Evaluation of India's Neighborhood Policy

Gujaral Doctrine

• IK Gujaral was the only Prime Minister with a foreign policy approach identified with his name.
• Doctrine – It was based on the understanding that India’s size and population by default made it a major player in South East Asia.
• Its position and prestige could be cemented by adopting a non-domineering attitude towards its smaller neighbours.
• It also emphasised the importance of keeping dialogue going, and avoiding needless provocations by commenting on the internal matters of other countries. 

Neighbourhood First policy - Succeeded

• Diplomatic engagements – It has resulted in increased dialogue and engagement across various platforms.
• Bilateral visits, summit meetings, and joint initiatives have helped in improving ties and addressing mutual concerns.
• Infrastructure development – Regional grouping have facilitated infrastructure development projects in neighbouring countries, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic integration.
  • SDF – SAARC Development Fund
  • AIIB – Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
• Security cooperation – Collaboration is done on security issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, border management, and maritime security.
  • IONS – Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
• Regional initiatives – India is an active participant in regional groupings like
  •  BIMSTEC – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
  • BBIN grouping – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India
  • IORA – Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• Altogether, these have contributed to regional stability, economic cooperation, and collective security in the Indian Ocean region.
• Cultural exchanges – The cultural exchange platforms have helped strengthen people-to-people ties and build neighbourly goodwill in the region.
  • ITEC – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation

Neighbourhood First policy – Challenges and failures

• Unresolved border disputes – Tensions along the Line of Control (LOC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continue to flare up and impede progress in bilateral relations.
  • LOC – Indo-Pakistan border
  • LAC – Sino-Indian border
• Geopolitical rivalries – Growing geopolitical competition, especially with China, has complicated India’s neighbourhood dynamics and impacted its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy.
• Power struggles and influence games in the region have often overshadowed efforts.
• Economic gaps – Big disparities in economic development between the neighbouring countries have affected the effectiveness of economic cooperation initiatives.
• Infrastructural deficits, trade barriers, and bureaucratic hurdles have prevented the full potential for regional economic integration from being realised.
• Internal instability – Political instability, ethnic conflicts, and governance challenges in neighbouring countries have been affecting closer cooperation and regional stability.
• Issues such as cross-border terrorism and insurgencies have also strained relations and undermined trust between India and its neighbours.
• Limited progress in SAARC – It has been affected by bilateral tensions and a lack of consensus on key issues between Pakistan and India.
• This has limited its effectiveness as a platform for regional cooperation and integration.