India’s Neighbourhood First Policy
India’s Neighbourhood First Policy: Operation Sagar Bandhu & Sri Lanka Cyclone Relief
Context:In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation in Sri Lanka, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displacement of over 2 million people, India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu as part of its humanitarian outreach.
The operation involves Indian and Sri Lankan Army engineers jointly repairing critical infrastructure, including the damaged bridge on the Paranthan–Karachchi–Mullaitivu (A35) road, deployment of Bailey bridges, and the delivery of thousands of tonnes of relief material from Tamil Nadu.
This initiative reflects India’s sustained commitment to its Neighbourhood First Policy, especially during humanitarian crises in South Asia.
What is India’s Neighbourhood First Policy?
- India’s Neighbourhood First Policy is a central pillar of its foreign policy that prioritises diplomatic, economic, developmental, and security engagement with its immediate neighbours in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
- It is based on the principle that India’s security, stability, and prosperity are intrinsically linked to the peace and progress of its neighbourhood
The policy focuses on:
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Building mutual trust
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Strengthening regional cooperation through platforms such as SAARC and BIMSTEC
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Providing generous, non-reciprocal assistance during crises, as demonstrated by India’s response to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
The broader objective is to foster a connected, integrated, and prosperous neighbourhood, counter destabilising external influences, and promote sustainable regional partnerships.
What are the key tenets of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy?
Asymmetric Responsibility
As the largest country in South Asia, India assumes greater responsibility for regional stability, humanitarian aid, disaster response, and infrastructure development. Assistance is often provided without expecting immediate reciprocity.
Swift Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
A defining feature of the policy is India’s role as the “first responder” during regional crises.
Notable examples include:
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2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
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2015 Nepal earthquake
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Flood relief operations in Bangladesh and Myanmar
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Ongoing cyclone relief and infrastructure restoration in Sri Lanka
Connectivity and Development Partnerships
India promotes physical, digital, and energy connectivity through cross-border infrastructure such as roads, ports, railways, pipelines, and renewable energy projects.
Examples include:
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India–Nepal cross-border petroleum pipeline
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Infrastructure and capacity-building projects in Bangladesh and Afghanistan
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Collaboration under the International Solar Alliance
Security Cooperation
The policy emphasises cooperation on terrorism, insurgency, maritime security, drug trafficking, and organised crime through:
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Intelligence sharing
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Joint military exercises
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Capacity building of neighbouring countries’ security forces
People-Centric Engagement
People-to-people ties are strengthened through:
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Visa facilitation
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Cultural exchanges
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Educational scholarships under programmes like ITEC
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Medical diplomacy and medical tourism
How has it proved to be an effective instrument?
- Building Strategic Goodwill: Consistent aid during crises has built immense goodwill, bolstering India’s image as a reliable and benevolent partner. This was evident in the heartfelt appreciation from Maldives during the 2014 water crisis and from Sri Lanka during the 2022 economic crisis and current cyclone relief.
- Countering Strategic Rivalry: The policy has been instrumental in countering the influence of other powers, notably China, by offering an alternative model of engagement that is perceived as less debt-heavy and more responsive to immediate needs. Projects under the policy often compete directly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the region.
- Enhancing Regional Stability: By proactively engaging in disaster management and economic support, India helps prevent state failure and political vacuum in neighbouring countries, which is crucial for its own border security and internal stability.
- Facilitating Economic Integration: Improved connectivity and trade agreements under this policy have boosted regional trade, benefiting Indian businesses and creating interdependent economies. Initiatives like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement are key outcomes.
Soft Power Projection: The policy effectively projects India’s soft power through its medical missions (like the current field hospital in Kandy), educational outreach, and cultural influence, creating a favourable environment for long-term diplomacy.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
