India’s Neighbourhood First Policy

Recently the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs has released its report on ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’.

It may be noted that the concept of Neighborhood First Policy was conceptualized around the year 2008. It is a dynamic policy, which aims to adopt a consultative, non-reciprocal (selfless) and result-oriented approach to strengthen relations with Neighboring Countries.

The Countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been included under the Neighborhood First policy.

Under this policy, India uses regional forums like SAARC, BIMSTEC, Bangladesh Bhutan – India – Nepal (BBIN) to maintain dialogue and communication with its neighboring countries.

Recommendations made in the report:

• A common platform should be established to deal with terrorism.
• There is a need to establish coordination between ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and ‘Act East Policy’ for the development of the North Eastern region.
• There is a need to set up a cell on relations with neighboring countries. It will identify specific initiatives that can be taken in this direction by individual Ministries and Departments.
• Development projects should be completed within a time frame by strengthening Joint Project Monitoring Committees and inspection mechanism.

Challenges before the Neighborhood First Policy:

• India often faces threats from neighboring countries emanating from cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, trafficking, drug and arms smuggling, etc.
• The delay in the implementation of development projects creates a hindrance in relations.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative and America’s Indo-Pacific vision and competition among these countries also present challenges. This is because India’s neighboring countries are also in their center.
• There is limited exchange at the parliamentary level with neighboring countries.
• Lack of infrastructure in border areas, especially in the North Eastern Region (NER), is also affecting connectivity with neighboring countries.

Various initiatives taken under the policy:

• Geographical connectivity: Agreements have been signed on the use of Chabahar port (Iran), Kaladan project (Myanmar) and Chittagong and Mongla ports (Bangladesh).
• Energy Connectivity: Grid interconnection with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh; establishment of Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh; Establishment of Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan are some of the prominent examples of energy connectivity.
• Trade connectivity: Examples are exclusive market access; financial help; Establishment of Customs Stations on the border with Bangladesh, providing Line of Credit to Sri Lanka etc.
• Humanitarian Assistance: India has been providing humanitarian assistance to neighboring countries by providing Early Warning System (EWS) services and disaster assistance.
• Some examples are providing Tsunami EWS, post earthquake relief assistance to Nepal, assistance during COVID-19 etc.

Source – Hindustan Times

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