THE INTER-MINISTERIAL COORDINATION GROUP (IMCG )

• Recently, the first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group (IMCG) at Secretary level was convened by India’s Foreign Secretary.
• The IMCG has been set up as a high-level mechanism towards mainstreaming of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy vision that sought to develop better relations with the country’s neighbours.
• IMCG is supported by inter-ministerial Joint Task Forces (JTFs) convened by joint secretaries in the external affairs ministry.
• The IMCG provided a comprehensive direction with a whole-of-government approach to promote better connectivity, stronger interlinkages and greater people-to-people connect with the neighbours.
• IMCG will further improve institutional coordination across government and provide comprehensive direction to this whole-of-government approach to India’s relations with its neighbouring countries.

 ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy

• India has entered into MoU(Memorandum of Understanding) with members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). These agreements ensure a free flow of resources, energy, goods, labour, and information across borders.
• Priority is to improve the relations with immediate neighbours as peace and tranquillity in South Asia is essential for realising development agenda.
• It focuses on vigorous regional diplomacy by engaging with neighbouring nations and building political connectivity through dialogue.
• The Policy focuses on resolving bilateral issues through mutual agreement.
• It focuses on enhancing trade ties with neighbours. India has participated and invested in SAARC as a vehicle for development in the region.
• One such example is the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) grouping for energy development i.e. motor vehicles, waterpower management and inter-grid connectivity.
• The policy also focuses on cooperating on disaster response, resource management, weather forecasting and communication and also capabilities and expertise in disaster management for all South Asian citizens.
• India is also focusing on deepening security in the region through military cooperation by conducting as well as participating in various defence exercises.

Way Forward

• India’ neighbourhood policy should be based on the principles of Gujral Doctrine.
• This would ensure India’s stature and strength cannot be isolated from the quality of its relations with its neighbours and there can be regional growth as well.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT