India’s neighbourhood is a diverse and strategically significant region encompassing eight countries. Due to it’s diverse nature it create different challenges and opportunities depending upon the different lenses.

Different lenses and how they create challenges and opportunities-

A. Security dilemma- India’s strategic and military advancement are perceived as threat by neighbouring states exacerbating regional tensions. For instance, the protracted border issues with Pakistan and China illustrate the classic realist contention that “enduring rivalries and conflicting national interests continue to impede the realisation of a harmonious neighbourhood”

B. Economic integration – presents both challenges and opportunities through the lens of liberalism. While initiatives like the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) promise mutual economic growth, non-tariff barriers and political tensions often restrict progress. Furthermore, India’s economic dominance in the region can evoke both cooperation and resistance from smaller neighbours, reflecting the asymmetry in economic interdependence and the resultant power dynamics.

C. Historical background- Constructivist perspectives highlight the significance of historical narratives and identity politics in shaping bilateral relations. The persistent “trust deficit” due to historical conflicts and territorial disputes underscores the impact of collective memories and national identities. For instance, the antagonistic perceptions between India and Pakistan are deeply rooted in their partition history and continue to influence their diplomatic engagements.

D. External influences-
The influence of external actors, particularly China’s strategic inroads into South Asia through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), introduces a complex layer of geopolitical rivalry. As C. Raja Mohan asserts, “China’s growing footprint in South Asia fundamentally alters the regional balance of power” . This aligns with the neorealist view of external balancing and the impact of great power politics on regional stability.

However, there are significant opportunities for enhancing regional cooperation through the lens of regionalism. India’s “Neighborhood First” policy aims to prioritize diplomatic and economic ties with its neighbors, fostering greater regional integration. Enhanced connectivity projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, underscore the potential for economic synergy. Additionally, cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges, as emphasized by constructivists, can bridge historical divides and build mutual trust.

In conclusion, while challenges in India’s bilateral relations with its neighbors are substantial, strategic engagement, economic cooperation, and soft power diplomacy offer viable pathways for fostering a more stable and prosperous regional environment.