
Transport Corridors:
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway aimed at enhancing connectivity between India and Southeast Asia, promoting trade and cultural exchange.
- Bharatmala Pariyojana for cross-border Infrastructure with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh through the construction of highways and border roads
- Maitri Setu: Friendship Bridge connecting India and Bangladesh intended to boost connectivity and trade between the two countries, enhancing people-to-people ties.
- Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project aimed at providing an alternative trade route to the northeastern states of India through Myanmar, improving connectivity and economic integration.
- BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal to facilitate seamless movement of passenger and cargo vehicles across borders, promoting regional integration.
- Chabahar Port development in Iran as a strategic gateway for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

Way Forward for India’s Diplomatic Challenges

Pragmatic Diplomacy: Adopt a pragmatic approach that prioritizes India’s strategic interests while promoting democratic values and human rights in the region.
Balanced Engagement: Maintain relations with all political entities in neighbouring countries, avoiding over-reliance on any single regime.
Regional Cooperation: Strengthen regional mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC to foster greater cooperation and reduce the influence of external powers.
Economic and Developmental Support: Continue providing economic aid and development assistance to stabilize economies in the region and counterbalance the influence of other powers, particularly China.
Security Cooperation: Enhance security ties with neighboring countries to address common challenges such as terrorism, border security, and maritime security.
People-to-People Ties: Focus on cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges to build long-term goodwill and mutual understanding.