India’s Neighbourhood Policy :

Challenges and Prospects

Authors

  • Angana Das Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54945/jjia.v4i1.49

Keywords:

SAARC, Mauryan Empire, Soft power, Cultural diplomacy, Education, BBIN initiative

Abstract

The paper analyzes India’s policy towards its immediate neighbourhood and tries to draw relevant inferences from India‘s recent efforts to build peace in South Asia. In this study, India’s immediate neighbourhood refers to SAARC member states and Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s foreign policy laid strong emphasis on ‘neighbourhood first’ policy that prioritizes strengthening India’s relations with its immediate neighbours . This paper traces the evolution of India’s neighbourhood policies over the years and studies the approaches adopted by different leaders. The renewed impetus towards India’s neighbourhood in the region under the Narendra Modi led government has been discussed in detail. It is argued that India’s recent neighbourhood practices such as strengthening bilateral ties, diplomatic engagements, sub-regionalism, elements of continuity or change and their applicability to establishing peace in the region has made a great impact in the region. The complex regional dynamics, seen notably in India’s relations with Nepal and Pakistan that serve as roadblocks in implementing a coherent neighbourhood policy, are teased out. The paper puts forth newer prospects of integration and offers a set of recommendations for sustained engagement between India and its neighbours in order to build peace in the region.

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Author Biography

Angana Das, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

Angana Das has done her Masters in Conflict Analysis and Peace Building from Jamia Millia Islamia and Bachelors in Political Science from University of Delhi. She has undertaken research and advocacy work in development and media organizations such as OneWorld Foundation India, Hindustan Times Edge, PRS Legislative Research, National Commission for Women and Save the Children through internships and consultancy. She is interested in alternative approaches to peacebuilding practices, peace education, gender studies and community development. Her previous works include research on the role of arts based approaches such as theatre, music and arts education in the creative transformation of conflict and children affected in armed conflict.

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Published

2016-10-01

How to Cite

Das, A. (2016). India’s Neighbourhood Policy : : Challenges and Prospects. Jindal Journal of International Affairs, 4(1), 18–37. https://doi.org/10.54945/jjia.v4i1.49

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2016)

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

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