India's Neighborhood Policy under the Modi administration has undergone a dramatic transformation. There had been praise and appreciation by many, of a flexible and evolving foreign policy in a fast-changing global scenario.

One of the major criticisms against Indian foreign policy relates to the change in its fundamental nature. Without stating openly, it has been said that the primary force of our policy used to be non-alignment and world peace. Frequent statements are made that India has given up on the Gandhi-Nehru principles and it no longer carries the moral weight it once used to have.

Interestingly, there have been repeated suggestions, formally and informally, from Pakistan and China, of their discomfort in dealing with the diplomacy of the Modi administration. That in itself could be seen as a rational justification of India’s current foreign policy.

To neighbours' aid

It is true that in the initial years of the Modi administration, China made big inroads in Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Pakistan. Currently, however, with the exception of Pakistan, India has very close relationship with all its neighbours. It has also made quick progress in establishing an informal relationship in Afghanistan.

With Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh facing economic crisis, India has come to their assistance. China is maintaining a discreet silence (most people believe that the Chinese BRI is the major reason for their economic woes). It suggests two things: one, that the Indian economy, in spite of Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, is good enough to manage its own affairs and help needy neighbours while China is self-serving. This could be a huge lesson for countries in Asia, Africa and Central Asia who have embraced the BRI.

Unlike China, which has been interfering in the internal political dynamics of all neighbours, India has followed a real hands-off policy. It has continued to put in financial, technical and diplomatic assistance to Bhutan and given generous aid to Sri Lanka. For this India is likely to reap big diplomatic advantage in future.

Helping Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar

With Nepal, political and diplomatic relations seem to have been retrieved from the brink over the Kalapani issue. The recent visit of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to New Delhi, India’s continued assistance on hydropower projects and trade, enhancement of common border infrastructure and helping Nepal to become a member of International Solar alliance (ISA) along with clear refusal to purchase power from any projects having Chinese involvement (leading to the cancellation of Chinese-aided 1,200 MW Budhi Gandakai power project) have been major takeaways.

With Bangladesh, India has reached a comfort level with the Sheikh Hasina government that broadly ensures Indian political and security concerns, especially vis-à-vis China. With President Solih in power, India-Maldives relations have improved politically, diplomatically and strategically. India continues to pursue a well-defined diplomatic policy on the Maldives.  

Myanmar too, has had its own share of domestic issues. The military junta, shunned by the West, is engaged politically by India to ensure that it does not turn into a safe sanctuary for terrorists in India's northeast and get exploited by China.

Ignoring Pakistan, courting Afghanistan

It is only Pakistan that continues to be ignored by the Modi administration. Fuelled by its obsession over Kashmir, its patronage of terrorists leading to its listing in FATF and subsequent Chinese BRI-initiated economic disaster, Islamabad is virtually going around the world with a begging bowl. Beset with incessant political instability, India rightly does not find any reason to pursue a meaningful diplomacy with Pakistan right now.

On Afghanistan, though initially shocked by the unexpected politico-military developments, India has recovered the ground substantially. It does not recognize the Taliban regime but provides huge humanitarian aid in the form of food, medicines and vaccines. With the stationing of a technical team, and the despatch of some diplomats, in Kabul, an informal communication with the Taliban regime has already been initiated. With Pakistan in turmoil, India is strategically using the situation effectively. 

Flexibility and pragmatism

The best part of the neighbourhood policy is its flexibility and pragmatism. Unlike China, which tries to dominate smaller countries through political, economic and military policies, India has tried to provide them with a level playing ground while protecting and promoting its national interests. This is likely to provide a lead to India in containing Chinese influence in the region provided New Delhi plays its cards effectively. 

For the first time since independence, an Indian government seems working on creating parity and competition with China. India seems working overtime in trying to match its aggressive neighbour, requiring some aggressive and out-of-box thinking from India’s foreign policy and political establishments.

(The writer is an Asansol-based senior librarian, Indian Railways. Views are personal. He can be contacted at rajeshsinha13@rediffmail.com)