In revisiting India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, it becomes imperative to reassess the effectiveness and the evolving dynamics within the region. The policy, aimed at fostering closer ties and cooperation with neighbouring countries, needs to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape while addressing historical complexities. Recent developments underscore the necessity for India to recalibrate its approach, emphasizing mutual respect, shared prosperity, and strategic collaboration to foster enduring relationships with its neighbours. By prioritizing dialogue, economic integration, and cultural exchanges, India can bolster regional stability and leverage collective strengths to address common challenges, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.
Tag: GS-2 I
In News:
A recent article explores the significance of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy in the current context, highlighting inherent challenges. It cites the example of Bhutan-India relations, where both nations have effectively fostered goodwill and trust over the years.
Understanding India’s Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP)
- Historical Context
- Since 1947, India’s foreign policy has prioritized fostering strong ties with its immediate neighbours.
- The NFP emphasizes building friendly relations, regional cooperation, and addressing common challenges.
- Objectives and Approach
- Established in 2008, the NFP aims to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with neighbouring countries.
- Focuses on consultation, non-reciprocity, and tangible outcomes in areas like connectivity, infrastructure, and security.
- Geographical Coverage
- Immediate Neighbours: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- Extended Neighbours: Countries with significant political, economic, and strategic ties despite geographical distance.
- Key Focus Areas
- Connectivity: Facilitating free flow of resources, energy, goods, and information.
- Improved Bilateral Relations: Prioritizing peace and development in South Asia.
- Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade and investment through initiatives like SAARC and BBIN.
Challenges in Implementing NFP
- Bilateral Dynamics
- Strained relations among neighbouring countries hamper regional cooperation.
- Security concerns, including terrorism and illegal migration, pose significant challenges.
- External Factors
- China’s OBOR initiative influences regional dynamics, creating alternative partnerships.
- Perceptions of unequal treatment and historical tensions affect bilateral ties.
- Infrastructure and Domestic Politics
- Poor border infrastructure limits trade and investment opportunities.
- Domestic political considerations sometimes impede effective policy implementation.
Recommendations for Enhancing NFP
- Border Security and Defence Cooperation
- Strengthen border infrastructure and enhance maritime security measures.
- Foster defence cooperation to combat security threats collectively.
- Economic Development and Connectivity
- Invest in cross-border infrastructure to improve connectivity and trade.
- Monitor India’s Line of Credit projects to ensure timely completion.
- Regional Engagement and Tourism Promotion
- Engage with multilateral organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC to deepen regional ties.
- Promote tourism and investment to foster people-to-people connections.
Conclusion
- Despite evolving challenges, India’s NFP should prioritize sustained engagement and collaboration at all levels.
- Regional connectivity and security must be pursued alongside initiatives to address shared concerns effectively.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2009) Q. Elephant Pass, sometimes seen in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs of which one of the following? (a) Bangladesh (b) India (c) Nepal (d) Sri Lanka Ans: (d) Prelims (2020) Q. Consider the following statements: 1. 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. 2. 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? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) Mains (2017)Q. “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. |
Source: TH
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is India’s Neighbourhood First Policy?
India’s Neighbourhood First Policy is a foreign policy approach aimed at prioritizing and strengthening relations with its neighboring countries. It emphasizes cooperation, mutual respect, and shared prosperity among South Asian nations.
2. Why is there a need to revisit India’s Neighbourhood First Policy?
Revisiting India’s Neighbourhood First Policy is essential due to evolving geopolitical dynamics, changing regional priorities, and the emergence of new challenges. It allows India to adapt its approach to better address current issues and foster stronger ties with its neighbors.
3. How does India plan to enhance its Neighbourhood First Policy?
India plans to enhance its Neighbourhood First Policy through increased engagement, economic assistance, cultural exchanges, and infrastructure development projects. It aims to build trust, address common concerns, and promote regional stability.
4. What are the key challenges faced by India in implementing its Neighbourhood First Policy?
Key challenges include historical tensions, border disputes, diverging strategic interests, and influence from external powers. Additionally, economic disparities, infrastructural limitations, and political instability in neighboring countries pose obstacles to effective implementation.
5. What are the potential benefits of a successful Neighbourhood First Policy for India and its neighbors?
A successful Neighbourhood First Policy can lead to enhanced regional cooperation, increased trade and investment, improved connectivity, and greater resilience against common security threats. It can also contribute to socio-economic development, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among neighboring countries.
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