Introduction & Overview
India's geographical location places it at the heart of South Asia, sharing borders and deep historical, cultural, and economic ties with all its neighbors. The "Neighbourhood First" policy underscores the paramount importance of these relations for India's security and prosperity.
However, these relationships are complex, often marked by challenges such as border disputes, water-sharing issues, humanitarian crises, and the growing influence of extra-regional powers, particularly China. This topic explores India's multifaceted engagement with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Maldives, highlighting key areas of cooperation, points of contention, and the evolving dynamics that shape India's role as the predominant regional power.
Core Engagements & Dynamics
India and Bangladesh
Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) (2015)
Significance: Resolved complex border issue involving enclaves and adverse possessions, a legacy of Partition.
Impact: Landmark agreement, paving the way for improved bilateral relations.
Water Sharing (Teesta Dispute)
Issue: Dispute over sharing Teesta River waters, crucial for Bangladesh's agriculture.
Status: Comprehensive agreement not reached due to West Bengal objections.
Connectivity Projects
Types: Revival of pre-1965 rail links, new bus services, inland water routes.
Importance: Crucial for India's Act East Policy, providing NE India access.
Rohingya Issue
Context: Mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to Bangladesh.
India's Role: Humanitarian aid (Operation Insaniyat), advocates for safe return.
Counter-terrorism cooperation
Strong cooperation against insurgent groups in India's Northeast and Bangladesh, leading to significant success.
Economic ties
Growing trade, investment, energy cooperation. Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia. India extends Lines of Credit.
India and Nepal
Open Border
Nearly 1,800 km open border facilitating free movement, strong cultural and economic ties.
Border Disputes
Issue: Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura (trijunction). Nepal claims based on 1816 Treaty of Sugauli.
Escalation (2020): India inaugurated road to Lipulekh; Nepal released new map.
Hydropower Cooperation
Significant potential in Nepal's rivers, beneficial for both. India involved in projects (e.g., Arun-III).
Cultural Ties
Deep historical, religious (Hinduism, Buddhism), linguistic, and familial ties.
China's growing influence
Increasing economic (BRI projects) and political engagement is a concern for India.
India and Sri Lanka
Ethnic Conflict (Tamil Issue)
India advocates for Tamil minority rights, emphasizing full implementation of the 13th Amendment.
Maritime Security
Shared vital interests in Indian Ocean. Cooperation on anti-piracy, disaster management.
Hambantota Port (Debt Trap)
Sri Lanka leased to Chinese company for 99 years (2017) after failing to repay loans.
Concerns about China's "debt trap diplomacy" and strategic footprint in Indian Ocean.
Katchatheevu Island
Small island in Palk Strait, ceded by India to Sri Lanka (1974, 1976). Sensitive for Tamil Nadu fishermen.
Economic Crisis (2022-23) & India's assistance
Sri Lanka faced worst economic crisis.
India's Role: Provided approx. USD 4 billion in aid as "first responder," supported IMF bailout. Enhanced India's standing.
India and Afghanistan
Development Aid
Major development partner, over USD 3 billion in infrastructure (Afghan Parliament, Salma Dam).
Strategic Interests
- Connectivity: Access to Central Asia (Chabahar Port).
- Security: Concerns over terrorism (Taliban's rise).
- Countering Pakistan's Influence.
Post-Taliban Takeover Implications (August 2021)
- India's Approach: Pragmatic, limited engagement, humanitarian aid (food, medicine), no formal recognition.
- Challenges: Security concerns, terror groups (IS-K), women's rights, regional stability.
India and Myanmar
Act East Policy
Myanmar is India's only land bridge to Southeast Asia, crucial for Act East Policy.
Connectivity Projects
- Kaladan Multi-Modal: Connects Kolkata to Sittwe (Myanmar) by sea, then river/road to Mizoram.
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar.
Rohingya Refugee Crisis
India provided humanitarian aid (Operation Insaniyat), advocates for safe return.
Security Cooperation
Border management, counter-insurgency, drug trafficking.
Military Coup (2021)
India has pragmatic approach, emphasizes democracy while engaging junta due to strategic/border imperatives.
India and Bhutan
Special Relationship
Unique and deeply trusted relationship, mutual respect, shared strategic interests. Protected state (Treaty 1949, revised 2007).
Hydropower Cooperation
Cornerstone of economic ties. India assists development (Punatsangchhu), imports surplus electricity.
