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Discuss the centrality of ASEAN bloc in India's Act East policy and SAGAR initiative.
India's Strategic Partnership with ASEAN India's Act East policy and the SAGAR initiative prioritize the ASEAN bloc in its regional strategy. ASEAN, consisting of ten Southeast Asian countries, plays a critical role in India's efforts to bolster regional influence and economic integration. Act EastRead more
India’s Strategic Partnership with ASEAN
India’s Act East policy and the SAGAR initiative prioritize the ASEAN bloc in its regional strategy. ASEAN, consisting of ten Southeast Asian countries, plays a critical role in India’s efforts to bolster regional influence and economic integration.
Act East Policy:
The Act East policy, a replacement for the Look East policy, seeks to strengthen ties with the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. India is actively fostering economic, political, and security cooperation with ASEAN to leverage its collective influence and growth potential.
SAGAR Initiative:
Launched in 2015, the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative emphasizes the significance of ASEAN. It focuses on sustainable ocean use and security in the Indian Ocean, recognizing ASEAN as a natural ally due to shared maritime interests and regional proximity.
Strategic Importance:
India’s deepening engagement with ASEAN serves the purpose of countering China’s increasing influence while expanding its own economic and geopolitical presence. This partnership underscores ASEAN’s central role in India’s foreign policy and underscores the strategic significance of this evolving regional group.
India’s collaboration with ASEAN holds the key to ensuring a stable and prosperous Asia. Through mutual growth and enhanced security, both regions stand to benefit significantly. This partnership is not only about balancing power but also about fostering a cooperative future.
See lessUPSC Examination
Maintaining motivation and mental well-being during the UPSC preparation journey can be challenging but manageable with a few key strategies: Set Clear Goals: Break down the vast syllabus into manageable tasks and set daily or weekly goals to stay focused. Create a Routine: Establish a consistent stRead more
Maintaining motivation and mental well-being during the UPSC preparation journey can be challenging but manageable with a few key strategies:
By following these steps, candidates can maintain their motivation and mental well-being throughout their UPSC preparation.
See lessAnalyze India's evolving strategic relationships with its immediate neighbours, such as Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Discuss how historical baggage, territorial disputes, and geopolitical considerations have shaped these relationships in the past decade.
India's strategic relationships with its immediate neighbors—Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—are shaped by a complex interplay of historical baggage, territorial disputes, and geopolitical considerations. The past decade has seen significant shifts in these relationships, iRead more
India’s strategic relationships with its immediate neighbors—Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—are shaped by a complex interplay of historical baggage, territorial disputes, and geopolitical considerations. The past decade has seen significant shifts in these relationships, influenced by both domestic and international factors. Here’s an analysis of these evolving dynamics:
1. Pakistan
Historical Baggage and Territorial Disputes:
Historical Conflicts: The relationship between India and Pakistan has been marred by a history of conflict, including three wars and ongoing tensions over the Kashmir region.
Territorial Disputes: The dispute over Kashmir remains a central issue, with both countries claiming the region in its entirety. The Line of Control (LoC) often witnesses skirmishes and ceasefire violations.
Recent Developments:
2016 Uri Attack and Surgical Strikes: Tensions escalated after the 2016 Uri attack, leading to India’s surgical strikes against militant camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This event highlighted the fragile nature of bilateral relations.
2019 Pulwama Attack and Balakot Airstrike: The 2019 Pulwama attack led to India’s Balakot airstrike, further straining relations and internationalizing the Kashmir issue.
Diplomatic Engagement: Despite these tensions, there have been periodic attempts at dialogue, though they have often stalled due to renewed violence or diplomatic disputes.
Geopolitical Considerations:
Counterterrorism: India has sought international support to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, particularly concerning its alleged support for terrorism. The FATF (Financial Action Task Force) has been a forum where India has raised concerns about Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.
2. China
Historical Baggage and Territorial Disputes:
Border Disputes: The unresolved border dispute, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, has been a major point of contention. The 1962 Sino-Indian War left lasting scars.
Strategic Rivalry: The rise of China as a global power and its strategic partnerships with countries like Pakistan have added complexity to the India-China relationship.
Recent Developments:
Doklam Standoff (2017): The Doklam standoff was a significant episode where India and China came close to a military confrontation over a disputed area in Bhutan.
Galwan Valley Clash (2020): The clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 resulted in casualties on both sides and underscored the volatile nature of the border situation.
