IGNOUMATIC

Regional cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts among countries within a specific geographical area to achieve common political, economic, and social goals. For India, regional cooperation is a vital component of its foreign policy and is driven by the belief that regional peace and prosperity are essential for national growth and international stability.

India’s Commitment to Regional Cooperation:

India has consistently worked toward strengthening ties with its neighboring countries through institutional frameworks and bilateral/multilateral initiatives. Regional cooperation enhances connectivity, trade, energy security, and cultural exchange, and helps address transnational threats like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics.

Major Regional Initiatives:

1. SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation):
   India has played a leading role in SAARC since its inception in 1985. It supports initiatives for poverty alleviation, regional integration, disaster management, and people-to-people contact. However, political tensions, particularly with Pakistan, have hampered SAARC’s full potential.
2. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation):
   BIMSTEC provides a platform for cooperation between South and Southeast Asian countries. India sees BIMSTEC as a promising alternative to SAARC and a key to its Act East Policy. Areas of focus include connectivity, trade, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development.
3. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):
   India promotes maritime security and economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region through IORA, reinforcing its vision of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open, and inclusive space.

Challenges:

• Political differences and conflicts among member states, especially in SAARC.
• Overlapping agendas and weak institutional mechanisms.
• Asymmetries in economic and military power that create trust deficits.

Conclusion: India continues to invest diplomatically and economically in regional cooperation, recognizing that it is critical for both regional peace and national development. Its engagement with SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA illustrates its aspiration to be both a regional anchor and a responsible global player.