Doklam Standoff implications (2017)
Context: Indian troops intervened in Doklam (Bhutanese territory claimed by China) to prevent road building.
Significance: Demonstrated India's commitment to Bhutan's security and own strategic interests.
Security
India plays a key role in Bhutan's security.
India and Maldives
Security Cooperation (SAGAR initiative)
Maldives key for India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision: maritime security, HADR.
Connectivity (Greater Malé Connectivity Project)
India funding largest infra project, building bridges connecting Malé with neighboring islands.
'India Out' Campaign
Campaign advocating removal of Indian military personnel/influence, gained traction prior to elections.
China's growing presence
Increasing economic (loans, infrastructure) and strategic presence, challenging India's traditional influence.
Recent Elections (Sept 2023)
Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu won, signaling potential shift away from India.
Summary Table: India & South Asian Neighbors
| Country | Key Area of Cooperation | Major Challenges/Issues for India | China's Role/Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | LBA, Connectivity, Counter-terrorism, Eco. | Teesta water dispute, Rohingya issue | Growing economic ties, but less direct competition |
| Nepal | Open border, Hydropower, Cultural | Border disputes (Kalapani), managing China's growing influence | Increasing economic (BRI) & political influence, impacting India's role |
| Sri Lanka | Maritime Security, Eco. Assistance | Tamil issue, Katchatheevu, Debt crisis, Hambantota Port | Debt trap diplomacy (Hambantota), increasing strategic footprint |
| Afghanistan | Development Aid | Post-Taliban security, terrorism, access to Central Asia | Engagement with Taliban, strategic challenge to India's role |
| Myanmar | Act East Link, Connectivity | Rohingya issue, internal conflict, managing military junta | Expanding economic ties, strategic access to Bay of Bengal |
| Bhutan | Special relationship, Hydropower | Border with China, Doklam Standoff implications | Border talks with Bhutan, encroachment in disputed areas |
| Maldives | Maritime Security (SAGAR), Connectivity | 'India Out' campaign, growing Chinese presence, recent pro-China shift | Increasing economic influence, strategic presence |
Mains-Ready Analytical Notes
Aspirations: To stabilize its immediate periphery, enhance connectivity, boost trade, ensure security, and establish India's benevolent leadership. Rooted in geographical imperative and historical ties.
Achievements: Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh (2015), providing significant aid to Sri Lanka (2022-23), Doklam standoff (2017) showcasing commitment to Bhutan's security, connectivity projects.
Headwinds/Challenges:
- China's Growing Influence: Economic (BRI, loans) and strategic (ports, defense sales) inroads, eroding India's traditional influence.
- Bilateral Disputes: Persistent issues like Teesta (Bangladesh), Kalapani (Nepal), Katchatheevu (Sri Lanka).
- Asymmetry of Power: Smaller neighbors' discomfort with India's size and perceived "big brother" attitude.
- Domestic Politics: Internal instability or anti-India sentiment can impact ties ('India Out' in Maldives).
- Cross-border Issues: Rohingya crisis, terrorism from Pakistan.
Conclusion: Critical for India's strategic imperatives. Operates in a complex and competitive regional environment, necessitating calibrated diplomacy, greater economic engagement, and sensitive handling of bilateral issues while countering extra-regional influences.
Significance: South Asia is highly dependent on transboundary rivers (mostly Himalayas). Water security is crucial for all states and a potential source of conflict or cooperation.
Challenges for India:
- Teesta Dispute (Bangladesh): Lack of comprehensive agreement due to domestic political hurdles.
- Brahmaputra (China): Concerns over China's upstream damming, lack of formal water-sharing treaty.
- Lack of Regional Framework: No overarching framework for water management.
Opportunities for Cooperation:
- Hydropower: Nepal's potential, beneficial for India (energy importer) and Nepal (revenue).
- Flood Management: Regional cooperation on early warning systems.
- Development: Joint water infrastructure projects could unlock significant economic benefits.
Conclusion: Water diplomacy is critical and sensitive. While a source of friction, it presents significant opportunities for regional cooperation, essential for well-being and stability.
Rationale for Connectivity: Enhances trade, reduces logistics costs, promotes people-to-people contact, integrates regional economies.
India's Initiatives:
- Kaladan Multi-Modal: To link Kolkata to Mizoram via Myanmar.
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.
