Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Introduce the context of India’s traditional influence in South Asia.
- Briefly mention the growing presence of China and its implications for India.
2. Impact of China’s Presence on India
- Security and Sovereignty Challenges
- Discuss the CPEC’s route through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- Fact: CPEC is viewed as a strategic threat to India (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
- Infrastructure Developments
- Highlight Chinese investments in Sri Lanka (Hambantota and Colombo ports) and Gwadar port in Pakistan.
- Fact: These projects enhance China’s strategic position near India (Source: Observer Research Foundation).
- Debt Trap Diplomacy
- Explain how China’s loans lead to dependency in countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
- Fact: Sri Lanka’s financial crisis has been linked to unsustainable Chinese debt (Source: International Crisis Group).
- Political Interference
- Mention Chinese involvement in local politics, particularly in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
- Fact: Chinese political influence often undermines India’s traditional relationships (Source: Economic Times).
- Cultural Influence
- Discuss China’s soft power initiatives and their impact on India’s cultural relations.
- Fact: China’s COVID-19 assistance and scholarships have improved its image in the region (Source: South Asia Monitor).
3. India’s Neighborhood First Policy
- Economic Diplomacy
- Describe India’s lines of credit and developmental assistance to South Asian nations (excluding Pakistan).
- Fact: India has provided significant economic support to countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan (Source: Government of India).
- Connectivity Projects
- Highlight initiatives like the BBIN connectivity project and BIMSTEC engagements.
- Fact: These projects aim to enhance regional integration (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
- International Cooperation
- Discuss collaborations with countries like Japan and the USA for regional development.
- Fact: India has engaged with international partners to counterbalance China’s influence (Source: Observer Research Foundation).
- Political Engagement
- Emphasize India’s proactive diplomatic efforts with neighboring countries.
- Fact: India quickly engaged with the new government in Sri Lanka, showcasing its diplomatic agility (Source: Economic Times).
4. Conclusion
- Reiterate the importance of the Neighborhood First policy in countering China’s influence.
- Emphasize the need for sustained proactive measures to secure India’s interests in the region.
Relevant Facts to Use in Answers
- CPEC: Strategic threat to India’s territorial claims (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
- Chinese Ports: Strategic positioning through ports like Gwadar (Source: Observer Research Foundation).
- Debt Crisis: Sri Lanka’s crisis linked to Chinese debt (Source: International Crisis Group).
- Political Influence: Chinese interference undermining India’s relationships (Source: Economic Times).
- Soft Power: China’s cultural initiatives improving its regional image (Source: South Asia Monitor).
- Economic Support: Significant credit lines extended by India to South Asian countries (Source: Government of India).
- BBIN Connectivity: Aimed at enhancing regional cooperation (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
This roadmap provides a clear structure for addressing the question while incorporating relevant facts and sources for a comprehensive discussion.
Model Answer
Introduction
China’s growing presence in India’s neighboring countries has significantly impacted India’s strategic interests, necessitating a more active approach in executing its Neighborhood First policy.
Challenges to India’s Interests
India’s Response: Neighborhood First Policy
In response to these challenges, India has actively pursued its Neighborhood First policy, which aims to strengthen ties with its immediate neighbors through:
Conclusion
India’s Neighborhood First policy is crucial for countering China’s expansionism and reshaping its narrative in the region. Sustaining this proactive approach will be essential for India to reinforce its influence and ensure long-term stability in South Asia.