Analysis of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy: Perspectives from Nepal and Maldives

For any state that has the potential and aspirations to be a considerable power force in the international framework of states, its neighbourhood and region is of utmost importance. If the states in the immediate and extended neighbourhood enjoy more or less cordial relations with the state, are strongly interconnected on multiple levels, and are influenced by the state’s actions in domains of geopolitical importance, the state can be considered a regional power, increasing its leverage on the international stage. After the end of Cold War, the world has gradually shifted towards a seemingly multipolar but definitely more volatile world order, and regional powers have been gaining more traction since then. India, through its natural geospatial positionality and other crucial factors of population size, geographic size, principles, ideologies, economy, military capacity etc., aspires, and succeeds to an extent, to be the regional power. However, India’s actions and relations [bilateral and multilateral] with its neighbours, their response and mutual perceptions shape this aspiration to a great extent, and also makes it more dynamic and uncertain. Other vital facets such as historical relations, changes in leadership and ideology of nations and presence of extra-regional powers further influence these equations. Since its independence, India has been fairly consistent in its outlook towards the neighbourhood, reflected in its foreign policy. Changes at the leadership level have changed the ways in which issues are addressed, but the broader outlook has remained consistent. The past decade specifically, has seen the gradual moulding of a more assertive, aggressive, ‘new normal’ foreign policy, which reflects in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well. India realises, acknowledges and accepts its roles and responsibilities in the region, and has undertaken actions accordingly.