Driven by the Belt and Road Initiative (so called) and strategic partnerships, China has been steadily growing its footprint in India`s neighborhood – challenging New Delhi traditional dominance of South Asia. India has to take an offensive strategy of “Neighborhood First” for this. Such a move will entail strengthening economic partnerships to step up investments, larger development aid in the countries bordering China that could be an alternative route for Chinese engagement of economies. There is a great need of Improving diplomatic relation with regular High level interaction and addressing concern at regional Level Heightening security cooperation can alleviate some of the concerns surrounding China’s expanding presence, particularly through joint drills and intelligence sharing. Closer engagement in the sphere of soft power initiatives will be more productive, by taking advantage of India’s cultural and historical connections as well. Participation in regional organization as SAARC and building strategic partners (Quadrilateral) will act counter to China’s influence, giving a legitimate place for India stronger role on the regioneren landscape. In turn, India will effectively operationalise its “Neighborhood First” policy and protect her strategic interests in the backdrop of China spread across regions it earlier regarded as sacrosanct to itself.