19 February 2023, NIICE Commentary 8551
Dr. Rajkumar Singh
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has given significant emphasis to his “Neighbourhood First” policy, which aims to strengthen India’s relationships with its neighbouring countries. The policy was first introduced by Modi in 2014 after he assumed office as Prime Minister. Under this policy, Modi has made numerous visits to neighbouring countries and hosted their leaders in India, which has helped in enhancing the relationships with the neighbours. He has also put forward many initiatives to improve connectivity, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between India and its neighbours. One of the significant outcomes of the Neighbourhood First policy was the inauguration of the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement in 2015. This agreement aims to enhance road connectivity and promote economic integration between the four countries. Modi’s neighbourhood policy has also focused on enhancing ties with Pakistan and China, with whom India has had longstanding border disputes. He has made numerous efforts to build better relationships with both countries, and he has also prioritized resolving longstanding issues such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Kashmir conflict with Pakistan. However, despite these efforts, the relationships with Pakistan and China remain complex and challenging. There have been instances of tensions and conflicts along the border with China, and the relationship with Pakistan has been strained due to issues such as terrorism and cross-border infiltration.
Effects of Modi’s Policy
Narendra Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy has had some notable successes in improving India’s relationships with its neighbouring countries. It resulted in: a. Improved relations with Bangladesh: Modi’s neighbourhood policy has helped improve India’s relationship with Bangladesh significantly. The two countries have signed several agreements, including the Land Boundary Agreement, which resolved a longstanding border dispute, and the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement, which aims to promote trade and connectivity between the four countries. b. Stronger ties with Bhutan: Modi has made several visits to Bhutan and has worked to strengthen India’s relationship with the country. As a result, Bhutan has become a key strategic partner for India in the region. Modi’s regime made several efforts to improve India’s relationship with Nepal, which had been strained in recent years. The two countries have signed several agreements, including a new trade and transit agreement, which has helped to promote economic integration between the two countries. d. Enhanced connectivity with Myanmar: Modi’s neighbourhood policy has also helped to enhance connectivity with Myanmar, including the opening of a new land border crossing and the signing of several agreements to promote trade and investment. e. Strengthened relationship with Sri Lanka: Modi has made several visits to Sri Lanka and has worked to strengthen India’s relationship with the country. The two countries have signed several agreements, including a new maritime security agreement, which has helped to promote regional security and stability. Overall, Modi’s neighbourhood policy has helped to improve India’s relationships with its neighbouring countries and promote regional cooperation and integration.
Areas of Less Effect
Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ faced some notable failures in improving India’s relationships with its neighbouring countries. Despite all efforts on his part, the Modi government failed to get any success in improving relations with Pakistan, the relationship remains strained due to issues such as cross-border terrorism and the Kashmir conflict. The two countries have had several clashes along the border, and there have been limited progress in resolving these issues. Second, China and India have a longstanding border dispute. In 2020, the two countries had a major clash along the Line of Actual Control, resulting in casualties on both sides. Third, there has been tension with Nepal despite some progress in improving India’s relationship. In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution that India felt did not take its interests into account, and India’s subsequent blockade of goods and fuel to Nepal caused resentment in the country. Similarly, India’s stance on the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar has strained its relationship with Bangladesh, with which it shares a border. India has been criticized for its stance on the crisis, with many seeing it as being unsympathetic to the plight of the Rohingya. Moreover, while India has signed several agreements with its neighbouring countries, there have been delays in implementing some of these agreements. For example, the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement has not yet been fully implemented due to concerns raised by Bhutan.
Prospect of Modi’s policy in South Asia
Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ has been a significant component of India’s foreign policy, with a particular focus on improving relations with its neighbours in South Asia. His policy has emphasized the importance of promoting regional cooperation and integration in South Asia. With initiatives such as the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), there is potential for increased economic and cultural ties between the countries in the region. Modi has made efforts to resolve longstanding disputes with its neighbours in South Asia, including the border disputes with China and Pakistan and the conflict in Kashmir. While progress has been slow, there is potential for these issues to be resolved through continued dialogue and negotiations. It has also emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity in the region. Initiatives such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Chabahar port in Iran have the potential to improve trade and investment in the region. Similarly, India sees itself as a key player in the region and has been concerned about China’s growing influence in South Asia. Thus, it has focused on countering Chinese influence through increased engagement and investment in the region. Moreover, with growing concerns about terrorism and other security threats, there is potential for increased regional cooperation on security issues. Initiatives such as the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) have the potential to promote regional security and stability. Overall, Modi’s Neighbourhood Policy has the potential to improve India’s relationships with its neighbours in South Asia and promote regional cooperation and integration.
Dr. Rajkumar Singh is a Professor of Political Science and Dean of Social Sciences at B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura (Bihar), India.
