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South Asian foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government

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Modi with Bhutanese Prime Minister during his maiden foreign trip as the Prime Minister to the Himalayan country.

The Neighbourhood First policy of India is a core component of India's foreign policy. It focuses on peaceful relations and collaborative, synergetic co-development with its South Asian neighbours of the Indian subcontinent encompassing a diverse range of topics, such as economics, technology, research, education, connectivity (digital, surface and air transport, energy grid connectivity, logistic chains, etc.), the space program, defence security, and addressing environment and climate challenge.[1][2][3][4] This policy creates new avenues while leveraging to the existing regional cooperation initiatives such as SAARC, SASEC, BBIN, and BIMSTEC. It complements India's Look East policy focused on Southeast Asia and Look West Policy focused on Middle East.

The Neighbourhood First Policy was conceived by Narendra Modi as his foreign policy priority, in the early days, then-Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj played an important role,[5][6][7][8][9][4] was taken forward by former Foreign Secretaries and current Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. These effort was supported by National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, and several successive Foreign Secretaries.[10][11]

Background

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Origin of policy

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During the election campaign, before becoming the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi stated that one of the core component of his foreign policy would be neighbourhood first to foster cordial relations and synergetic economic development.[1][2][3] and he started well by inviting all heads of state/heads of government of South Asian countries in his inauguration and on the second day on office he held bilateral talks with all of them individually which the media dubbed as a 'mini SAARC summit'.[4] Later during a launch event at ISRO he has asked Indian scientists to take the endeavour to develop a dedicated SAARC satellite[12] to share the fruits of the technology like tele-medicine, e-learning etc. with the people across South Asia to complement the currently operating Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme program in the region.

Afghanistan

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Main article: Afghanistan–India relations

The first challenge before the new government had come from Herat, Afghanistan where the Indian consulate was attacked by the ISI backed terrorist organisation days before Modi's inauguration. Visiting the war-torn country on 10 September 2014 Swaraj called "India Afghanistan's first strategic partner",[5] and has committed to play a greater role in capacity building by strengthening the Afghan National Army but sighed away from possibility of sending troops or direct export of military hardware from India instead according to an arrangement made earlier India would pay for purchase of arms and ammunitions from Russia.[13] Potential re-emergence of the Taliban and al-Qaeda in the subcontinent following NATO withdrawal from the country by end of 2014 have raised concerns among Indian security establishments.[6] Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India attended the inauguration ceremony of new Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah on 29 September 2014 in Kabul and the Indian side welcomed the move of new Afghan government to sign a bilateral security agreement (BSA) with the US which will eventually pave the way for around 10,000 US soldier to remain in Afghanistan beyond 2014 NATO withdrawal.

India is also in the process of reviving an old agreement for modernising the Chabahar Port in Iran. This is to provide an alternative sea access to Afghanistan which will help further the Indian investment in the country and bilateral trade which is so far restricted by Pakistan's hostile transit policy through Karachi Port.[14]

Bhutan

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Main article: Bhutan–India relations

Narendra Modi made his first foreign visit to Bhutan following an invitation by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Tobgay. The visit was called by the media as a "charm offensive" that would also seek to check Bhutan-China relations that had recently been formalised.[15] He also sought to build business ties,[16] including a hydro-electric deal, and inaugurated the India-funded Supreme Court of Bhutan building.[17] While talking about the visit, Modi said that Bhutan was a "natural choice" for his first foreign destination because of the "unique and special relationship" the two countries shared. He added that he was looking forward to nurture and further strengthen India's special relations with Bhutan. His entourage included Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh.[10] He was further set to discuss the insurgency in Northeast India, and China.[18]

Bangladesh

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Main article: Bangladesh–India relations

There was skepticism during election campaign about Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in India which raised concern in Bangladesh but it was Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who made a remark: "I am delighted to see a great friend of Bangladesh leading an extremely friendly country, India, in the coming days." following Modi's victory in the general election. And the new Indian govt too were quick to realize the immense geo-strategic importance of Bangladesh in India's security paradigm and therefore Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj chose Dhaka for her first stand-alone foreign visit on 26–27 June 2014, where she met her counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood and also called on Sheikh Hasina. Discussions were held regarding the land boundary agreement (LBA), the proposed Teesta water sharing pact, cooperation in eliminating extremist groups from North-East taking refuge in Bangladesh and illegal immigration.[7] And taking a lesson from the previous UPA govt experience Swaraj had discussed contentious issues of Bengal with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee before leaving for Dhaka, indicating a federal style of foreign policy.[19]

