India Sri Lanka Relations Under neighbourhood First Vision (original) (raw)

India’s strategic location in South Asia, bordered by countries such as Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, creates a foundation for a complex and dynamic network of relationships with its neighbours. This geographical positioning shapes India’s diplomatic, economic, and security engagements in the region. India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ (NFP), also referred to as the South Asian Foreign Policy (SAFP), centers on strengthening ties with neighbouring South Asian countries. This strategy focuses on enhancing peace and cooperation in the region, emphasizing trade, connectivity, and people-topeople exchanges with countries on India’s periphery. The Ministry of External Affairs (Economic Diplomacy Division) brief states, “India’s Neighbourhood First Policy rests on India’s prime responsibility to lift its neighbours to establish a rules-based order to preserve multilateralism and to establish peace and security in the Indian Ocean”. According to the Ministry of External Affairs India (MEA), the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy originated in 2008. However, the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy was formally introduced by Prime Minister Modi during his first term in 2014. This policy was showcased when Modi invited leaders from SAARC countries to his 2014 swearing-in ceremony. Under PM Modi, three main goals were established for the Neighbourhood First policy: Samvriddi (economic growth and development), Suraksha (national security), and Swabimaan (selfrespect). With these objectives, India seeks to use its regional connections as a strategic advantage to expand its influence globally. Given India’s deep cultural and historical ties with its neighbours, the aim is to build on these relationships to achieve its broader goal of becoming a global leader or “Vishwaguru”. India’s leadership of the G20 marks a crucial point in its global influence. The country plays a significant role in addressing major international issues, including economic stagnation and regional conflicts