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.
China: 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.