Introduction

Experts of international relations and political analysts often find it difficult to define what South Asia encompasses. While some argue that it includes countries south of the Himalayas, others cannot ignore the role of outside players. The region as a whole cannot be seen in isolation by only restricting to states in the region. Countries like the USA and Russia are very much keen to have a closer look at the affairs of South Asia. It has become more noteworthy because of the increased significance of the Indo-Pacific vis-à-vis world affairs. In this context, the role of India in the region is of pivotal importance. Its relations with its neighbours and the aspects of tensions and cooperation give us a picture of the dynamics and how they are evolving.

Turmoil in the region

South Asia continues to be one of the most unstable and hostile regions of the world. It houses three nuclear power states, with two of them being undemocratic and non-transparent. Border conflicts are severe between the littoral states because of the shared colonial history and modern-day complexities are even more due to the different experiences and historical realities that exist today. We witness insurgency, separatism, and terrorism in the entire region, leading to deterioration in living standards, and further creating mass poverty and underdevelopment. Moreover, issues like cross-border immigration, the problem of refugees, drug trafficking, and ethnic violence are also rampant in the arena. As a result, the region witnesses prolonged episodes of instability and disruptions in their internal affairs.

Out of the three Pakistan is the most recent nuclear state. It is also viewed as a threat to the peace and stability of the region. Pakistan has been under the control of its military ever since its inception and experts view this to be the reason for the growing bitterness between India-Pakistan ties. Ever since bilateral relations between the two nations have been suspended, Pakistan’s economy has been severely affected. This is because more than half of its international trade was with India. This has caused severe economic crises in the country. At one point in time, essentials like food and fuel were experiencing galloping inflation causing mass public unrest. This was coupled with the removal of the incumbent government led by Imran Khan, who was put behind bars. Though the political transition was quick, the economic recovery is still not in place. Despite such alarming conditions, Pakistan has not learned from its mistakes. Instead of opting for efforts to normalize ties with India, it is continuously sponsoring terrorism in the borders of Kashmir. Pakistan is paying a heavy price for its unaccounted claim over J&K, the price of which is being paid by the common citizenry of the nation. The recent bonhomie between Pakistan and China and the economic corridor over PoK (CPEC) has unsettled India more and analysts opine that the bitter relations are expected to remain longer than expected. The stance of the Indian government is crystal clear as far as Pakistan is concerned. As long as our neighbour continues to sponsor terrorism and ambush the LoC, India will show no mercy or effort to negotiate. This ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy of the incumbent Indian government is unconventional as far as the past efforts are concerned. The Indian state has been vociferously exposing the acts of terrorism and crime committed on Pakistani soil against India on international platforms like the UN.

Free and porous borders of South Asia

The borders in the Indian subcontinent are relatively unmarked. There are overlapping jurisdictions, mostly colonial in nature, which create confusion and conflict among the states and residents living there. For instance, the islands in the Indian Ocean are a bone of contention between India and Sri Lanka because their occupancy is not clear. As a result, we often read news of Tamil fishermen getting arrested by the navy of Sri Lanka for trespassing into their territory. In this context, the Katchhatheevu issue is significant. This is an island which was claimed by India as a part of British India but the colonial cartographers made it a part of the diocese of Jaffna. In 1974, the Indian parliament accepted the sovereignty of Sri Lanka over the island. The issue related to its occupancy has resurfaced again due to the ongoing Tamil issue between the two. The people on the island have always resisted India’s interference in its territory. Hence, India’s approach is a hand-holding one. It has been providing financial aid in the form of soft loans and has assured of investing in its core sectors. Tourism from India is a key component in Sri Lanka’s economy and the government of India has always promoted tourism to it. Such efforts have cemented the image of India as a credible partner in the Indian Ocean.

