India plays a vital role in South Asia, acting as a significant leader and influencer in the region. With its large economy, diverse culture, and strategic location, India contributes to the political stability, economic development, and cultural richness of South Asia. The country engages in various diplomatic, trade, and security initiatives with its neighbors, aiming to promote peace and prosperity. India’s efforts in fostering regional cooperation, combating terrorism, and addressing shared challenges like poverty and climate change highlight its commitment to the well-being and growth of the entire South Asian region.
Tags: GS-2, IR- International Treaties & Agreements- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests
Context:
- The evolving geopolitical landscape in South Asia demands that India adapt its approach towards its neighbours with prudence and pragmatism.
- The recent upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by the Prime Minister’s resignation and the Army’s interim governance, underscores regional volatility.
- India’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and development will secure its strategic interests and contribute to regional harmony and prosperity.
Why India’s Neighbourhood is Facing Continuous Political and Economic Turmoil?
Military Interference in Civilian Governance
- Historical Interventions: Many countries in South Asia have a history of military coups and interventions, undermining democratic institutions.
- Pakistan: Has experienced direct military rule for nearly half its existence since independence.
- Myanmar: The 2021 military coup by the Tatmadaw led to widespread civil unrest.
- Bangladesh: The military intervened multiple times, notably in 2007-2008.
- Consequences: These interventions often lead to political instability, human rights violations, and economic disruptions.
Economic Vulnerabilities and External Dependencies
- Sri Lanka: The 2022 economic crisis saw external debt reaching an all-time high.
- Bangladesh: Heavy reliance on the garment industry, accounting for 80% of its exports, makes it vulnerable to global demand fluctuations.
- Maldives: The tourism sector, contributing 28% to GDP, is susceptible to external shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Pakistan: With USD 130.6 billion in external debt by the end of 2022, and 30% owed to China, there are risks of economic leverage.
Geopolitical Competitions and External Influences:
China’s Influence:
- Investments through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have increased Beijing’s influence in Pakistan.
- Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port was handed over to China on a 99-year lease due to debt issues.
- Nepal’s infrastructure projects, like the Pokhara International Airport, show its balancing act between India and China.
Climate Change and Environmental Challenges
- Maldives: Faces an existential threat from rising sea levels with 80% of its land less than 1 meter above sea level.
- Bangladesh: Could have 13.3 million internal climate migrants by 2050, according to the World Bank.
- Pakistan: 2022 catastrophic floods affected millions, causing substantial economic loss.
- Nepal: Glaciers retreating at 10-60 meters per year threaten water security.
Legacy of Colonial Structures and Fragile Institutions
- Border Disputes: The Radcliffe Line of 1947 created numerous border issues, including the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir.
- Political Instability: Most South Asian countries are classified as “flawed democracy” or “hybrid regime” according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index 2020.
Demographic Pressures and Socio-Economic Disparities
- Youth Populations:
- Pakistan: 64% under 30, creating job pressures and risks of extremism.
- High youth unemployment: 20.5% in Nepal (2022) and 24.74% in Sri Lanka.
What are the Major Challenges India Faces in its Neighborhood?
Pakistan
- Tensions: Ongoing issues over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.
- Economic Crisis: Political instability and negotiations with the IMF.
- China: Increasing influence through CPEC poses strategic challenges.
- Terrorism: Recent attacks in Jammu allegedly sponsored by Pakistan.
Bangladesh
- Political Upheaval: Current Prime Minister’s resignation amid protests.
- Relations: Potential impact on the positive trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations.
- Migration: Concerns over illegal migration, particularly in Assam, with potential military rule exacerbating the issue.
Nepal
- Political Instability: Frequent government changes affect policy consistency.
- China Relations: Growing economic ties with China, including Belt and Road Initiative projects.
- Border Disputes: Issues like the Kalapani dispute remain sources of tension.
Sri Lanka
- Economic Recovery: India provides crucial economic assistance post-crisis.
- Bilateral Issues: Katchatheevu island and treatment of Tamil minorities.
- Debt Restructuring: India supports Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts with the IMF.
Maldives
- Political Shift: Election of a Pro-China President and calls for reducing Indian military presence challenge India’s strategic interests.
Myanmar
- Military Coup: The coup and subsequent unrest create complex challenges.
- Rohingya Crisis: Refugee influx into northeastern India and potential increased Chinese influence.
- Strategic Interests: Balancing counter-insurgency and connectivity projects with human rights concerns.
Bhutan
- Diversification: Efforts to reduce economic dependence on India present new dynamics.
- Doklam Issue: Remains a strategic concern involving China.
- Development Partnership: India remains Bhutan’s principal partner, but relations must evolve with Bhutan’s aspirations.
Afghanistan
- Taliban Rule: Return of Taliban has reshaped the geopolitical landscape.