Economic and Strategic Engagement: Despite border tensions, India and China have engaged in economic cooperation, though strategic competition persists, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Geopolitical Considerations:
Strategic Partnerships: India has strengthened its strategic partnerships with countries like the U.S., Japan, and Australia as a counterbalance to China’s influence in the region.
3. Nepal
Historical Baggage and Territorial Disputes:
Historical Ties: India and Nepal share deep historical, cultural, and familial ties, but these have sometimes been strained by issues related to sovereignty and border disputes.
Territorial Dispute: The dispute over the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Limpiyadhura area has led to diplomatic friction, with both countries presenting competing maps.
Recent Developments:
Blockade (2015-16): The blockade of Nepal by India during the 2015 earthquake recovery period strained relations, leading to accusations of Indian interference in Nepal’s internal affairs.
Recent Diplomatic Engagement: Efforts have been made to repair ties, with high-level visits and dialogues aimed at resolving disputes and enhancing cooperation.
Geopolitical Considerations:
Influence of China: Nepal’s increasing engagement with China has added a layer of complexity, with India closely watching Nepal’s growing economic and strategic relationship with Beijing.
4. Bhutan
Historical Ties and Strategic Importance:
Close Relations: India and Bhutan have traditionally enjoyed a close relationship, with India being Bhutan’s largest trade partner and ally in security matters.
Strategic Interests: Bhutan’s strategic location between India and China makes it important for India’s security and regional stability.
Recent Developments:
Doklam Standoff: During the Doklam standoff, Bhutan’s support for India was crucial, highlighting the strategic nature of their relationship.
Continued Cooperation: The relationship remains strong, with continued cooperation on economic, security, and developmental fronts.
Geopolitical Considerations:
China’s Engagement: Bhutan’s cautious approach to China’s growing influence in the region is closely monitored by India, given the strategic implications.
5. Bangladesh
Historical Baggage and Strategic Importance:
Historical Context: India played a crucial role in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. The relationship has been generally positive but has had issues related to border management and water sharing.
Strategic Importance: Bangladesh’s location and its growing economic potential make it an important partner for India.
Recent Developments:
Border Issues: Efforts have been made to address border issues, including the exchange of enclaves and improving border security.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation: The two countries have strengthened economic ties, with India providing trade benefits and investment in infrastructure projects.
Geopolitical Considerations:
Countering Extremism: India collaborates with Bangladesh on counter-terrorism and security issues, given concerns about extremist activities and cross-border smuggling.
6. Sri Lanka
Historical Baggage and Strategic Importance:
Ethnic Tensions: India’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict, particularly during the 1980s, has left a legacy of mixed feelings. The Tamil issue has been a significant point of contention.
Strategic Importance: Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it important for India’s maritime security and regional influence.
Recent Developments:
Economic Cooperation: India has been involved in several development projects in Sri Lanka, including infrastructure and housing projects.
Diplomatic Challenges: There have been occasional strains related to issues like the treatment of Tamil minorities and geopolitical competition with China.
Geopolitical Considerations:
Chinese Influence: Sri Lanka’s increasing engagement with China, including infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, is a point of concern for India, which seeks to maintain its influence in the region.
Conclusion
India’s relationships with its neighbors are shaped by a combination of historical legacies, territorial disputes, and strategic interests:
Pakistan: Relations are marred by historical conflicts and territorial disputes, with recent years seeing heightened tensions.
See lessChina: The strategic rivalry is underscored by border disputes and geopolitical competition, with ongoing efforts to manage conflicts while engaging economically.
Nepal: While historical ties are strong, recent disputes and Nepal’s increasing engagement with China have introduced new challenges.
Bhutan: Relations remain strong, with mutual cooperation and strategic alignment being key factors.
Bangladesh: Cooperation has strengthened, focusing on economic ties and border management, though challenges remain.
Sri Lanka: Strategic and economic relations are crucial, with recent concerns about China’s influence affecting bilateral dynamics.
These relationships continue to evolve, influenced by domestic policies, regional developments, and global geopolitical shifts.
Evaluate India's humanitarian and disaster response assistance to its neighbours, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and refugee crises. Discuss the geopolitical implications of India's "Neighbourhood First" approach in this regard.
