India Must Navigate Complex Neighbourhood Ties, Says EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated India "should not expect smooth sailing" with its neighbours but emphasized efforts to build "collective interest" and stability in relationships. He asserted that neighbours (excluding Pakistan, which he said has "in-built hostility") must realize working with India is beneficial, while not doing so incurs costs. His remarks outline India's diplomatic approach in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
Unpacked:
India’s relationships with its neighbors are complicated by historical conflicts, border disputes, terrorism, political shifts, and competition for influence, often involving China and Pakistan. Issues like water-sharing with Bangladesh, ethnic tensions with Sri Lanka, and China’s border aggression all contribute to a fraught and unpredictable regional environment.
India regards its relationship with Pakistan as uniquely hostile, characterized by deep mistrust, frozen diplomatic channels, and ongoing security concerns, especially regarding terrorism and Kashmir. In contrast, with other neighbors, India pursues engagement, emphasizing mutual benefits and regional stability, though challenges remain.
Political shifts in Bangladesh and Nepal, with both countries increasingly engaging China, have complicated India’s influence. In Sri Lanka, changing governments and financial ties to China further challenge India’s diplomatic efforts. These shifts require India to adapt its strategies to maintain regional influence.
India is deepening ties with countries beyond its immediate neighbors, such as Russia and Central Asian states, through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor. This expanded engagement aims to secure economic and strategic interests while reducing reliance on volatile neighbors.