MODI'S SOUTH ASIA DIPLOMACY: STRENGTH WITHOUT OVERREACH

India’s model of regional cooperation is one that offers support without strings.

- SHEHZAD POONAWALLA AND VIJETA RATTANI

PM Narendra Modi holds discussions with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, in Thimphu. (File photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Bhutan is not an isolated diplomatic gesture. It is reflective of India’s evolving role in South Asia. In a region often marked by conflicting pressures, climate extremes and socioeconomic challenges, India positions itself as provider of stability and enabler of growth, based on responsibility than dominance and overreach.

The “Neighbourhood First” policy received a fresh impetus under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. The previous regime's approach was disproportionately oriented toward Pakistan, often to the neglect of other South Asian partners. While undue preoccupation with Pakistan did not yield any meaningful outcomes, it also constrained the breadth of regional engagement. On the other hand, Modi government has employed its political capital in cultivating diverse and strategic relationships with other partners in the region, to an extent countering Chinese influence in the region too.

This approach is marked by several state visits to the region. As an instance, PM Modi’s visit to Nepal in 2014 was first in 17 years and has visited it 5 times since. Likewise, visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 was after 28 years by an Indian PM. Additionally, there have been multiple ministerial meetings in the region, translating outreach into action.

SOUTH ASIA TIED TOGETHER