India shares its longest boundary with Bangladesh and much of it is not fenced till now. This allows freeing and illegal immigration into the north-eastern part of the country which has severely affected the demography of the region. It is also one of the prime routes of cross-border narcotics movement in the region, causing economic and social disruptions. Similar to India, Bangladesh faces the issues of internal insurgency and refugee problems. The rising authoritarianism in its regime led to a total disintegration of the incumbent government. The Awami League led by ousted PM Hasina had been pro-India but the stance of the new government is yet to unfold. India has shown concern for the religious atrocities against the minorities therein. Bangladesh is significant to India because both states are parties to a lot of initiatives in the Bay of Bengal and also the Indo-Pacific. Further, as its neighbour, its support and stability are vital for India as a measure for containing the Dragon, who is making deeper inroads in the Indian Ocean. Both states had a history sharing of the water of the Teesta River but bilateral cooperation has accommodated the competing interests. It reveals India’s attitude toward peaceful conflict resolution with its neighbours.

India and Nepal have been allies but the transition of Nepal from monarchy to democracy has resulted in tensions and conflicts as far as the borders are concerned. The India-Nepal Friendship Treaty of 1951 allows free and open migration to and fro the borders for various purposes. The Nepali Congress party has been critical of it and has called for a review of the said agreement. The area of Kalapani is also a bone of contention between the two as our neighbour claims historical right over it. Nepal in its recent cartographical changes, showed the area as a part of it, causing unrest between the neighbours. Nepal might be smaller in size but its role as a buffer state between India and China is handy for India. This is exactly the reason why India is concerned with the politics of Nepal. Its recent bid to initiate the Buddhist circuit is seen as a step towards soft diplomacy to foster vibrant relations and to show Nepal that India is not only an economic partner but a cultural and historical ally too. India has been a party to annual bilateral summits, emphasizing exchanges on renewable energy, climate change, and technology.

Dynamics in the region

South Asia as a region is continuously evolving. Economic crises, political takeovers, ethnic violence, and interference from outside players in the region are not new. The presence of India in the region makes it more closely watched. India projects itself as the messiah of the global south, which is plagued by elements of nuisance but is equipped to tackle them. Global players like the USA and Russia view India as the most reliable partner herein. For instance, after the US announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, it expected India to fill in the void by engaging with the Taliban to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition in the country. Similarly, India’s role in regional organizations like BRICS, RIC, SCO, and the Colombo Security Conclave shows its commitment to a peaceful and cooperative attitude to solving bilateral points of conflict. India prioritizes its neighbours in the region and is always in a mission mode to provide them with aid and assistance. It was much seen during the financial crisis in Sri Lanka, providing portable drinking water to the Maldives, reaching out to the Taliban in Afghanistan to protect the Indian citizens living there, and providing COVID-19 vaccines to these states under Operation ‘Vaccine Maitri’.

One of the fundamental allegations levelled against India is that it acts as a bully in the region by dictating its terms. Countries have also flagged the presence of Indian intelligence agencies in the region that are acting with predetermined aims and objectives, which is a direct interference in the internal matters of these states. These claims have been denied by India time and again. India has attempted to project itself as the global friend, or Vishwabandhu, who is ready to help its neighbours. In his bid to prioritize India’s neighbours, PM Modi invited the heads of states of the region to his oath-taking ceremony in 2019 and 2024. Indian foreign policy is moulded to suit the needs of its neighbours and showcase the requirements of the region as a whole. India always projects the idea of a free and open Indo-Pacific. It opposes the growth of terrorism and the rise of organized crime in the region which is a threat to the entire region. As a measure of confidence building, we engage in regular military exercises with our neighbours. We have tried to promote cross-cultural exchanges among the countries by relaxing visa norms, promoting religious and medical tourism, and fostering an environment wherein students from these countries come to India for higher education. This reflects that India’s commitment towards its neighbours in South Asia is not merely political and economic, but also cultural and humanitarian, as is also its idea that the entire world is one global village, which is ‘Vasudhaiava Kutumbakam’.