India's humanitarian and disaster response assistance to its neighbors reflects its commitment to the "Neighbourhood First" policy. This approach emphasizes strengthening ties and fostering cooperation with neighboring countries. Here’s an evaluation of India's efforts and their geopolitical implicaRead more
India’s humanitarian and disaster response assistance to its neighbors reflects its commitment to the “Neighbourhood First” policy. This approach emphasizes strengthening ties and fostering cooperation with neighboring countries. Here’s an evaluation of India’s efforts and their geopolitical implications:
Humanitarian and Disaster Response Assistance
See lessCOVID-19 Pandemic
Vaccine Diplomacy: India launched the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative, supplying millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines to neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. This was a significant move to support global health and demonstrate solidarity.
Medical Supplies: India provided essential medical supplies, including masks, PPE kits, ventilators, and medicines, to countries in the region. For instance, India sent Hydroxychloroquine and Paracetamol to several neighbors at the beginning of the pandemic.
Technical Assistance: India offered training and technical support for healthcare professionals in neighboring countries to enhance their capacity to deal with the pandemic.
Natural Disasters
Earthquake in Nepal (2015): India was among the first responders to the devastating earthquake in Nepal, launching “Operation Maitri.” India provided rescue and relief operations, dispatched rescue teams, and supplied essential goods and medical aid.
Cyclones and Floods: India has extended assistance to countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives during cyclones and floods, providing relief materials, financial aid, and technical support for disaster management.
Tsunami (2004): In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, India provided substantial aid to affected neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives, and deployed the Indian Navy for rescue and relief operations.
Refugee Crises
Rohingya Crisis: India provided humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and also sent relief supplies to Myanmar for internally displaced persons affected by the crisis.
Sri Lankan Civil War: India has historically provided support to Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka, offering shelter, food, and medical assistance.
Geopolitical Implications
Strengthening Regional Ties: India’s proactive assistance in times of crisis strengthens bilateral relations and fosters goodwill among its neighbors, reinforcing India’s role as a regional leader and benefactor.
Soft Power: Humanitarian assistance enhances India’s soft power, projecting it as a responsible and compassionate regional power. This can lead to increased influence in regional and international forums.
Strategic Partnerships: By assisting its neighbors, India fosters strategic partnerships that can be crucial for regional stability and security. Collaborative disaster response and humanitarian efforts can lead to greater regional cooperation on various fronts, including economic and security matters.
Countering Influence of Rivals: India’s assistance can be seen as a counterbalance to the influence of other regional powers like China. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s vaccine diplomacy was partly aimed at countering China’s influence in the region, where China was also supplying vaccines and medical aid.
Regional Stability: Providing timely and effective humanitarian aid contributes to regional stability. By supporting neighboring countries during crises, India helps mitigate the risk of instability and the potential for spillover effects such as refugee flows and economic disruptions.
Challenges and Criticisms
Logistical Hurdles: Delivering timely assistance can be challenging due to logistical and infrastructural limitations, especially in remote or conflict-affected areas.
Resource Constraints: India’s own resource limitations, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, can affect the extent and consistency of its assistance.
Perception Issues: While India’s efforts are generally welcomed, there can be perceptions of political motives behind humanitarian assistance, which can sometimes lead to skepticism or diplomatic friction.
Overall, India’s humanitarian and disaster response assistance to its neighbors underscores its commitment to regional solidarity and cooperation under the “Neighbourhood First” policy. This approach not only aids in immediate crisis management but also has significant long-term geopolitical implications, enhancing India’s regional stature and influence.
Discuss India's efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly through the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). Assess the impact of these initiatives on India's relations with its maritime neighbours.
India has came up with several strategic moves to counter the Chinese influence in Indian Ocean region. Eg India’s Necklace of Diamond strategy to counter Chinese String of pearls in the Indian Ocean region. Certain initiatives like SAGAR(Security and Growth for All in the Region) and QUAD groupingRead more
India has came up with several strategic moves to counter the Chinese influence in Indian Ocean region. Eg India’s Necklace of Diamond strategy to counter Chinese String of pearls in the Indian Ocean region.
Certain initiatives like SAGAR(Security and Growth for All in the Region) and QUAD grouping to challenge Chinese influence has proved to have significant positive impact in favour of India.
SAGAR INITIATIVE
Launched in 2015, the SAGAR initiative aims to enhance maritime security, foster sustainable economic growth, and build cooperative relationships with India’s maritime neighbors. Key components of the SAGAR initiative include:
1. Maritime Security: Strengthening India’s naval capabilities and ensuring a robust maritime presence to deter threats and protect maritime routes.
