Examine India’s neighborhood policy during Modi’s regime.

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Examining India’s Neighborhood Policy Under Modi’s Regime

Introduction:

India’s neighborhood policy, often termed the “Neighbourhood First” policy, aims to foster strong and cooperative relationships with its immediate neighbors. While the foundational principles have remained consistent across governments, the approach and emphasis have varied. This examination analyzes India’s neighborhood policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime (2014-present), assessing its successes, challenges, and overall impact on regional stability and India’s strategic interests. The approach will be primarily analytical, drawing upon factual data, government reports, and news analyses to offer a balanced perspective.

Body:

1. Emphasis on Bilateralism and Act East Policy:

Modi’s government has prioritized strengthening bilateral ties with individual nations, moving away from a more multilateral, institution-focused approach. This is evident in the numerous high-level visits exchanged with neighboring countries. The “Act East Policy,” a significant component of the overall neighborhood strategy, focuses on strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations, thereby indirectly influencing the regional dynamics impacting India’s immediate neighborhood. This approach, while fostering closer relationships with specific countries, has sometimes been criticized for neglecting regional cooperation mechanisms.

2. Economic Engagement and Connectivity:

A key aspect of the policy has been increased economic engagement. Initiatives like the Line of Credit (LoC) program have provided financial assistance for infrastructure development in neighboring countries. The focus on connectivity projects, including road, rail, and port development, aims to enhance regional trade and integration. However, the success of these projects has been uneven, hampered by infrastructural limitations, bureaucratic hurdles, and geopolitical complexities in some regions. For example, the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement, while promising, has faced implementation challenges.

3. Security Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism:

The Modi government has placed significant emphasis on security cooperation with neighbors, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime. Joint military exercises and intelligence sharing have increased. However, this focus has sometimes been criticized for overshadowing other aspects of the relationship, particularly with countries facing internal conflicts or harboring anti-India sentiments. The relationship with Pakistan, characterized by intermittent periods of tension and dialogue, exemplifies this complexity.

4. Challenges and Criticisms:

The policy has faced several challenges. The strained relationship with Pakistan, marked by cross-border terrorism and disputes over Kashmir, continues to cast a shadow over regional stability. Relations with Nepal and Sri Lanka have also experienced periods of friction, highlighting the complexities of managing relationships with diverse neighbors. Critics argue that the focus on bilateralism has sometimes undermined regional cooperation mechanisms and that the emphasis on economic engagement hasn’t always translated into equitable partnerships.

5. Successes and Positive Impacts:

Despite challenges, the Modi government has achieved some notable successes. Improved relations with Bangladesh, particularly in areas of trade and connectivity, are noteworthy. Strengthened ties with Bhutan and the Maldives have also been positive developments. The Act East Policy has broadened India’s strategic reach and enhanced its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion:

India’s neighborhood policy under Modi’s regime has been a mixed bag. While the emphasis on bilateralism, economic engagement, and security cooperation has yielded some positive results, particularly in strengthening ties with certain neighbors, challenges remain. The strained relationships with some countries, the uneven success of connectivity projects, and criticisms regarding the neglect of regional cooperation mechanisms highlight the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach. Moving forward, a balanced strategy that combines bilateral engagement with a renewed focus on regional cooperation, addressing concerns of equity and sustainability, is crucial for fostering lasting peace and prosperity in India’s neighborhood. Prioritizing people-to-people contact and fostering mutual respect and understanding will be essential for achieving the long-term goals of a truly “Neighbourhood First” policy, contributing to a more stable and integrated South Asia, in line with constitutional values of peace and harmony.

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