India’s neighborhood first - Rebuilding trust beyond borders

“We can change everything, but not our neighbors,” said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting a timeless truth about India’s foreign policy: proximity dictates diplomacy. Geography has always shaped India’s strategic choices, and no amount of global ambition can replace influence over immediate neighbors. For decades, India maintained strong ties with South Asian countries Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Maldives while reserving rivalry for Pakistan and China. India’s Cold War alignment with the Soviet Union limited some global partnerships, particularly with the United States, but relations with smaller neighbors remained cordial, reinforced by development aid, technical assistance, and cultural engagement.

A significant shift emerged under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India deepened relations with the U.S. and Europe, including France, the U.K., Spain, and Germany, and its global profile expanded. Yet, this western tilt coincided with growing Chinese influence across South Asia, weakening India’s traditional foothold in the neighborhood. Nepal, despite shared culture and history, is increasingly drawn to Beijing. Sri Lanka, despite receiving India’s support during its financial and political crises, continues to prioritize China. Bangladesh and the Maldives are diversifying their foreign alignments, leaning toward China for strategic projects. Bhutan, a historically dependable ally, has engaged China in border talks, and Afghanistan’s post-U.S. withdrawal scenario has further limited India’s regional leverage. Analysts warn that India’s influence is increasingly seen as government-centric rather than people-centric, with grassroots trust eroding.

This erosion is evident in specific instances. In Nepal, India’s 2015 economic blockade, perceived as a response to constitutional disagreements, fueled anti-India sentiment among the populace, pushing Kathmandu closer to Beijing’s orbit. Similarly, in the Maldives, India’s delayed response to domestic political shifts allowed China to gain a foothold through infrastructure investments. These examples underscore a critical gap: India’s diplomatic efforts often prioritize elite-level engagements over addressing local aspirations. For instance, while India’s $1 billion credit line to Sri Lanka in 2022 provided critical economic relief, it was overshadowed by China’s high-visibility projects like the Hambantota Port, which captured public imagination. India’s failure to counter such narratives has allowed China to present itself as a more dynamic partner.

The “Neighborhood First” policy, introduced by Modi, symbolized India’s commitment to its neighbors. His swearing-in ceremony included invitations to regional leaders, and his surprise visit to Pakistan to meet then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif captured global attention. The government emphasized that immediate neighbors Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal should receive priority in India’s foreign agenda. Yet, critics argue that India’s focus on Western partnerships inadvertently ceded ground to China. Rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh and Nepal, and broader regional perceptions of ideological assertiveness under Modi, have complicated Delhi’s diplomatic outreach. India now faces a complex credibility challenge. Globally, its allies are conditional and often strategic rather than dependable. Russia, though traditionally aligned with India, maintains strong ties with China. Pakistan remains a consistent adversary. Even the U.S., while a major partner, exhibits volatility depending on political leadership. India, despite economic and military strength, cannot fully guarantee influence over its immediate neighborhood.

To address this, India must diversify its diplomatic toolkit. Beyond cultural exchanges, initiatives like expanding digital connectivity such as India’s UPI payment system in Sri Lanka and the Maldives can foster economic integration and public goodwill. Scholarships for South Asian students, modeled on India’s successful ITEC program, can build long-term networks of influencers who view India favorably. Moreover, India should leverage its soft power, such as Bollywood and yoga, more strategically by hosting regional film festivals or wellness programs that resonate with younger demographics. These efforts must be consistent, as sporadic initiatives risk being overshadowed by China’s sustained investments. India could also establish joint disaster response mechanisms with neighbors, capitalizing on its expertise in humanitarian assistance to build trust during crises, as seen in its aid to Nepal during the 2015 earthquake.

The solution lies in people-centered diplomacy. Governments may change, but citizens’ perceptions endure. India must cultivate trust directly with the people of Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, and the Maldives. Cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, development projects, and public diplomacy can strengthen bonds beyond the transactional nature of official state engagements. Such initiatives create enduring goodwill, counterbalance China’s influence, and restore India’s credibility as a “big brother” in South Asia.

This approach requires a recalibration of India’s diplomatic mindset. Delhi must move beyond reactive measures and adopt a proactive, inclusive strategy that prioritizes listening to neighbors’ needs over projecting dominance. Engaging civil society, local media, and youth organizations in neighboring countries can amplify India’s narrative as a partner committed to mutual growth. By investing in grassroots connectivity, India can transform its image from a regional hegemon to a collaborative leader, ensuring that “Neighborhood First” is not just a policy slogan but a lived reality.

In the intricate geopolitics of the region, treaties and alliances alone are insufficient. India must ensure that its neighbors’ populations see it not merely as a powerful state but as a reliable partner and friend. By prioritizing the hearts of the people over the politics of governments, India can reclaim its strategic influence, secure regional stability, and realize the true promise of its “Neighborhood First” doctrine. The path forward demands patience, empathy, and consistent engagement because in South Asia, trust is the ultimate currency, and it cannot be imposed; it must be earned.