Context
India’s neighboring countries have undergone significant political transformations, posing challenges to its diplomatic strategies and prompting a reassessment of regional engagement to safeguard its interests.
Diplomatic Challenges in India’s Neighborhood
- Myanmar’s Military Coup (2021): The military takeover disrupted India’s relationship with Myanmar, affecting security collaborations and infrastructure projects.
- Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan (2021): This event led to instability in Afghanistan, raising concerns about terrorism, regional security, and India’s investments in Afghan infrastructure.
- Political Instability in Sri Lanka (2022): The removal of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa impacted India’s interests, especially with the increasing Chinese influence in Sri Lanka.
- Change in Government in Nepal (2022): The shift to a less India-friendly government under K.P. Sharma Oli strained bilateral relations, particularly over border issues and Nepal’s growing ties with China.
- Electoral Change in the Maldives (2023): The electoral defeat of the pro-India government of Ibrahim Solih and the rise of Mohamed Muizzu, perceived as less favorable to India, posed challenges.
- Shift in Bangladesh’s Political Landscape (2023): The potential exit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a key ally of India, and the emergence of opposition forces less aligned with India.
Initiatives Taken by India to Address Diplomatic Challenges
- Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS): Implemented in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles to enhance maritime security.
- Joint Military Exercises: Regularly conducted exercises such as “Mitra Shakti” with Sri Lanka, “Sampriti” with Bangladesh, and “Surya Kiran” with Nepal.
- Border Area Development Program (BADP): Aims 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): Enhances maritime security by creating a cohesive maritime situational picture and serving as a key information hub.
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): India’s vision for the Indian Ocean aligns with the ‘Act East’ policy to bolster capacities for protecting land and maritime territories.
- Neighborhood First Policy: Focuses on prioritizing diplomatic, economic, and security ties to ensure a stable and cooperative regional environment.
- Lines of Credit to Neighboring Countries: Includes financial support to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal for infrastructure development, energy projects, and other economic activities.
- BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): India’s active participation to strengthen economic and technical cooperation.
- SAARC Satellite: Provides satellite-based services to SAARC member countries, including communication, weather forecasting, and disaster management.
- Vaccine Maitri Initiative: Supplied COVID-19 vaccines to neighboring countries, reinforcing India’s role as a responsible and caring neighbor during the global pandemic.
Transport Corridors
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: Aims to enhance connectivity between India and Southeast Asia, promoting trade and cultural exchange.
- Bharatmala Pariyojana: Focuses on cross-border infrastructure with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh through highways and border roads.
- Maitri Setu (Friendship Bridge): Connects India and Bangladesh to boost connectivity and trade, enhancing people-to-people ties.
- Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: Provides an alternative trade route to northeastern states of India through Myanmar, improving connectivity and economic integration.
- BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement: Involves Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal to facilitate seamless movement of passenger and cargo vehicles across borders.
- Chabahar Port Development in Iran: Acts as a strategic gateway for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
Way Forward for India’s Diplomatic Challenges
- Pragmatic Diplomacy: Embrace 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 neighboring 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 regional economies 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.