- Greater Malé Connectivity Project (Maldives).
- Chabahar Port (Iran): Access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- IMEC: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (G20).
Contrast with China's BRI: India's initiatives are often smaller, more transparent, demand-driven, contrasting with China's larger, debt-heavy, potentially coercive BRI projects (CPEC, Hambantota).
Conclusion: Connectivity is a key battleground. India's efforts are not just economic but strategic, aiming to reshape regional power dynamics and strengthen its influence.
Traditional Sphere: South Asia historically India's primary sphere of influence due to geography, history, and culture.
China's Entry: Rapid economic growth and strategic ambitions led to deeper penetration, challenging India's pre-eminence.
- Economic Diplomacy: Loans, infrastructure (BRI/CPEC), trade.
- Strategic Presence: Defense ties, port development (Hambantota, Gwadar), debt trap concerns.
Impact on Neighbors: Smaller nations caught between India and China, balancing relations or leveraging one against other. Complicates India's Neighbourhood First policy.
India's Response: Strengthening economic ties, providing alternative development aid, enhancing connectivity, emphasizing shared values, engaging extra-regional powers (Quad, US) to balance China's influence.
Conclusion: South Asia no longer exclusive sphere for India. Increasing great power competition reshapes regional dynamics, requiring India to adopt proactive, nuanced, competitive approach to maintain strategic interests.
Current Affairs & Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)
Maldives Presidential Election (Sept 2023)
Victory of pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu signaled potential shift away from India's traditional influence.
Source: International news outlets like Reuters, Al Jazeera
India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership (2023)
India continued substantial economic assistance. Operationalization of UPI in Sri Lanka (July 2023), enhancing digital connectivity.
Source: High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, RBI
Myanmar Border Security Concerns (Ongoing)
Ongoing internal conflict post-2021 coup poses challenges for India's Northeast border (refugee influx, insurgent movements).
Source: Northeast media, MEA updates
Nepal-India Energy Cooperation (2023)
Intensified cooperation on hydropower. Agreements signed for export of Nepali hydropower to India and new projects.
Source: MEA, Nepali Ministry of Energy
Bangladesh's Economic Ties (2023)
Remains India's largest trade partner. India extended LoCs for development, strengthened digital payments and cross-border connectivity.
Source: Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, Ministry of Commerce
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims MCQs
(2023) In the context of India's relations with its neighbours, which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the 'Land Boundary Agreement' (LBA) with Bangladesh?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: (d)
All statements are correct. The LBA is a landmark agreement that resolved complex border issues, including the exchange of enclaves, and was signed in 2015.
(2022) The terms 'Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura' are sometimes mentioned in the news. They are related to:
Answer: (b)
These three areas are part of an ongoing border dispute between India and Nepal, which flared up in 2020.
Mains Questions
(2021) "The South Asian region is marked by persistent security challenges, which hinder its regional cooperation efforts." Discuss with suitable examples. (15 Marks)
Direction: This directly addresses India's relations with its neighbors. Discuss specific security challenges (terrorism, migration, internal conflicts, external influence) and how they impede cooperation platforms like SAARC, leading India to focus on sub-regional groups like BIMSTEC.
(2018) Assess the importance of BIMSTEC as a platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. How is it different from SAARC? (15 Marks)
Direction: This is a direct and important question on India's evolving neighborhood strategy, highlighting its shift from SAARC to BIMSTEC for effective regional engagement.
Trend Analysis (Last 10 Years)
UPSC's questioning on India's relations with its South Asian neighbors has been consistent and increasingly analytical, current affairs-driven, and focused on strategic implications.
Prelims:
- Earlier: Might have asked for basic facts about agreements or leaders.
- Current Trend: Questions are more specific about key agreements (LBA), persistent disputes (Kalapani), or significant external influences (Hambantota, 'India Out' campaign). Strong emphasis on understanding rationale behind India's shifting strategies and impact of recent geopolitical shifts.
Mains:
- Earlier: Could involve descriptive accounts of bilateral relations.
- Current Trend: Demands critical evaluation of India's policies and their effectiveness. Expected to:
- Analyze specific issues (water, ethnic conflicts, external powers).
- Assess "Neighbourhood First" policy (successes, failures, China's influence).
- Connect bilateral relations to broader regional and global dynamics.
- Evaluate India's response strategies (development aid, connectivity, diplomacy).
