External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Friday defended India’s Neighbourhood First policy in a discussion in Parliament, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening relations with its neighbors. In response to a question by Congress MP Manish Tewari, Jaishankar addressed concerns about India’s relationships with neighboring countries like the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Tewari had questioned India’s neighborhood policy, pointing to instances where countries in the region appeared to pursue their own interests, sometimes in alignment with China. He cited examples such as the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, questioning whether there is any country with an “India-first” policy. Jaishankar refuted this notion, stressing that India has always prioritized its neighbors, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka after long gaps, noting that these visits were significant despite political challenges in these countries.
Jaishankar also highlighted specific projects that demonstrate India’s commitment to the region. For example, in the Maldives, India has supported the inauguration of infrastructure projects like the Adu Link Road and water and sewage facilities for 28 islands. He reminded the Parliament that India’s relations with the Maldives had seen ups and downs, with a notable incident in 2012 when Indian companies were expelled from an important project.
In his speech, Jaishankar emphasized that foreign policy should not be viewed through a partisan lens and acknowledged that neighboring countries have their internal politics that may affect bilateral relations. He emphasized that India has been mature in its approach, focusing on developmental cooperation, trade, and exchanges rather than indulging in point-scoring.
Jaishankar also addressed the issue of Indian security forces in Eastern Ladakh, in response to concerns raised by MP Manish Tewari regarding the accessibility of certain patrolling points along the India-China border. Jaishankar confirmed that the last of the disengagement agreements between India and China, which involved areas like Depsang and Demchok, had been implemented. He reassured that Indian security forces would patrol all the points, including those in Depsang, within the historically established limits.
On relations with Pakistan, Jaishankar reiterated that while India seeks good ties with its neighbors, including Pakistan, it is essential that these relations be free from terrorism. He stated that the onus is on Pakistan to demonstrate a change in its behavior for any progress in bilateral ties. Referring to the disruptions in trade with Pakistan after 2019, Jaishankar stressed that Pakistan’s actions had implications on the relationship.
The minister’s statements come in the backdrop of ongoing tensions with China, especially following the border standoff in Eastern Ladakh in 2020. Jaishankar reminded Parliament of the October 2023 agreement between India and China regarding patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), marking a step towards managing border tensions. The standoff, which had strained bilateral relations, has seen progress with the disengagement process, with both countries agreeing to limit military presence in certain areas.
(With ANI inputs)
