Day 46 – Q 4.Do you think India’s ‘neighbours first’ policy has been undermined by an aggressive China? Critically examine.
4. Do you think India’s ‘neighbours first’ policy has been undermined by an aggressive China? Critically examine.
क्या आपको लगता है कि भारत की ‘पहले पडोसी’ नीति आक्रामक चीन की वजह से कमजोर हो गई है? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें।
Approach:
- Introduction- About India’s neighbors first policy.
- India’s policy versus aggressive China- both for and against aspects.
- Way ahead
- Conclusion
Introduction:
The “neighborhood first” policy is the striking feature of the present government’s diplomatic approach. As per the policy, India’s relations with neighboring countries must receive topmost priority.
India’s neighborhood first policy has been undermined by China:
- Belt and Road Initiative of China undermines India’s sovereignty.
- While India has always stood by the principles of democracy and sovereignty, China’s aggressive behavior in countries like Myanmar have forced India to rethink its stance.
- Economic dependence of neighboring countries over China has increased so much so over time that the much-required balance of power has been disturbed.
- Huge trade deficit with China
Despite above challenges India’s neighbors first policy has sustained:
- In case of Doklam standoff last year, India and Bhutan together managed to settle down the issue amicably.
- Countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal have supported India in its efforts to strengthen connectivity in the region. Eg- BBIN network.
- Initiatives like BIMSTEC, Chabahar port etc reflects how India’s relations with its neighbors has borne fruit.
Way ahead:
- India should in the first place resolve the differences with its small neighbors. Else it will only pave the way for China to exert growing influence in the region as it was seen in the case of Nepal during the economic blockade by India.
- Revival of SAARC should be stressed upon.
- Improving relations with Pakistan is quintessential. China has often manipulated Pakistan to fail the attempts made by India to strengthen the region.
- Common platforms like SCO, of which both India and China are members, should be leveraged to iron out the differences and resolve issues.
- Infrastructure projects should be fast-tracked.
- India’s overall approach towards its small neighbors should be that of big brother. It should not be assertive given the sensitivities involved.
- Internal balancing- Building up domestic military muscle by raising new forces, improving existing ones, or buying weapons.
Conclusion:
India’s neighbours first policy is pragmatic given the need to maintain the balance of power in the region. However, it needs constant nurturing.
Best answer: Chandler Bing