In September 2014 at the sidelines of United Nations general assembly Modi met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the first time in New York City. The two leaders have discussed mechanism to stop terrorist trespassing through the porous Indo-Bangla border and the stability of democracy in Bangladesh apart from regular water sharing and land boundary issues.[20]

Maldives

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Main article: India–Maldives relations

Maldivian President was one of the seven SAARC leaders to attend Modi's inauguration in Delhi. Strategically located in the Indian Ocean region Maldives plays critical role in India's maritime security architecture and being part of SAARC bilateral relations with Maldives become important as per the new neighborhood policy. Foreign Minister Swaraj during her maiden trip to Malé on 3 November 2014 held discussion with her counterpart Dunya Maumoon on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interests and also reiterated India's strong commitment towards prosperity, stability and security of Maldives. The two sides also plans to celebrate 50 years of establishment of bilateral relation.[8]

Drinking-water crisis in Male

In the wake of a drinking water crisis in Male on 4 December 2014, following collapse of the island's only water treatment plant, Maldives urged India for immediate help. India came to rescue by sending its heavy lift transporters like C-17 Globemaster III, Il-76 carrying bottled water. The navy also sent her ships like INS Sukanya, INS Deepak and others which can produce fresh water using their onboard desalination plants.[21][22] The humanitarian relief efforts by the Indian side was widely appreciated in Male across all sections of people. Even the Vice-President of Maldives thanked the Indian ambassador for swift action.[23]

Myanmar

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Main article: India–Myanmar relations

Nepal

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Main article: India–Nepal relations
Modi in a meeting with the Prime Minister of Nepal Sushil Koirala.

Modi chose Nepal as one of the first few countries to visit since he assumes office which signifies the importance of Nepal in the overall neighborhood policy of the Modi govt. He visited Kathmandu on 3–4 August 2014, the first Indian PM to visit in 17 years, where he was received by the Nepalese PM himself at the airport going against protocol.[24][Note I] The visit generated unprecedented enthusiasm among Nepali public and politicians as he addressed the constituent assembly of Nepal, first world leaders to do so, where pledged for US$1 billion line of credit to Nepal to support the infrastructure projects and said "Nepal can free India of its darkness with its electricity. But [sic] we don't want free electricity, we want to buy it. Just by selling electricity to India, Nepal can find a place in the developed countries of the world".[25][26] He also told Nepali MPs he wanted to turn India's "hostile borders benign and ultimately gateways for free trade and commerce...borders must be bridges not barriers". The Kathmandu Post reacted in writing: "Modi mantra warms Nepal's hearts."[27] The Western medias too read it as a shift in foreign affairs for India,[27] as well as a Nepal policy shift.[28] The New York Times also suggested the lack of a meeting with former King Gyanendra signified that India would not support a return to monarchy[28] despite the lack of a new constitution of Nepal. The bilateral talks were focused on reviewing the 1950s Treaty of Peace and Friendship, India-funded 'hydroelectricity projects' in Nepal and other infrastructure projects in Nepal and enhancing people-to-people contacts.[29] The commonality of a majority Hindu heritage was also played up.[30] He also participated in puja at the fifth century Hindu temple of Pashupatinath where he donated Rs. 25 crores and the head priest, Mool Bhatta Ganesh Bhatta, said: "I told him that we see him as a mascot for Hinduism, and appreciate his efforts in saving Hindu culture".[30] Further he pledged not to interfere in Nepal's internal affairs (following controversy of appointment of Indian priests at a Nepali temple).[31] Prior to Modi's visit, Swaraj made a three-day visit to Nepal from 27 July 2014 and co-chaired the Indo-Nepal Joint Commission meeting and also prepared the ground for Modi's scheduled visit. The last visit by a foreign minister of India to Nepal was made 23 years before this.[9] Later the two sides signed the much awaited Indo-Nepal power trade agreement (PTA) which could not get signed earlier during Modi's visit due to technical problem in the draft agreement. This will allow Indian private and public sector investment in hydro power development in Nepal and future power trade and transmission to India.[32]

To attend his maiden SAARC summit Modi visited Nepal for the second time in 2014. Where he inaugurated an India funded high tech trauma-care centre as part of a goodwill measure and also flagged-off the Kathmandu-Delhi bus service. In order to deepen ties with the Himalayan neighbour Modi presented a HAL Dhruv advanced helicopter to the Nepalese armed force in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.[33] He also held bilateral talks with his Nepalese counterpart in Kathmandu where two sides inked 10 agreements and memorandum of understanding including important ones regarding power trade and transmission.[34] Once again Modi urged Nepalese law makers to adhere the January 2015 dateline for Constitution writing on the basis of consensus to accommodate views of all sections of people but this time his comments were received with mixed responses. The Nepali daily Kantipur on its editorial remarked that Narendra Modi breached diplomatic Lanshman rekha (red line) by calling it an interference in Nepal's internal matter although the English daily The Kathmandu Post described it as a well-intended advice.[35]

