Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction (30-40 words)

1. 1. • Briefly introduce India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, its main objective, and its focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security relations with South Asian neighbours.

Example Introduction: India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, initiated in 2014, aims to enhance ties with neighbouring countries by focusing on connectivity, economic cooperation, regional security, and humanitarian aid. The policy has yielded both positive outcomes and faced certain challenges.

2. Successes of the Policy (150-180 words)

Break this section into several sub-sections to highlight the main areas where the policy has been successful:

1. 1. • Infrastructure Development:
        • India has invested in major infrastructure projects such as the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which improves energy cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
        • India has also enhanced connectivity with Nepal via cross-border railways, promoting trade and travel.
      • Diplomatic and Peace Efforts:
        • Opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019, which allowed Sikh pilgrims to visit a sacred site in Pakistan, marked a significant diplomatic achievement.
        • The 2021 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) is another success, improving peace efforts between the two nations.
      • Humanitarian Assistance:
        • India provided critical humanitarian aid during natural disasters, such as the 2015 Nepal earthquake and 2017 Sri Lanka floods.
        • India’s ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included the supply of vaccines to neighbouring countries, demonstrated solidarity.
      • Economic and Financial Aid:
        • India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during its financial crisis in 2023 (over USD 4 billion) and the increase in financial aid to Bhutan from INR 2266 crore to 2400 crore in 2023 reflect India’s commitment to regional economic stability.
      • Security Cooperation:
        • India’s collaboration with neighbours like Bangladesh in counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing has significantly improved regional security.

3. Challenges Faced by the Policy (100-130 words)

This section highlights the challenges and limitations of the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

1. 1. • Strained Bilateral Relations:
        • Political tensions, such as the ‘India Out’ campaign in the Maldives in 2022, have affected relations despite efforts to maintain strong ties.
      • Security Risks:
        • Despite increased security cooperation, the region still faces challenges from cross-border terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, and the risks associated with open-border agreements (e.g., with Nepal and Bangladesh).
      • Chinese Influence:
        • China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and chequebook diplomacy are increasingly influencing South Asia, threatening India’s regional dominance and challenging its strategic interests.
      • Delay in Project Completion:
        • Some infrastructure projects, such as the Kaladan multimodal project (India-Myanmar), have faced delays, limiting the impact of India’s efforts.

4. Conclusion

1. 1. • Summarize the overall success of the policy, acknowledging both the positive outcomes and challenges. Suggest ways forward to ensure continued success.

Example Conclusion: While India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy has successfully improved ties through infrastructure, diplomacy, and security, addressing challenges like strained bilateral relations and China’s growing influence will be key to its future success.

Relevant Facts for Answer Writing

1. Infrastructure and Connectivity

1. 1. • India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline: A major energy infrastructure project that boosts India-Bangladesh relations.
      • Cross-border railways with Nepal: Enhances trade and travel, improving connectivity and bilateral trade.

2. Diplomatic Relations

1. 1. • Kartarpur Corridor: Opened in 2019 to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.
      • 2021 ceasefire agreement: Ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, improving bilateral relations.

3. Humanitarian Aid

1. 1. • Nepal Earthquake (2015): India was one of the first countries to send humanitarian aid following the earthquake.
      • Sri Lanka floods (2017): India provided relief supplies to Sri Lanka during the floods.
      • Vaccine Maitri: India sent millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses to neighbouring countries under this initiative.

4. Economic and Financial Aid

1. 1. • Sri Lanka financial assistance (2023): India provided over 4 billion USD to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis.
      • Increased aid to Bhutan (2023): Financial aid to Bhutan was increased from INR 2266 crore to INR 2400 crore in 2023.

5. Security Cooperation

1. 1. • Counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing with Bangladesh: India and Bangladesh collaborate to tackle terrorism and insurgency.

6. Challenges

1. 1. • ‘India Out’ campaign in Maldives (2022): Strained bilateral relations due to political movements.
      • Porous borders and security risks: Cross-border terrorism and illicit activities continue to be a threat.
      • Chinese influence: China’s infrastructure projects through BRI and its growing presence in South Asia.
      • Kaladan Multimodal Project delays: Infrastructure projects have been delayed, limiting their potential impact.