2. Capacity Building and Training: Assisting neighboring countries in enhancing their maritime capabilities through training, joint exercises, and providing technical support.
3. Economic and Infrastructure Development: Promoting sustainable development in the IOR by investing in infrastructure projects, port development, and connectivity initiatives.
4. Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance: Enhancing regional cooperation in disaster management and providing timely assistance during natural calamities.
QUAD GROUPING
The Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, is a strategic forum aimed at ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Quad focuses on various areas such as:
1. Maritime Security: Conducting joint naval exercises, enhancing interoperability, and sharing intelligence to counter maritime threats and ensure freedom of navigation.
2. Economic Cooperation: Promoting trade and investment, infrastructure development, and ensuring supply chain resilience in the region.
3. Technology and Innovation: Collaborating on emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and setting standards for critical technologies.
4. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Coordinating efforts in disaster response and enhancing regional preparedness for natural disasters.
Impact on India’s Relations with Maritime Neighbours :-
India’s efforts through the SAGAR initiative and the Quad have significantly impacted its relations with its maritime neighbors:
1. Strengthened Bilateral Ties: India’s proactive engagement through SAGAR has strengthened bilateral relations with countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. India has provided maritime patrol vessels, radar systems, and training to these nations, enhancing their maritime security capabilities.
2. Regional Leadership: India’s leadership in regional forums and its focus on capacity building have positioned it as a key player in the IOR, countering Chinese influence and fostering a sense of regional cooperation.
3. Enhanced Multilateral Cooperation: Participation in the Quad has facilitated greater multilateral cooperation, enabling India to work closely with major powers like the US, Japan, and Australia. This collaboration has enhanced India’s strategic reach and its ability to counterbalance Chinese activities in the region.
4. Economic and Developmental Assistance: India’s investment in regional infrastructure and connectivity projects has been well-received by its neighbors, contributing to their economic development and reducing dependence on Chinese investments.
CONCLUSION
See lessIndia’s efforts through SAGAR and the Quad have bolstered its strategic position in the IOR, fostered stronger regional ties, and provided a counterbalance to China’s growing influence. These initiatives have reinforced India’s commitment to a stable, secure, and prosperous maritime environment in the region.
Raising nationalistic fervor in Nepal combined with India being perceived as a hegemon indicates that relations between India and Nepal need a fundamental reset. Analyze.
India and Nepal share historical, cultural, and religious ties dating back to the era of Gautam Buddha. These ties continued in the modern era too, reinforced by the 1950 Indo-Nepal friendship treaty, economic and strategic compulsions, and people to people relations, commonly called Roti-Beti relatRead more
India and Nepal share historical, cultural, and religious ties dating back to the era of Gautam Buddha. These ties continued in the modern era too, reinforced by the 1950 Indo-Nepal friendship treaty, economic and strategic compulsions, and people to people relations, commonly called Roti-Beti relations. However, from the past couple of years, Indo-Nepal relations are under severe strain with the Kalapani territorial dispute being the recent one in a long list of grievances Nepal has against India.
Reasons For Raising Nationalistic Fervor In Nepal
Why India Is Perceived As Hegemon By Nepal
The rise of Anti-Indian sentiments and nationalism in India was mainly because Nepal is considering India as a hegemon and irked by its big brother attitude. Recent incidents between these two countries have contributed a lot to this sentiment.
Fundamental Reset In Relations
Apart from the rise of nationalism and India’s perceived hegemony, there are also other reasons for the downturn of relations between these two countries. India is unhappy about closer ties between China-Nepal. Nepal’s developing economy needs huge investments which China is providing, whereas there are extraordinary delays in the completion of infrastructure projects by India, the territorial disputes between the two countries all caused a downturn in the relationship which at this point in time needs a fundamental reset.
India in accordance with its neighbour’s first policy must have deeper and meaningful engagement with its smaller neighbours, to understand their fears and concerns, and try to address them in a responsible way.
See lessAnalyse India’s position regarding political developments in Myanmar and the effects on India’s Act East Policy?
