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
COVID-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.