Roadmap for Answer Writing
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Introduction
- Briefly introduce the importance of India’s neighbourhood policy.
- Mention recent geopolitical challenges affecting the region.
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Evolution of India’s Neighbourhood Policy
- Early Years (1947-1960s): Focus on integration and stability.
- Cold War Period (1960s-1980s): Non-alignment and its impact on relationships.
- Post-Cold War Era (1990s): Introduction of the “Look East” policy and economic liberalization.
- Neighbourhood First Policy (2000s-present): Key initiatives and objectives.
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Current Geopolitical Challenges:
- Discuss the crises in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
- Highlight the implications of China’s growing influence in the region.
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Implications of Instability
- Security threats, economic disruptions, and humanitarian issues.
- Diplomatic setbacks and challenges in regional cooperation.
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Measures to Enhance Engagement
- Strengthen regional connectivity and infrastructure.
- Enhance diplomatic outreach and conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Foster economic ties and cultural exchanges.
- Develop a comprehensive security framework.
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Way Forward
- Reiterate the necessity of a robust neighbourhood policy.
- Emphasize the potential for India to act as a regional leader.
Evolution of India’s Neighbourhood Policy
India’s approach to its neighbourhood has evolved from a focus on regional primacy to addressing emerging geopolitical challenges.
Historical Context
Post-Independence Era: India aimed to establish itself as the dominant regional power, leveraging cultural and historical ties to influence neighbouring countries.
Recent Shifts: The rise of China as a regional power has altered the strategic landscape, compelling India to reassess its neighbourhood policy.
Current Geopolitical Challenges
China’s Growing Influence: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strategic partnerships with countries like Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have expanded its footprint in South Asia.
Regional Security Concerns: China’s military presence in the Indian Ocean and its strategic alliances pose challenges to India’s traditional sphere of influence.
Internal Policy Contradictions: Domestic policies, such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, have strained relations with neighbours like Bangladesh, affecting India’s regional image.
Measures to Enhance Effectiveness
Acknowledging Regional Dynamics: Recognize China’s significant role in the region and adjust policies to reflect this new reality.
Engaging External Actors: Involve friendly external powers to counterbalance China’s influence and promote a multipolar regional order.
Flexible Diplomacy: Adopt a nuanced approach by engaging with multiple political actors within neighbouring countries to reduce anti-India sentiments.
Addressing Domestic Concerns: Ensure that domestic policies do not adversely affect relations with neighbouring countries, maintaining a consistent and supportive regional stance.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity: Invest in infrastructure projects like the Chabahar Port and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway to enhance economic ties and regional integration.
By implementing these measures, India can navigate the complex geopolitical environment of South Asia, fostering regional stability and securing its strategic interests.
Your answer provides a structured overview of India’s neighbourhood policy evolution, touching on historical context, recent shifts, challenges, and recommendations. The flow is logical, and the measures suggested are practical. However, the answer could be strengthened by incorporating more specific examples and data points. The historical context is a bit brief and misses key events like the 1987 IPKF intervention in Sri Lanka or the 2015 Nepal blockade tensions. Similarly, while mentioning China’s influence, you could have cited figures like China’s $62 billion investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) or the debt issues with Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port.
In measures, mentioning initiatives like the Neighbourhood First Policy, SAARC, or BIMSTEC would provide a more complete picture. Specific engagement examples, like the Quad’s role in countering China, would have added depth. Also, referencing India’s vaccine diplomacy (e.g., Vaccine Maitri) would show India’s soft power strategies in recent times.
Ajay You can use this feedback also
Missing Facts and Data:
IPKF in Sri Lanka (1987)
2015 Nepal blockade
CPEC investment ($62 billion)
Hambantota Port lease
BIMSTEC and SAARC roles
Vaccine Maitri initiative
Introduction:
India’s neighbourhood policy has evolved in response to shifting geopolitical challenges, aiming to foster regional stability and security. The approach has varied from prioritizing peaceful engagement to adopting a more assertive stance.
Evolution of India’s Neighbourhood Policy:
Early Years (1947-1990s): India’s policy was driven by the principles of non-interference and maintaining strong ties with neighbouring countries, focusing on economic assistance and cultural ties. Examples include India’s leadership in the creation of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) in 1985.
Post-1990s: The policy shifted towards regional integration, notably through initiatives like the “Look East” policy, which strengthened ties with Southeast Asia. India also deepened its engagement with countries like Bhutan and Nepal.
Recent Challenges (2010-present): Rising tensions with Pakistan, China’s growing influence, and instability in countries like Sri Lanka and Myanmar have prompted India to adopt a more assertive and security-focused approach. The Doklam standoff (2017) and frequent border clashes with Pakistan highlight these challenges.
Measures for Enhanced Effectiveness:
Regional Diplomacy: Strengthen multilateral forums like BIMSTEC and SAARC to enhance cooperation and resolve disputes.
Economic Engagement: Boost economic ties through infrastructure projects, trade agreements, and developmental assistance.
Security Cooperation: Increase defense cooperation with regional partners, including joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing.
Conclusion:
India must balance diplomatic outreach with proactive security measures to ensure long-term regional stability.
The answer provides a clear and structured overview of India’s neighbourhood policy evolution. It captures key phases — early non-interference, post-1990s regional integration, and recent assertiveness. The examples like SAARC, Look East Policy, Doklam, and border clashes are relevant and appropriately placed. Measures suggested (diplomacy, economic engagement, security cooperation) are practical and aligned with the question’s demand.
However, the answer misses some critical nuances and recent facts. It does not mention the “Neighbourhood First” policy under Prime Minister Modi or initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). India’s humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka during its 2022 crisis, the Indo-Pacific outreach, and India’s vaccine diplomacy (Vaccine Maitri) are also important recent developments that could strengthen the critical examination. Additionally, mentioning China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s response through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) would enhance depth.
Adheesh You can use this feedback also
Missing facts and data:
“Neighbourhood First” policy
SAGAR initiative
Vaccine Maitri (COVID-19 diplomacy)
Response to BRI (e.g., INSTC, Chabahar Port)
India’s aid to Sri Lanka (2022 economic crisis)
Indo-Pacific engagement (Quad, IPEF)