Myanmar stands at the confluence of India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy and the IndiaMyanmar partnership is at the heart of India’s vision to create a connected and cooperative neighbourhood. The Myanmar junta or Myanmar’s military has toppled the democratically elected government in a CRead more
Myanmar stands at the confluence of India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy and the IndiaMyanmar partnership is at the heart of India’s vision to create a connected and cooperative neighbourhood. The Myanmar junta or Myanmar’s military has toppled the democratically elected government in a Coup D’etat. This has smashed decade-long hopes for a truly democratic Myanmar. As the future of Myanmar’s democracy is now uncertain and given its strategic importance, this Coup D’etat will have geopolitical implications for the region and India.
India’s Position
Implications Of Coup On India’s Act East Policy
Way Forward
See lessDiscuss the role of sub-national actors, such as state governments and local communities, in shaping India's neighbourhood policy. Analyze the challenges and opportunities in integrating these stakeholders into India's regional engagement strategies.
Sub-national actors, including state governments and local communities, play a crucial role in shaping India's neighbourhood policy. Their involvement is increasingly recognized as essential for fostering regional cooperation and addressing transnational issues effectively. This role can be examinedRead more
Examine India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and its practical implementation across South Asia. Discuss the successes and challenges faced by India in strengthening regional connectivity, economic integration, and people-to-people ties with its neighbours.
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, connectivitRead more
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.
See lessPolicies 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.
Examine India's development assistance and capacity-building initiatives in its neighbourhood, such as the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme and the South Asia Satellite project. Discuss the strategic and soft power implications of these programs.
India has been actively engaged in providing development assistance and capacity-building initiatives in its neighboring countries to foster regional integration, connectivity, and cooperation. Two notable programs in this regard are the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme andRead more
India has been actively engaged in providing development assistance and capacity-building initiatives in its neighboring countries to foster regional integration, connectivity, and cooperation. Two notable programs in this regard are the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme and the South Asia Satellite project. These initiatives have strategic and soft power implications, contributing to India’s influence and goodwill in the region. In this article, we will examine these programs, discussing their strategic significance and soft power implications.
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme:
Strategic Significance: The UDAN scheme aims to enhance regional connectivity by developing underserved and unserved airports in India and neighboring countries. This initiative helps promote economic growth, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges within the region. It strengthens India’s strategic ties with neighboring nations by providing improved transportation infrastructure and facilitating smoother movement of goods and people.
Soft Power Implications: UDAN showcases India’s commitment to regional integration and development. By extending its aviation infrastructure and services to neighboring countries, India enhances its soft power influence in the region. The scheme fosters goodwill, strengthens cultural and economic ties, and generates positive perceptions of India as a reliable partner and contributor to regional progress.
South Asia Satellite Project:
Strategic Significance: The South Asia Satellite project, also known as GSAT-9 or SAARC Satellite, is an Indian satellite dedicated to providing communication and broadcasting services to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries. The project aims to bridge the digital divide, facilitate telecommunication, and support disaster management and telemedicine initiatives. It enhances regional cooperation, connectivity, and disaster response capabilities, strengthening India’s strategic influence and regional leadership.
Soft Power Implications: The South Asia Satellite project demonstrates India’s technological prowess and commitment to regional cooperation. By extending satellite services to neighboring countries, India enhances its soft power by providing valuable infrastructure and resources for communication, education, telemedicine, and disaster management. This initiative fosters goodwill, strengthens cultural bonds, and showcases India’s technical capabilities, positioning it as a reliable and technologically advanced partner in the region.
Strategic and Soft Power Implications:
Strategic Implications: Both the UDAN scheme and the South Asia Satellite project have strategic implications for India. They promote regional connectivity, economic integration, and disaster response capabilities, strengthening India’s position as a regional leader. These initiatives enhance India’s influence, expand its strategic footprint, and contribute to regional stability and cooperation.
See lessSoft Power Implications: The development assistance provided through UDAN and the South Asia Satellite project enhances India’s soft power in the region. By extending connectivity, infrastructure, and technological resources, India fosters goodwill, trust, and cultural exchanges. These initiatives showcase India’s commitment to regional development, positioning it as a reliable partner and a benevolent contributor to the progress of its neighbors.
Conclusion:
India’s development assistance initiatives, such as the UDAN regional connectivity scheme and the South Asia Satellite project, have both strategic and soft power implications. These programs promote regional connectivity, economic integration, and technological advancement, strengthening India’s influence and leadership in the region. They project India as a reliable partner, showcasing its commitment to regional development, and fostering goodwill and cultural exchanges. Through these initiatives, India can enhance its strategic footprint, contribute to regional stability, and further strengthen its soft power in its neighborhood.