India’s Neighbourhood Policy :

Abstract

The paper analyzes India’s policy towards its immediate neighbourhood and tries to draw relevant inferences from India‘s recent efforts to build peace in South Asia. In this study, India’s immediate neighbourhood refers to SAARC member states and Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s foreign policy laid strong emphasis on ‘neighbourhood first’ policy that prioritizes strengthening India’s relations with its immediate neighbours . This paper traces the evolution of India’s neighbourhood policies over the years and studies the approaches adopted by different leaders. The renewed impetus towards India’s neighbourhood in the region under the Narendra Modi led government has been discussed in detail. It is argued that India’s recent neighbourhood practices such as strengthening bilateral ties, diplomatic engagements, sub-regionalism, elements of continuity or change and their applicability to establishing peace in the region has made a great impact in the region. The complex regional dynamics, seen notably in India’s relations with Nepal and Pakistan that serve as roadblocks in implementing a coherent neighbourhood policy, are teased out. The paper puts forth newer prospects of integration and offers a set of recommendations for sustained engagement between India and its neighbours in order to build peace in the region.