India’s ‘Neighbourhood First policy’, introduced in 2008, aims to strengthen relationships in its immediate neighbourhood, comprising of- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It zeroes in on improving economic cooperation, trade and commerce, connectivity, shared infrastructural and developmental facilities and overall socio-cultural ties.
Policies and action-
Act East Policy of 2014 centres on building economic, cultural and strategic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with active participation in ASEAN to add a multi-lateral dimension to previously bi-lateral relationships.
Think West Policy of 2005 focusses on Gulf and West Asian countries to strengthen India’s energy security. It also looks forward to maintaining people to people ties, educational outreach and exchange and trade.
Connect Central Asia Policy of 2012 laid down the ‘India-Central Asia Summit’ mechanism, to materialise the foundation of the years of shared cultural and historical ties and mutual respect for individual security and sovereignty.
But this was a tough road to build. Cross border terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy off the coast of Somalia; strained bilateral relations- particularly with China and Pakistan, economic crisis in the neighbourhood, delayed implementation of development projects, and connectivity and border infrastructure have been some of the major challenges faced.