Brief on India’s Neighbourhood

Executive Summary

India's neighbourhood is in turmoil. This creates a variety of internal and external security challenges for the country. Terrorism, maritime security and border management are the key challenges. India needs to give focused attention to its neighbourhood as a stable and friendly South Asia is a sine qua non for its progress.

• Pakistan: Pakistan is passing through an unprecedented political, economic and social crisis. The Islamic radical elements pose a threat to stability in Pakistan...
  
• Afghanistan: India should be cautious about the Af-Pak strategy unveiled by the US as it has several inherent weaknesses...


• Bangladesh: The massive mandate for change given to the Awami League by the voters presents an opportunity for India to work towards a better relationship with Bangladesh which stagnated during the BNP-led government...


• Nepal: The fall of the Maoist-led government in May 2009 over the sensitive question of the integration of the Maoist cadres into the Nepalese army and civil-military relations has brought political instability to the country. This situation is likely to continue even though a new government led by UML has been installed...


• Bhutan: India and Bhutan have signed a new treaty which gives Bhutan greater freedom of action in foreign affairs than was possible under the earlier treaty...


• Sri Lanka: With the demise of Prabhakaran, a new chapter has opened in Sri Lanka. India should take advantage of the opportunity provided by the vanquishing of the LTTE...


• Maldives: The elections in Maldives resulted in a peaceful change of government in the country. The new President is friendly towards India. India should work hard to deepen India- Maldives relations, particularly by increasing investment, technical assistance and trade...