Evaluating India’s neighbourhood first policy: Decoding the China factor in south Asia

Abstract

India has a substantial hold over South Asia due to its strategic geo strategic location, strong economy, and powerful military. India's foreign policy towards its smaller neighbours in South Asia has seen significant development since its independence but it has undergone a considerable change under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, with a distinct emphasis on prioritising neighbouring countries in the South Asian region. Through this paper an effort has been made to examine India's Neighbourhood First policy in South Asia during the last decade. This research article analyses the current state of India's diplomatic ties with its bordering nations. This study is an attempt to scrutinise the challenges pose to India’s neighbourhood policy with growing Chinese influence in South Asia. In the concluding section few suggestions have been offered how India can contribute to its neighbouring countries to strengthen its neighbourhood first policy.