Question

What is India's Neighbourhood First policy? Critically analyze whether this policy is improving the peace, prosperity, and stability in the South Asian Region?

Answer 1

India’s foreign policy actively focus on improving ties with India's immediate neighbours Which is often termed as Neighbourhood First policy. India wants a peaceful, prosperous and stable neighborhood so that there is peace, prosperity and stability in the South Asian region and there is more focus on development. As for example India’s SAARC satellite is dedicated for the peace and prosperity in the South Asian region.

Key initiatives by India under Neighbourhood First policy:

1. Bangladesh:

• India and Bangladesh have signed a pact to operationalise the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA).
• India pledging a $2 billion Line of Credit for Bangladesh, the largest single LOC(line of credit) for any country committed by India.
• Bangladesh supporting India's counterterror strategy by elimination of Anti India terror groups present in Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh has emerged as a key gateway for India’s sub-regional initiatives, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation(BIMSTEC)anBangladesh- Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative.
• So, all these initiatives between India and Bangladesh will improve the overall prosperity in the South asian region.

2. Afghanistan:

• India’s assistance for reconstruction and development in Afghanistan stands at $2 billion, making New Delhi the biggest donor among regional countries.
• India has completed the construction Afghan Parliament building and Salma Dam is built with India’s assistance.
• Air freight corridor was launched to promote the trade between India and afghanistan.
• India is always supportive of peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.
• Peace and prosperity in Afghanistan will help in overall prosperity in South Asia.

3. Maldives:

• India always support the democratic institution of any country.
• After emergency in Maldives, India did not directly interfere in internal matters of Maldives. In place, India supported the democratic institution of Maldives.
• So India’s neighbourhood first policy is always inclined towards promotion of democratic institution , cooperation and coordination among different South Asian countries.

Way forward
India’s neighbourhood policy always work towards peace, prosperity and stability in the South asian region.