India is a huge in terms of geographical size, economic and military might vis-à-vis its neighbours. India’s relations with its smaller neighbours have been showing signs of stress due to changing geo-political situations. Consequently, India is criticized as ‘big brother’, ‘bully’, a common thread seen across neighbours.

The reasons for levelling such charges against India are:

• The recent issue of trade blockade in Nepal which led to allegation that they were India sponsored event.
• Nepal also accuses India for meddling in its domestic politics like support to Madhesis.
• The human assistance and disaster relief efforts during Nepal earthquake were branded as ‘media photo-ops’.
• The charges that India interferes in the domestic policies of the country. Example: The Tamil liberation issue in North Jaffna region was seen as interference by Srilankan govt.
• India’s support to UNHCR resolution against the war-crimes was seen as a move against Srilanka.
• The inaction of Pakistan and Myanmar against terrorist breeding grounds in PoK and Manipur borders led to surgical strikes. This was considered as an attack on sovereignty.

India’s policies toward her neighbours have been guided by the principles of Panchasheel (Non-interference in others internal affairs and respect for each other’s territorial unity integrity and sovereignty).

More recently, India also came up with the Gujral doctrine, which has been leading the relations with our neighbours. The “Gujral Doctrine” sought to end India’s endless contestations with neighbours and offered to walk the extra mile in resolving longstanding problem. This doctrine basically projected India as a benign big brother so that peace can be maintained. As a benign big brother, India would give concessions to all except Pakistan without any reciprocal return expectation. It was of non-reciprocal accommodation of India’s neighbours.

 India’s foreign policy has aimed at helping the neighbours and a peaceful co-existence as evident through the following instances.

• The Indus water treaty with Pakistan where water of three rivers are shared with Pakistan.
• Sharing of Ganga Water with Bangladesh: It is in pursuance of this policy that late in 1996 India concluded an agreement with Bangladesh on sharing of Ganga Waters.
• The Treaty of peace and friendship with Nepal and Bhutan and providing them economic opportunities in India, port access for their trade etc.
• The recent exchange of islands with Bangladesh under the 100th Constitutional Amendment Act.
• Economic aid in the form of soft loans, grants to Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan. Construction of infrastructure projects like Salma Dam, Parliament house in Afghanistan, Highways in Bhutan.
• India Technical and economic cooperation program has benefited thousands of students and professionals in Srilanka, Nepal, Bangladesh.
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in exigencies like Nepal earthquake, Tsunami affected Srilanka, Floods in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Drinking water crisis in Maldives.

Way Forward:

• India being a dominant economy, making unilateral concessions can help to build trust. Thus, implementing Gujral doctrine in its true letter and spirit.
• Low hanging fruits like Power sharing, infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and better people to people contact in the subcontinent will bring neighbours closer.
• Bilateral issues like Maritime boundary issues with Sri Lanka need to be resolved to address fishermen issue, Teesta water sharing between India and Bangladesh should be resolved with consistent talks at high levels.
• Border disputes with Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and strengthening of the security to curb terrorism and drug menace leads to healthy economies.
• Resurrection of SAARC, BIMSTEC etc. which can lead to better regional integration and increased trust.
• ‘Confidence Building Measures’ should be taken up to reduce animosity and increase friendly relations with neighbours.

Conclusion:

India has been active proponent of strong South Asia. However, there are aspersions by neighbours which has led to soured relations. Increased engagement with mutual support can help South Asia be more integrated and a developed region. The neighbourhood first policy should be continued to implement in its full force.