- Integrate current affairs heavily (LBA, Kalapani, Sri Lankan crisis, 'India Out', Myanmar coup).
Overall, UPSC seeks candidates who understand the historical ties, complex challenges, and India's strategic responses in its immediate and extended neighborhood, particularly in the context of growing geopolitical competition.
Practice Questions
Original MCQs for Prelims
1. Which of the following projects, primarily funded by India, aims to improve connectivity for India's Northeast region by providing a sea and river route through Myanmar?
Answer: (b)
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects Kolkata to Sittwe Port in Myanmar by sea, and then up the Kaladan river and by road to Mizoram, providing an alternative route for India's landlocked Northeast. The Trilateral Highway is primarily road-based, BBIN is for vehicle movement, and GMCP is in Maldives.
2. The "Thirteenth Amendment (13A)" to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, often discussed in the context of India-Sri Lanka relations, primarily deals with:
Answer: (b)
The 13th Amendment was a result of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 and aims to devolve powers to provincial councils to address the aspirations of the Tamil minority, a key concern for India.
Original Descriptive Questions for Mains
1. "India's consistent and comprehensive assistance to Sri Lanka during its recent economic crisis exemplifies its Neighbourhood First Policy. However, it also highlights the increasing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean region." Elaborate. (15 Marks)
Introduction: Briefly state Sri Lanka's severe economic crisis (2022-23) and India's role as the "first responder."
Exemplifying Neighbourhood First:
- Timely and Substantial Aid: India provided significant financial assistance (LoCs, currency swaps, debt deferment, essential supplies), being the first and largest bilateral creditor.
- Humanitarian Focus: Aid for food, fuel, medicines.
- Diplomatic Support: Crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka's IMF bailout.
- Beyond Aid: Initiatives like UPI operationalization signify long-term digital/economic connectivity.
Highlighting Geopolitical Competition:
- China's Role: Significant lending (Hambantota Port) and initial reluctance on debt restructuring created contrasting narrative.
- Debt Trap Concerns: Hambantota case reinforced concerns about China's debt trap diplomacy and strategic implications for India.
- Strategic Race in IOR: Both India and China see Sri Lanka as crucial for strategic interests.
- "India Out" Campaign: Reflects internal political dynamics, possibly fueled by external influences, challenging India's presence.
Conclusion: India's proactive support was a strategic success, burnishing its image as a reliable power vs. China's transactional approach. Crisis underscored that even humanitarian gestures are framed within broader geopolitical competition in IOR.
2. Examine the complex dynamics of the India-Nepal relationship, characterized by an open border and deep cultural ties on one hand, and persistent border disputes and China's growing influence on the other. What steps can India take to deepen trust and cooperation? (20 Marks)
Introduction: Highlight unique "open border" and deep historical, cultural, people-to-people ties. Acknowledge complexities.
Strengths/Deep Ties:
- Open Border: Facilitates free movement, trade, social interaction.
- Cultural & Religious Ties: Shared Hinduism, Buddhism, familial relations.
- Economic Interdependence: India as Nepal's largest trading partner, remittances, energy.
- Hydropower Cooperation: Significant mutual benefit.
- Defense & Security: Gorkha regiments, training.
Major Challenges/Issues:
- Border Disputes: Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura (2020 map).
- China's Growing Influence: Increasing economic (BRI), political, strategic penetration, challenging India's pre-eminence.
- "Big Brother" Syndrome: Perception of India's dominance, occasional interference (e.g., 2015 blockade).
- Water Sharing (specific issues can arise).
- Trade Imbalance/Transit Issues.
Steps India Can Take to Deepen Trust and Cooperation:
- Boundary Resolution: Prioritize and accelerate talks on disputed territories.
- Economic Engagement: Implement projects faster, focus on job creation, address trade imbalances.
- Hydropower: Expedite joint projects with fair benefit-sharing.
- Connectivity: Enhance road, rail, digital; facilitate cross-border movement.
- People-to-People: Promote cultural exchanges, tourism, education.
- Sensitive Diplomacy: Avoid perceived interference, engage all factions, emphasize mutual respect.
- Countering Chinese Influence: Offer compelling, sustainable alternatives to Chinese projects.
Conclusion: India-Nepal relations are vital. Sustained commitment to equitable partnership, effective project implementation, and sensitive diplomacy can overcome challenges and rebuild trust, ensuring the unique bond flourishes.