- Humanitarian Assistance: India maintains relations through aid and hosting the cricket team.
- Investments at Risk: Significant investments in Afghanistan’s development are at risk amidst waning strategic influence.
What Measures India Can Take to Enhance Relations with its Neighbours?
Connectivity Catalyst: Bridging Borders, Building Bonds
- Accelerate Connectivity Initiatives: India should fast-track projects like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- Establish More Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): Similar to successful ICPs with Nepal and Bangladesh, more such posts can facilitate smoother border crossings.
- Expand Digital Connectivity: Projects like the South Asian Satellite can enhance regional digital integration.
- Foster Regional Prosperity: These initiatives position India as a facilitator of regional growth, countering the narrative of regional hegemony.
Economic Empowerment: From Aid to Trade
- Shift from Aid to Trade: Transition from an aid-centric approach to one focused on trade and investment.
- Implement a Neighborhood First Economic Zone: Preferential trade terms can stimulate regional economic integration.
- Establish Joint Economic Zones: Similar to India-Bangladesh border haats, these zones across other borders can boost local economies.
- Create Mutual Economic Dependencies: This approach reduces the appeal of adversarial policies among neighbours.
Cultural Confluence: Soft Power Surge
- Expand Cultural Initiatives: Leveraging the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships and establishing more cultural centres in neighbouring countries.
- Promote Cross-Border Tourism: Initiatives like the Buddhist Circuit can enhance people-to-people connections.
- Increase Capacity for Students: Hosting more students from neighbouring countries in premier Indian institutions.
- Promote Indian Cinema: Strategically promoting Bollywood and regional cinema to foster cultural understanding.
Disaster Diplomacy: United in Adversity
- Establish a South Asian Disaster Response Force: Shared early warning systems and coordinated response mechanisms can address regional vulnerabilities.
- Utilise Space Technology: Developing a regional satellite-based disaster management system using India’s expertise.
- Foster Goodwill through Assistance: Positioning India as a responsible leader in times of crisis.
Multilateral Mediation: Revitalising Regional Forums
- Reinvigorate SAARC: Focus on non-controversial areas like climate change, public health, and education to build consensus.
- Encourage Track II Diplomacy: Think tank collaborations can help resolve contentious issues.
- Champion Multilateralism: Dispelling fears of dominance and fostering a cooperative regional environment.
Green Diplomacy: Eco-Allies
- Spearhead a South Asian Green Alliance: Sharing clean technologies and joint research on climate-resilient agriculture.
- Coordinate Global Climate Positions: Collaborating on global climate negotiations.
- Offer Preferential Access to Green Technologies: Neighbours can benefit from India’s emerging green hydrogen and solar technology sectors.
- Promote Regional Ecological Security: Positioning India as a responsible stakeholder.
Sports Solidarity: Uniting Through Athletic Endeavours
- Revive and Expand South Asian Games: Include more sports and cultural events to foster regional camaraderie.
- Establish a South Asian Sports Development Fund: Improve sports infrastructure across the region.
- Offer Training Facilities and Coaches: Providing world-class facilities and coaching to athletes from neighbouring countries.
- Organise More Cricket Series: Given the sport’s popularity, more bilateral and multilateral cricket series can enhance people-to-people connections.
- Showcase Soft Power: Using sports diplomacy to create positive engagement opportunities.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q:1 Elephant Pass, sometimes seen in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs of which one of the following? (2009)
- Bangladesh
- India
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
Ans: (d)
Q:2 Consider the following statements: (2020)
- The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
- “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
- In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q:1“China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (2017)
Q:2 Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (2013)
Q:3 Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (2015)
Q:4 What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (2013)
Q:5 “The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (2014)
Source: IE
FAQs
Q: What is India’s role in South Asia?
Answer: India plays a major role in South Asia as a regional leader, working to promote economic growth, political stability, and peace. It collaborates with neighboring countries on various issues like trade, security, and cultural exchange.
Q: Why is India important to South Asia?
Answer: India is important to South Asia because of its large economy, strategic location, and influence in regional politics. As the biggest democracy in the area, India often leads initiatives that benefit the entire region, like infrastructure projects and disaster relief efforts.
Q: How does India help its neighboring countries?
Answer: India helps neighboring countries through aid programs, economic investments, and diplomatic support. It provides financial assistance, technical expertise, and developmental projects in sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure to boost regional growth and cooperation.
Q: What challenges does India face in South Asia?
Answer: India faces challenges such as political tensions with some neighbors, regional security issues, and competition for influence from other countries like China. Balancing its interests while fostering good relations with all neighboring countries can be complex.
Q: What is India’s vision for the future of South Asia?
Answer: India’s vision for South Asia includes a region where countries work together for mutual benefit. India aims for economic integration, peace, and stability through initiatives like trade agreements, collaborative infrastructure projects, and joint efforts to tackle regional issues like terrorism and climate change.
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