Lok Sabha Question No. 262 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-13
Subject: India's Neighbourhood First Policy
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

STARRED Q. NO. 262

## ANSWERED ON 13.12.2024

## INDIA'S NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST POLICY

*262. SHRI MANISH TEWARI

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-

- (a) The core objectives and guiding principles of India's Neighbourhood First Policy;
- (b) The specific initiatives and programme undertaken under this policy to enhance bilateral and regional cooperation with neighbouring countries; (c) The details of neighbouring countries that have an explicit 'India First' policy;
- (d)   Whether   changes   in   regimes   in   neighbouring   countries   like Bangladesh,   Sri   Lanka   and   Maldives   have   impacted   India's   bilateral relations with them, particularly in the context of ongoing projects and strategic partnerships;

(e) If so, the details thereof; and

(f) The manner in which the Government plans to address the challenges posed   by   geopolitical   competition   especially   from   China   in   India's immediate neighbourhood?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)

(a) to (f) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

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Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (f) of the  Lok Sabha Starred Question   No.   *262   for   reply   on   13.12.2024   regarding   'India's Neighbourhood First Policy.'

(a) to (f): The 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which guides the management of   India's   relations   with   countries   in   its   immediate   neighbourhood, focuses   on   creating   mutually   beneficial,   people-oriented,   regional frameworks for stability and prosperity, including through the building of physical, digital and people to people connectivity. India engages with these countries on a consultative, non-reciprocal and outcome-oriented basis, driven by the principles of Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Shanti (peace), and Samriddhi (prosperity).

As part of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Government has been extending   necessary   developmental   assistance   and   capacity   building initiatives, as per needs and aspirations of the neighbouring countries, thereby   contributing   towards   holistic   economic   development   of   their countries. Under this approach, India has been assisting neighbouring countries on development of infrastructure projects ranging from large scale   infrastructure   to   community   related   provisioning   of   assets   and platforms,   augmentation   of   capabilities   and   extending   financial, budgetary and humanitarian assistance.

A very large number of initiatives and programmes have been undertaken by India within the ambit of this policy. Among them are:

(i) humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in the form of food and medical aid, as well as scholarship schemes for Afghan students;

(ii) several development cooperation projects in Bangladesh in the areas of cross-border power, energy and transport linkages;

(iii) assistance to Bhutan for capacity building and in the development of its hydropower resources, as well as cross-border connectivity linkages, including   energy,   rail   links,   road,   trade   infrastructure   and   digital connectivity;

(iv)   with   Maldives,   cooperation   has   focused   on   maritime   security, connectivity,   people   to   people   exchange,   and   creation   of   community building infrastructure projects, besides assistance to overcome financial instability;

(v)   assistance   to   Myanmar   for   several   connectivity   infrastructure development projects and capacity building, besides humanitarian relief and aid to help it recover from natural disasters;

(vi) a very elaborate programme of development cooperation with Nepal aimed   at   promoting   connectivity,   and   developing   economic,   energy, digital and cultural ties, including through the implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) in building hospitals, schools,   colleges,   drinking   water   facilities,   sanitation,   drainage,   rural electrification, hydropower, embankment and river training works, so as to improve the overall quality of life at the local level.

(vii)   cooperation   with   Sri   Lanka,   including   connectivity,   agriculture, power, education, human resource development, culture and economic engagement, as well as a significant financial assistance programme.

India's assistance under its Neighbourhood First policy is regarded as valuable by diverse sections of public opinion among our neighbours, ensuring a sustainable basis for these assistance programs to continue despite changes   in   administration   in these   countries. India's comprehensive and longstanding ties with its neighbouring countries also stand on their own footing and are independent of the relations of these countries with third countries. Government keeps a vigilant watch on all developments which have a bearing on India's national security and takes all   necessary   measures   to   safeguard   it.   India   is   confident   about   the strength and enduring nature of its bilateral ties with the neighbouring

countries   and   will   continue   to   work   together   with   them   towards advancing bilateral ties for mutual benefit as well as safeguarding India's interest in the region

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