Pakistan

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Main article: India–Pakistan relations

Modi has long been considered as a hardliner nationalist against enemy forces across the border sponsoring terrorist attacks in India while he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, a state bordering Pakistan, but post-election things have changed substantially when he decided to invite Nawaz Sharif in the swearing-in ceremony. Even his strongest critics could not resist to laud this initiative, Sharif and Modi had cordial discussion on 27 May 2014 day after Modi's inauguration where the two sides agreed to look forward with Foreign Secretary level talk to start with.[11]

But Foreign Secretary level talk scheduled on 25 August in Islamabad was called off last minute by India following Pakistani high commissioner's meeting with secessionist leaders from Jammu & Kashmir at high commission in Delhi. Which further jeopardized a potential Modi-Sharif meeting in New York at the sidelines of UNGA. Later External Affairs Minister Swaraj said that "there is no full stop in diplomacy" referring the future course of action in Indo-Pak relation.[36] Meanwhile the two sides got engaged into an ugly gun-firing along the International border and the line of control as well with India accusing Pakistan of violating cease-fire agreement which had further damaged the already shaky bilateral ties. Later Pakistan tried to internationalize the issue by seeking United Nations intervention but the world body refused to interfere and asked the two party to settle the dispute. India accused Pakistan not following Simla Agreement where both sides agreed to resolve the Kashmir issue only through bilateral means. Now the two leaders will be in Kathmandu, Nepal to attend the 18th SAARC summit scheduled for 26–27 November. But experts anticipate the success of the upcoming summit depending upon how India and Pakistan will manage their differences.[37]

Sri Lanka

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Main article: India–Sri Lanka relations
Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at Hyderabad House

Despite India being Sri Lanka's primary neighbour the India-Sri Lanka relations faced stagnation in the last decade due to several reasons including the large scale civilian casualties in civil war in the Tamil dominated north of the island country and a growing Chinese influence in Sri Lanka.[38] Modi invited President Mahinda Rajapaksa to his inauguration in Delhi, overcoming domestic pressures from Tamil Nadu based political parties, in a bid to renew the ties.[39] The primary concerns of New Delhi is the excessive Chinese investment and military presence in the island country strategically located off the South Indian coast.[40] In fact in November 2014 a second nuclear powered Chinese submarine was allowed by the Sri Lankan authority to dock in Colombo Port despite India expressed its displeasure following a similar incident in September 2014 coinciding with the stand-off between PLA and Indian troops in the Chumar sector of Himalayas.[41][42] Although later both Sri Lanka and China have clarified it as mere refueling and crew refreshment halt on the way to gulf of Aden as part of anti-piracy deployment.[43]

Things started changing however with the 2015 presidential election where Maithripala Sirisena, an old ally and Minister in the Rajapakshe's cabinet, defeated the veteran leader to become Sri Lanka's President.[44] There were allegation of external factors (particularly India) involved in promoting the regime change in Colombo.[45] On 9 January 2015 even before the formal announcement of election result, Modi became the first foreign leader to call and congratulate Sirisena on his victory.[46][47] Sirisena's election is expected to balance the island's tilt toward China in recent years,[48] who had earlier proposed a foreign policy catering Indian sensitivities.[49] Sirisena chose India for his first state visit (15–18 February) signalling a fresh-start in the bilateral relations.[50][51][52] During Sirisena's visit to New Delhi[53] the two countries signed a bilateral civil nuclear agreement, which is believed to be for sending a strong message towards China.[54][55] They also signed three more agreements which includes a tripartite maritime cooperation pact involving Maldives.[56][57] Although one irritant remained with the new administration's go ahead of a US$1.4b Chinese project for developing a 'port-city' off the Colombo harbor undermining India's security concerns.[58]

Indian Prime Minister visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena and concluded his two-day official visit on Saturday 14 March 2015. Modi's visit is the first time in 28 years that an Indian prime minister has visited Sri Lanka.[59][60]

See also

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Notes

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^[Note I] In 2002, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Nepal but for the 11th SAARC summit held at Kathmandu.[25]

