GS Paper II- India and its Neighborhood relations. |
The lead editorial emphasizes India’s strained neighborhood relations following the recent overthrow of the government in Bangladesh and points out the “important lessons” that India needs to learn.
In recent years, South Asian has witnessed considerable political turmoil, which has influenced its stability and international relations. Countries like the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh have experienced significant political transformations that have resonated throughout the region. As a key player in South Asia, India has been notably affected by these developments.
Why is it in the News?
The removal of Hasina from power in Bangladesh marks a significant setback for India, especially considering that the two countries have strengthened their relations across various fronts over the past fifteen years.
Key Lessons for India:
- Engage with All Political Stakeholders: India should expand its diplomatic outreach to include all political parties in Bangladesh, especially the opposition, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
- Monitor and Respond to Local Sentiments: India needs to strengthen its intelligence and diplomatic capabilities to better monitor Bangladesh’s local sentiments and political developments. This involves understanding the socio-political landscape and public opinion, which can offer valuable insights into potential unrest or changes in governance.
- Reassess Strategic Partnerships: India must reevaluate its strategic partnerships and avoid becoming overly dependent on any single government or political party.
- Promote Democratic Values and Human Rights: India should emphasize democratic values and human rights in its foreign policy, highlighting the significance of free and fair elections and safeguarding civil liberties.
Communal Lens:
- Flawed Assumption of Religious Ties: The perception that good diplomatic relations in South Asia are inherently connected to shared religious majorities is misleading. For instance, while Hindu-majority Nepal has had a complicated relationship with India, Buddhist-majority Bhutan and Muslim-majority Maldives have frequently been among its closest allies.
- Impact of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA): The Indian government’s implementation of the CAA, which expedites citizenship for non-Muslims from Muslim-majority countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), has had negative repercussions throughout the region. This move has strained ties with the directly affected countries and impacted India’s relationships with others in the neighbourhood.
Implications for India:
- Loss of Influence in the Region: The decline of pan-South Asian mechanisms has weakened India’s influence in the region. Countries like Bangladesh are increasingly open to engaging with other powers, which diminishes India’s capacity to shape regional dynamics.
- Vulnerability to External Interference: The lack of effective regional cooperation platforms has rendered South Asian countries more susceptible to external influence from global powers such as the United States and China. Their rivalries can now unfold in the region with little regard for India’s interests.
- Deprived Economic Opportunities: Insufficient regional integration has deprived India and its neighbors of potential economic advantages, including increased trade, investment, and connectivity. Reviving mechanisms like SAARC could unlock significant economic opportunities for the region.
Issues in Neighbouring Countries
Bangladesh
– The removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resulted in political uncertainty.
– Her exit has posed challenges for maintaining the strong relationship that India had with her government.
– Hasina’s administration faced criticism for its authoritarian tendencies, which fueled internal discontent and contributed to the political upheaval.
Nepal
– Nepal has encountered political instability with the return of K.P. Sharma Oli, who is known for his less favourable attitude toward India.
– Under Oli’s leadership, increased Chinese influence has redirected Nepal’s foreign policy away from India.
Maldives
– The electoral defeat of pro-India President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the ascent of Mohamed Muizzu, perceived as less supportive of India, have changed the diplomatic landscape.
Pakistan
– The removal of Imran Khan from office in 2022 added to the ongoing political instability in Pakistan, affecting India-Pakistan relations.
– Continued issues with cross-border terrorism and strained diplomatic relations remain a concern.
Sri Lanka
– The economic crisis and riots in Sri Lanka resulted in the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, highlighting the country’s internal struggles.
– The political and economic turmoil has affected Sri Lanka’s capacity to engage consistently with regional partners, including India.
Afghanistan
– The Taliban’s takeover in 2021 has led to significant changes in the political and security landscape, impacting India’s diplomatic and strategic interests.
– This situation has created a humanitarian crisis and influenced India’s approach to regional security.
Mistakes in India’s Approach to the Issues
- Over-Reliance on Individual Leaders: India’s heavy dependence on specific leaders, such as Sheikh Hasina or President Solih, has posed challenges during political transitions. This strategy has occasionally left India exposed to changes in leadership.
- Neglect of Opposition: In countries like Bangladesh, disregarding opposition parties has resulted in diplomatic isolation when the ruling party’s position changes.
- One-Sided Policies: India’s unilateral policies in its neighbourhood, such as overlooking opposition voices or aligning too closely with certain leaders, have created vulnerabilities.
- Communal Bias: Policies perceived as communal, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, have strained relations with Muslim-majority countries and negatively impacted India’s standing in the region.
Way Forward
Diversify Diplomatic Engagement
- Inclusive Diplomacy: India should engage with all political factions in neighboring countries to maintain balanced relationships and reduce the impact of sudden political changes.
- Strengthen Multilateral Relations: Revitalize regional cooperation mechanisms such as SAARC and BIMSTEC to promote regional stability and collaborative engagement.
Adapt Foreign Policy
- Pragmatic Approach: Embrace a more pragmatic foreign policy that does not rely heavily on specific leaders or parties but instead engages with all stakeholders.
- Economic and Strategic Interests: Focus on economic cooperation and strategic partnerships that align with India’s long-term interests and contribute to regional stability.
Address Domestic and Regional Concerns
- Economic and Social Reforms: Tackle domestic economic and social challenges that could impact India’s regional influence.
- Humanitarian and Security Issues: Continue to address humanitarian concerns in conflict-affected areas and ensure regional security through proactive diplomacy and cooperation.
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