Indian Knowledge Tradition and India's Neighbourhood First Policy: A Re-examination of Regional Cooperation in South Asia during the Modi Era

India’s foreign policy has traditionally accorded significant importance to friendly, cooperative and mutually beneficial relations with neighbouring countries. After 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy emerged as a major pillar of India’s regional diplomacy, with greater emphasis on clarity and effectiveness. The objective of this policy is to strengthen political, economic, cultural, developmental and people-to-people relations with South Asian countries. The present study analyses the relationship between the Indian Knowledge Tradition and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy. Concepts such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, coexistence, dialogue, cooperation and public welfare occupy an important place in Indian philosophical thought. These principles can provide a cultural and ethical foundation for contemporary Indian foreign policy. The study examines how the principles of Indian knowledge traditions have been reflected in India’s South Asian diplomacy during the Modi era. It also analyses India’s relations with neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, along with regional cooperation, connectivity, development partnerships, cultural relations, security and contemporary geopolitical challenges. The study concludes that Indian knowledge traditions can contribute to strengthening India's relations with neighbouring countries by promoting mutual trust, peaceful coexistence, regional cooperation and shared development. Keywords: Indian Knowledge Tradition, Neighbourhood First Policy, Modi Era, South Asia, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Regional Cooperation, Geopolitical Challenges.