References

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  2. ^ a b "India, Modi and the neighbourhood". Gateway House. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  3. ^ a b Harris, Gardiner (7 June 2014). "Nepal Enthralled by Visit of India's Prime Minister, Who Hits 'the Right Notes'". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  4. ^ a b c "The mini SAARC summit". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 1 June 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Sushma Swaraj arrives in Afghanistan; strategic ties on the agenda". The Indian Express. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Sushma meets Karzai in Kabul, stresses partnership". Hindustan Times. 11 September 2014. Archived from the original on 11 September 2014. Retrieved 11 September 2014.
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  8. ^ a b "India committed to Maldives' security & stability: Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj". The Economic Times. 3 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  9. ^ a b "Sushma Swaraj describes her Nepal visit very successful". The Times of India. 27 July 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
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  13. ^ Betkerur, Niharika (7 May 2014). "India Stepping Up to the Plate in Afghanistan". The Diplomat. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
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  21. ^ "Maldives Water Crisis: India Transports 1,000 Tonnes of Fresh Water to Male". NDTV. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
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  23. ^ "Maldives appreciative of India's help during its water crisis: Shahare". Business Standard. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  24. ^ "Nepal PM to break protocol, personally receive Modi at airport". First Post. Kathmandu. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  25. ^ a b "Narendra Modi first foreign leader to address Nepal parliament". India TV. 26 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
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  27. ^ a b Lakshmi, Rama. "Modi's speech in Nepal shows India is paying attention to its neighbors". The Washington Post. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  28. ^ a b Harris, Gardiner (4 August 2014). "Visit From Indian Premier Signals a Political Shift in Nepal". The New York Times. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  29. ^ Sood, Rakesh (23 July 2014). "A new beginning with Nepal". The Hindu. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  30. ^ a b "Narendra Modi uses Hindu heritage in Nepal diplomacy". Niticentral. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
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  32. ^ "India, Nepal hold negotiations for 900 MW power project". The Economic Times. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  33. ^ "To boost ties, PM Narendra Modi to present advanced chopper to Nepal". The Economic Times. 24 November 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  34. ^ "PM Narendra Modi holds talks with Nepal PM, ten pacts inked". The Economic Times. 25 November 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  35. ^ "Modi breached diplomatic norms: Nepal media". The Hindu. 27 November 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  36. ^ "No full stop, only comma in (Pak) diplomacy: Sushma". Indian Express. 9 September 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  37. ^ "Nepal think-tank foresees 'average' SAARC summit". bdnews24.com. 1 November 201. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  38. ^ "Modi's Sweet and Spicy Sri Lanka Strategy". The Diplomat. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  39. ^ "Aditi Phadnis: How Modi projects ideas of india". Business Standard. 12 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  40. ^ "Mahinda Rajapaksa used China to needle India". The Economic Times. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  41. ^ "Chinese Submarines and Indian ASW in the Indian Ocean". FPRI. 24 November 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  42. ^ "Sri Lanka snubs India, opens port to Chinese submarine again". The Economic Times. 2 November 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  43. ^ "China says its submarine docked in Sri Lanka 'for replenishment'". The Hindu. 28 November 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  44. ^ "Chinese Takeaway: Regime Change". The Indian Express. 16 January 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  45. ^ "Indian spy's role alleged in Sri Lankan president's election defeat". The Japan Times. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  46. ^ "Sri Lanka Presidential polls: PM Narendra Modi congratulates Maithripala Sirisena on poll victory". The Economic Times. 9 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  47. ^ "As Obama visits, signs that India is pushing back against China". Reuters. 21 January 2014. Archived from the original on 16 December 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  48. ^ "Sirisena likely to stop China 'tilt'". The Hindu. 9 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  49. ^ "Sirisena for equal ties with India, China". The Hindu. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  50. ^ "India to be Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's first foreign destination". The Economic Times. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  51. ^ "New Sri Lanka president Maithripala Sirisena to visit India on February 16". The Economic Times. 1 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  52. ^ "Sri Lankan president's India visit: Why Sirisena & PM Modi must look to deepen bilateral ties". The Economic Times. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  53. ^ "New thrust in IndiaSri Lanka ties". The Hindu. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  54. ^ "Ocean diplomacy: Sirisena visit key for India to tackle China's Maritime Silk Route ambitions". First Post. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  55. ^ "Diplomacy win: Sri Lanka's nuclear deal with India is a pointed message to China". First Post. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  56. ^ "Modi dangles carrots, Lanka doesn't bite". The Telegraph (Calcutta). 17 February 2015. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  57. ^ "India, Sri Lanka Celebrate 'New Beginning' in Ties". The Diplomat. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  58. ^ "In a Move That Will Irk India, Sri Lanka Backs Big China Port Deal". NDTV/Reuters. 6 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  59. ^ "MODI 1ST PM IN 36 YRS TO ADDRESS SL PARLIAMENT". The Pioneer. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  60. ^ "India seeks its place in Indian Ocean ahead of Modi's China visit". Times of India. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.

Further reading

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