IGNOUMATIC

India’s foreign policy toward South Asia has been shaped by its historical, cultural, geographical, and strategic interests. As the largest country in the region, India plays a dominant role in shaping the political, economic, and security landscape of South Asia. India’s approach to its neighbors is influenced by its goals of regional stability, economic integration, and strategic security. At the same time, India faces complex challenges due to historical conflicts, territorial disputes, and the diversity of political systems in its neighboring countries.

1. India-Pakistan Relations

India-Pakistan relations are perhaps the most critical and contentious in South Asia. These relations are deeply affected by the partition of India in 1947, which created Pakistan and led to the displacement of millions of people, with lingering issues surrounding Kashmir, territorial disputes, and religious tensions. The Kashmir issue remains a core conflict, with both nations claiming the region in its entirety, but each controlling a part of it. Despite several attempts at dialogue, the relationship has been marred by frequent border skirmishes, terrorism, and military standoffs, including the Kargil War of 1999 and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which further strained relations.

However, India has consistently advocated for peace and stability in the region, seeking confidence-building measures (CBMs) to reduce tensions, including several peace talks and the Lahore Declaration in 1999. The 2000s saw some improvement, but after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, allegedly perpetrated by Pakistan-based militants, relations sharply deteriorated again. India’s stance on Pakistan has largely focused on ensuring that Pakistan curbs cross-border terrorism, while simultaneously calling for diplomatic engagement to resolve outstanding issues.

2. India-Bangladesh Relations

India’s relationship with Bangladesh is generally positive, underpinned by historical, cultural, and geographical ties. The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India played a decisive role, forms the foundation of the two nations’ relationship. However, the relationship has been influenced by various issues, including border security, migration, water-sharing agreements, and trade.

The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty and the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) were significant milestones in improving bilateral ties. The LBA resolved the long-standing border disputes between the two countries and led to the exchange of enclaves. Trade and economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh have flourished, with India becoming Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and second-largest investor. Security cooperation, particularly in tackling insurgency and terrorism, is another key area where both countries collaborate.

3. India-Sri Lanka Relations

India and Sri Lanka share deep cultural and historical ties, but their relationship has been strained at times due to the Tamil issue. During the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009), India’s policy was complicated by its Tamil population, which had ethnic and linguistic ties to the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka. India intervened in the conflict in the late 1980s by sending the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, but this intervention faced resistance from the Tamil Tigers and created long-lasting tensions between India and Sri Lanka.

Since the end of the civil war, India has focused on supporting Sri Lanka’s post-war reconstruction efforts and addressing the humanitarian issues faced by the Tamil population. However, Sri Lanka’s increasing engagement with China, particularly with regard to the Hambantota Port project, has raised concerns in New Delhi, as it perceives Chinese influence in the region as a strategic challenge.

4. India-Nepal Relations

India and Nepal share strong cultural, economic, and political ties, with historical and geographical connections that date back centuries. Nepal is India’s only landlocked neighbor, and the two countries share an open border, with citizens able to travel freely between them. India has been the largest trade partner and provider of developmental assistance to Nepal.

However, relations have been strained by occasional territorial disputes, most notably regarding the Kalapani region, which lies at the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China. In 2019, Nepal issued a new political map that included Kalapani as part of its territory, leading to a diplomatic standoff. Despite these tensions, India continues to support Nepal’s development and security, with assistance in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

5. India-Bhutan Relations

India and Bhutan share a unique and strong relationship, underpinned by their mutual commitment to security and economic cooperation. Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom that relies on India for trade, security, and energy. India has been instrumental in Bhutan’s development, providing financial aid, technical assistance, and helping to preserve Bhutan’s sovereignty in the face of regional pressures.

The 1949 Indo-Bhutan Treaty, later revised in 2007, forms the basis of the bilateral relationship, with provisions for India’s strategic role in Bhutan’s defense. Bhutan’s foreign policy has been closely aligned with India, with both countries cooperating on various issues, including environmental protection and water resources management.

6. India-Maldives Relations

India’s relationship with the Maldives has generally been positive, marked by cooperation in defense, trade, and tourism. However, relations have been tested by political instability in the Maldives, particularly during periods when pro-China administrations came to power. India has expressed concerns over Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region, especially in relation to Chinese investments in infrastructure projects. Despite these challenges, India continues to be a key partner for the Maldives in terms of security, economic aid, and humanitarian assistance.

7. India-Other South Asian Countries

India has also maintained relations with other South Asian countries such as Afghanistan and Myanmar. In Afghanistan, India has played an important role in reconstruction and development, providing aid, infrastructure, and training. The rise of the Taliban and the shifting geopolitical landscape in Afghanistan, however, complicate India’s approach. In Myanmar, India has balanced its support for democratic forces with its strategic interests, particularly regarding security along its northeastern border.

Conclusion:

India’s foreign policy in South Asia is driven by a combination of historical ties, strategic interests, security concerns, and economic cooperation. While there are challenges, particularly regarding territorial disputes and regional rivalries, India continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of South Asia. India’s policies are centered around promoting regional stability, fostering economic growth, and enhancing security cooperation, all while balancing its relationships with key global powers and regional neighbors. The evolution of India’s relationships in South Asia will depend on its ability to address these challenges, strengthen bilateral ties, and assert its role as a regional leader.