Discuss the role of India in establishing peace and development of its neighbouring countries.
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Solution
The values of India’s foreign policy guide its relationship with its neighbouring countries. The values of equality and mutual respect are essential elements of Indian foreign policy.
India has established relations with neighbouring countries based on these values. As a virtue of its economic and technological powers, India has a significant influence among its neighbouring nations.
India and Bangladesh
India played a significant role in the freedom struggle of Bangladesh, which was formed as a result of the India-Pakistan war in 1971.
India and Bangladesh signed the Ganga water treaty in 1996 and the Kushiyara water sharing pact in 2022.
India and Bangladesh are also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade ties between the two nations.
India and Afghanistan
After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, India established diplomatic relations with the newly formed government in Afghanistan.
India also supported the democratic government led by Hamid Karzai in Afghanistan.
India has provided Afghanistan with about 650–750 million worth of humanitarian and economic aid.
India also extended help in rebuilding air links, power plants, and communication facilities that were destroyed during the war.
India and Sri Lanka
In 1985, the differences between the Tamils and the Sri Lankan government resulted in political instability.
In 1987, India sent a peacekeeping force to help the Sri Lankan government.
In 2015, India and Sri Lanka signed agreements on visa, and customs, to simplify trade and reduce non-tariff barriers on both sides.
In 2022, India and Sri Lanka signed six agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors like technology, fisheries, and hybrid power projects
India and Nepal
In 1950, the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed.
This treaty allows Nepalese citizens to take up jobs and practice trade in India.
In the 1990s, Nepal took steps towards transitioning into a democracy.
India has been supporting Nepal with economic progress, basic food needs, trade, and energy needs.
In the year 2015, India sent aid and support to Nepal after the earthquakes.