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GS Paper 2
Syllabus: India and its neighbour
Source: Th
Context: India faces various types of dilemmas in its neighbourhood including politically anti-India regimes, structural challenges due to China’s growing influence, and regional geopolitical changes
Various types of challenges:
| Type of Challenge | Examples |
| Politically Anti-India Regimes | Rise of anti-India regimes, e.g., Maldives |
| Structural Challenges | Beijing’s growing influence, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) impact |
| Geopolitical Changes | Diminishing U.S. presence, China’s rising dominance |
| Limited Material Support | Inability to meet the material needs of its neighbours vis-à-vis China’s deeper pockets |
| Policy Stance | One-track policy focusing on those in power, alienating other centres of power |
| Mistaken Assumptions | The belief that South Asia minus Pakistan would align with Indian geopolitical reasoning |
| The assumption that India’s cultural connections would secure better relations than China | |
| Diplomatic Personnel Shortage | Shortage of diplomats to implement foreign policy, limiting engagement capacity |
Security Threats Due to Economic Crisis in Neighbours:
| Security Threats | Potential Consequences for India |
| Terrorism | Unemployment in the neighbour can lead to the radicalization of youth, posing a terrorism threat. (e.g., Mumbai Attack 2008) |
| Maritime Threat | Lack of maritime governance may result in maritime crimes and a potential refugee crisis due to porous maritime borders. |
| Chinese Threat | Instability provides opportunities for China’s strategic influence in India’s neighbours, impacting India’s security. |
| Easy Migration of Radicals | An open border with Nepal could facilitate the movement of radical groups, increasing security risks in India. |
| Influx of Migration | Economic crisis-induced migration may lead to an influx of migrants into India, similar to historical instances (e.g., the Rohingya crisis). |
| Drug Smuggling | Proximity to drug-producing regions (Pakistan, Myanmar) may exacerbate the issue of drug smuggling, affecting Indian society. |
| Change in Demographics | Large-scale migration in border states may alter demographics and potentially lead to social tensions (e.g., the Assam situation). |
Possible solutions:
- Engaging with hostile neighbours: India has reached out to other South Asian countries to bail them out of their economic crises. Pakistan needs such help, too, apart from calm on its border with India
- Regional Partnerships: Strengthen regional partnerships and alliances to counterbalance Chinese influence.
- Adapting to Geopolitical Changes: Acknowledge and adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape, recognizing China’s presence and impact.
- Enhanced Economic Cooperation: Increase economic cooperation, trade, and development assistance to meet the material needs of neighbouring countries.
- Inclusive Diplomacy: Adopt a more inclusive policy by engaging with multiple actors, including opposition leaders and diverse power centres.
- Revise Mistaken Assumptions: Revise assumptions regarding South Asia’s geopolitical dynamics, recognizing the importance of engaging with all countries, including Pakistan.
- Cultural Leverage with Caution: Balance cultural diplomacy with strategic considerations to prevent cultural ties from becoming a liability.
- Diplomatic Capacity Building: Recruit and train more diplomats to meet the growing demands of India’s expanding role in world affairs.
Conclusion
The evolving crisis in the neighbourhood is something that India cannot afford to ignore. The crisis is an opportunity for India to create mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity.
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