Other Neighbours — Core Concepts
Core Concepts
India's 'Other Neighbours' encompass Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Maldives, forming a critical arc of nations vital for India's security, economic prosperity, and regional influence.
These relationships are governed by a blend of geographical realities, historical legacies, cultural affinities, and contemporary strategic imperatives. India shares extensive land borders with Nepal (1,850 km), Bhutan (699 km), Bangladesh (4,096 km), and Myanmar (1,643 km), and a short, disputed border with Afghanistan (106 km).
Sri Lanka and Maldives are key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean. The 'Neighborhood First' policy underpins India's approach, emphasizing connectivity, cooperation, commerce, and cultural exchange.
Key aspects of these relationships include: Nepal – an open border, the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, significant hydropower potential, and the Kalapani border dispute. Bhutan – a special relationship based on the 2007 Treaty of Friendship, extensive hydropower cooperation, and strategic importance for India's security (Doklam).
Bangladesh – India's longest land border, resolution of enclaves via the 100th CAA, crucial connectivity for India's Northeast, but ongoing Teesta water-sharing challenges. Sri Lanka – maritime neighbour, fishermen's issues, the Tamil question, and strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.
Myanmar – gateway to Southeast Asia, 'Act East' policy, Kaladan Multi-Modal project, and challenges of cross-border insurgency and the military coup. Afghanistan – historical ties, significant Indian development aid, and concerns over regional security post-Taliban takeover.
Maldives – vital for Indian Ocean security, 'SAGAR' vision, but recent diplomatic strains over Indian military presence.
These relationships are dynamic, influenced by internal political changes in partner countries and the growing geopolitical competition, particularly from China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's strategy involves balancing its role as a regional power with respect for sovereignty, offering development assistance, and promoting regional forums like BIMSTEC, while also addressing security concerns like cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, and maritime threats.
Understanding these multifaceted engagements is crucial for UPSC, as they reflect India's evolving foreign policy and its role in South Asia.
Important Differences
vs India-Nepal vs. India-Bhutan Relations
| Aspect | This Topic | India-Nepal vs. India-Bhutan Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Treaty | 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship (India-Nepal) | 1949 Treaty of Friendship, revised 2007 (India-Bhutan) |
| Border Status | Open and largely porous, with some disputed areas (Kalapani) | Open and largely peaceful, well-managed |
| Strategic Role | Buffer state, source of water resources, transit route | Buffer state, critical for India's 'Chicken's Neck' security (Doklam) |
| Economic Dependence | High dependence on India for transit and trade, but diversifying | Very high dependence on India for trade, aid, and hydropower market |
| External Influence | Significant Chinese economic and political overtures, leading to balancing act | Historically strong Indian influence, but China making diplomatic inroads |
| Key Issues | Border disputes, treaty review, water sharing, political instability | Hydropower project implementation, border security, Doklam tri-junction |
| People-to-People Ties | Deep 'Roti-Beti' ties, free movement of people | Strong cultural and educational ties, but more regulated movement |
vs India-Bangladesh vs. India-Myanmar Relations
| Aspect | This Topic | India-Bangladesh vs. India-Myanmar Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Link | Longest land border, riverine, deltaic terrain | Hilly, forested land border, gateway to Southeast Asia |
| Policy Focus | 'Neighborhood First', connectivity for Northeast, water sharing | 'Act East' Policy, connectivity to ASEAN, border management |
| Connectivity Projects | Rail, road, inland waterways, cross-border pipelines (e.g., Agartala-Akhaura, Feni Bridge) | Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, Trilateral Highway |
| Major Issues | Teesta water sharing, illegal migration, Rohingya refugee burden | Cross-border insurgency, drug trafficking, Free Movement Regime (FMR) challenges, military coup's impact |
| Historical Context | India's role in Bangladesh Liberation War, shared Bengali heritage | Shared colonial past, Buddhist ties, border communities |
| Strategic Importance | Access to Bay of Bengal, stability for Northeast, counter-insurgency | Land bridge to ASEAN, counter-insurgency, maritime security in Andaman Sea |
| External Influence | Significant Chinese economic investment, but India remains dominant partner | Strong Chinese economic and political influence, especially post-coup |