India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy vision emphasizes the essentiality of establishing healthier relationships with neighbouring nations. Recently, a crucial meeting was convened by the Foreign Secretary that sought to institutionalize this vision further via the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group (IMCG). The IMCG aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to India’s foreign policy with neighbouring countries.
Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Group: A Step towards Better Relations
The first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group (IMCG) at the secretary level was organized under the guidelines of India’s Foreign Secretary. It was established as a high-level mechanism to propel the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, and it was backed by Joint Task Forces (JTFs), assembled by joint secretaries in the external affairs ministry.
Highlighted during the meeting were pertinent issues such as the construction of border infrastructure to boost trade with neighbours like Nepal, addressing the specific needs of nations like Bhutan and Maldives, rail connectivity with Bangladesh, rendering humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and resolving fisheries issues with Sri Lanka.
The Purpose of ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy Vision
The ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy is designed to foster connectivity and fortify relationships with neighboring nations. Some key areas this policy focused on are strengthening economic cooperation, enhancing political connectivity through dialogue, resolving bilateral conflicts through mutual agreement, cooperating on disaster response, and deepening security in the region through military cooperation.
Challenges Faced by the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy
Multiple challenges pose a threat to the successful execution of the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, including growing Chinese influence in the region, interference in domestic affairs of neighbouring countries, an overemphasis on military measures leading to increased regional tension, the impact of India’s domestic politics on neighbouring nations, and the effect of India’s affiliation with the West on its relations with neighbouring countries.
Way Forward
The solution lies in adopting principles from the Gujral Doctrine, which emphasizes the quality of India’s relations with its neighbours. It is essential that India avoids compromising bilateral relationships for short-term economic interests. There’s a need to vigorously pursue regional connectivity while addressing security concerns using efficient technological measures.
Impact on Civil Services Examination
Recognizing the significance of understanding the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, UPSC has previously included questions about it in their examinations. An example question from a previous year is: The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of which entity? The correct answer being China.
