India’s neighbourhood policy requires balancing security concerns with developmental and connectivity interests. Examine.” (10 Marks) (GS 2: International Relations — India’s neighbourhood)

India’s neighbourhood policy operates at the intersection of national security, regional development and connectivity, requiring India to pursue security interests without allowing strategic competition to undermine developmental cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Balancing security concerns

1. China’s regional presence: China’s expanding economic and strategic footprint in South Asia has increased India’s security concerns.
   Example: Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in India’s neighbourhood have encouraged greater Indian engagement with neighbouring states.
2. Cross-border terrorism: Security threats emanating from neighbouring territories require sustained diplomatic and security cooperation.
   Example: India’s security concerns regarding Pakistan remain closely linked to cross-border terrorism.
3. Maritime security: India’s interests in the Indian Ocean require cooperation with island and littoral neighbours.
   Example: India’s maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka and Maldives.
4. Political instability: Instability in neighbouring countries can generate refugee flows, security risks and economic disruptions.
   Example: The political and humanitarian situation in Myanmar has implications for India’s northeastern states.
5. Border management: Unresolved borders necessitate simultaneous security preparedness and diplomatic engagement.
   Example: India combines border infrastructure development with engagement with Nepal and Bhutan.
6. Non-traditional threats: Organised crime, trafficking, pandemics and climate-related disasters require cooperative regional responses.

Advancing Development and Connectivity

1. Development partnerships: Development assistance can strengthen mutual economic interests and regional stability.
   Example: India’s development projects in Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
2. Physical connectivity: Cross-border infrastructure facilitates trade, mobility and regional integration.
   Example: India-Bangladesh rail and inland-waterway connectivity.
3. Energy cooperation: Regional energy integration can create mutual economic interdependence.
   Example: India imports electricity from Bhutan and Nepal.
4. Trade integration: Greater economic engagement can create stakeholders in stable bilateral relations.
   Example: Bangladesh has become an important trading partner for India’s northeastern connectivity.
5. Digital connectivity: Digital public infrastructure and technological cooperation can expand India’s development partnership.
   Example: India’s digital cooperation initiatives with neighbouring countries.
6. Humanitarian assistance: Disaster relief and emergency assistance strengthen regional goodwill while addressing immediate developmental vulnerabilities.
   Example: India’s Operation Maitri in Nepal following the 2015 earthquake.

India’s neighbourhood policy therefore requires security preparedness alongside developmental partnership and connectivity, with initiatives such as Neighbourhood First seeking to build a stable and economically interconnected neighbourhood.