PPT: India & Neighbouring Countries | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

 Page 1


India & 
Neighbouring 
Countries
Page 2


India & 
Neighbouring 
Countries
Introduction to India's Neighbourhood
India occupies a central position in South Asia, sharing land borders with 7 countries and 
maritime boundaries with 2 others. These relationships form the foundation of India's regional 
foreign policy and security framework.
Understanding these relationships is crucial for:
Regional stability and security
Economic integration and trade
Countering external threats
Advancing India's global aspirations
Page 3


India & 
Neighbouring 
Countries
Introduction to India's Neighbourhood
India occupies a central position in South Asia, sharing land borders with 7 countries and 
maritime boundaries with 2 others. These relationships form the foundation of India's regional 
foreign policy and security framework.
Understanding these relationships is crucial for:
Regional stability and security
Economic integration and trade
Countering external threats
Advancing India's global aspirations
India's Neighbourhood: Geographic & 
Strategic Overview
Geographic 
Diversity
India's borders span from 
the towering Himalayas to 
the tropical Indian Ocean, 
creating unique security 
and management 
challenges along each 
frontier.
Regional Anchor
As the largest country in 
South Asia by area, 
population, and economy, 
India naturally serves as 
the region's anchor state 
and primary security 
provider.
Border States
States like Ladakh, Sikkim, 
West Bengal, and 
Arunachal Pradesh play 
critical roles as gateways 
for trade, cultural 
exchange, and security 
monitoring.
This geographic reality shapes India's strategic outlook, requiring tailored approaches to each 
neighboring relationship while maintaining a coherent regional policy.
Page 4


India & 
Neighbouring 
Countries
Introduction to India's Neighbourhood
India occupies a central position in South Asia, sharing land borders with 7 countries and 
maritime boundaries with 2 others. These relationships form the foundation of India's regional 
foreign policy and security framework.
Understanding these relationships is crucial for:
Regional stability and security
Economic integration and trade
Countering external threats
Advancing India's global aspirations
India's Neighbourhood: Geographic & 
Strategic Overview
Geographic 
Diversity
India's borders span from 
the towering Himalayas to 
the tropical Indian Ocean, 
creating unique security 
and management 
challenges along each 
frontier.
Regional Anchor
As the largest country in 
South Asia by area, 
population, and economy, 
India naturally serves as 
the region's anchor state 
and primary security 
provider.
Border States
States like Ladakh, Sikkim, 
West Bengal, and 
Arunachal Pradesh play 
critical roles as gateways 
for trade, cultural 
exchange, and security 
monitoring.
This geographic reality shapes India's strategic outlook, requiring tailored approaches to each 
neighboring relationship while maintaining a coherent regional policy.
Historical Evolution of India's Neighbourhood Policy
1
1950s-60s: Post-Independence 
Idealism
Nehru championed peace, stability, and non-
alignment, shaping India's foreign policy.
2
1962-65: Security Awakening
The 1962 and 1965 wars prompted India to focus 
more on security in its neighborhood approach.
3
1971: Bangladesh Liberation
India played a key role in Bangladesh's creation, 
demonstrating its regional influence.
4
1985-91: Regional Integration
SAARC (1985) and Look East (1991) showed 
India's commitment to regional cooperation.
5
1996: Gujral Doctrine
India's principles of non-reciprocity and non-
interference guided relations with smaller 
neighbors.
Page 5


India & 
Neighbouring 
Countries
Introduction to India's Neighbourhood
India occupies a central position in South Asia, sharing land borders with 7 countries and 
maritime boundaries with 2 others. These relationships form the foundation of India's regional 
foreign policy and security framework.
Understanding these relationships is crucial for:
Regional stability and security
Economic integration and trade
Countering external threats
Advancing India's global aspirations
India's Neighbourhood: Geographic & 
Strategic Overview
Geographic 
Diversity
India's borders span from 
the towering Himalayas to 
the tropical Indian Ocean, 
creating unique security 
and management 
challenges along each 
frontier.
Regional Anchor
As the largest country in 
South Asia by area, 
population, and economy, 
India naturally serves as 
the region's anchor state 
and primary security 
provider.
Border States
States like Ladakh, Sikkim, 
West Bengal, and 
Arunachal Pradesh play 
critical roles as gateways 
for trade, cultural 
exchange, and security 
monitoring.
This geographic reality shapes India's strategic outlook, requiring tailored approaches to each 
neighboring relationship while maintaining a coherent regional policy.
Historical Evolution of India's Neighbourhood Policy
1
1950s-60s: Post-Independence 
Idealism
Nehru championed peace, stability, and non-
alignment, shaping India's foreign policy.
2
1962-65: Security Awakening
The 1962 and 1965 wars prompted India to focus 
more on security in its neighborhood approach.
3
1971: Bangladesh Liberation
India played a key role in Bangladesh's creation, 
demonstrating its regional influence.
4
1985-91: Regional Integration
SAARC (1985) and Look East (1991) showed 
India's commitment to regional cooperation.
5
1996: Gujral Doctrine
India's principles of non-reciprocity and non-
interference guided relations with smaller 
neighbors.
India's Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP)
Launched in 2008 and significantly intensified after 2014, the NFP represents India's 
comprehensive approach to prioritizing relations with immediate neighbors.
The 5S Pillars
Samman (Respect)
Honoring sovereignty and 
equality
Samvad (Dialogue)
Open communication 
channels
Shanti (Peace)
Promoting regional 
stability
Samriddhi (Prosperity)
Shared economic growth
Sanskriti (Culture)
Strengthening historical bonds