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India neighborhood first policy and post BRICS diplomatic outreach

Source:The Hindu ↗

Why It Matters

The article demonstrates how India balances its global multilateral engagements (such as BRICS) with its core regional priorities under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, providing essential insights into India's strategic foreign policy calculus.

Summary

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook diplomatic visits to Bhutan and Nepal immediately following BRICS engagements, reflecting India's enduring commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and close regional diplomacy.

Key Points

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits Bhutan and Nepal as part of India's post-BRICS diplomatic outreach.
  • The visits underscore India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, focusing on regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and strategic trust.
  • High-level engagements with immediate neighbors highlight India's dual focus on multilateral platforms like BRICS and robust bilateral partnerships in South Asia.

Important Terms

BRICS

An intergovernmental organization comprising major emerging economies, originally Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at fostering economic cooperation and reforming global governance.

UPSC context

Important for GS Paper II (International Relations - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India).

Source

Prelims Trap

India's multilateral engagements with BRICS supersede its bilateral commitments under the Neighbourhood First policy.

Aspirants often assume multilateral engagements like BRICS take precedence over regional bilateral diplomacy, whereas India's doctrine runs them concurrently.

Static Concepts Connected

International Relations - India & Neighbourhood

What are the core pillars and guiding principles of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy?

  • Core Focus: Prioritizing immediate neighbours in South Asia for diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and development assistance.
  • Key Principles: Fostering asymmetric economic integration, infrastructure connectivity, and capacity building without strict reciprocity demands.
  • Strategic Trust: Addressing security sensitivities and ensuring mutual trust through high-level political dialogues and developmental partnerships.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • BRICS & Neighbourhood First Policy Integration

    India's diplomatic balancing act between inclusive multilateral groups like BRICS and bilateral regional security frameworks in South Asia.

  • Hydropower Diplomacy and Regional Connectivity

    How cross-border hydropower and transport corridors integrate landlocked South Asian nations into regional economic grids.

India's Neighbourhood First policy paired with multilateral balancing (BRICS) is a recurring UPSC IR theme for analytical MCQs.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2022MainsGS2

    India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

  • 2012MainsGS2

    Compare the significance of IBSA and BRICS in the context of India's multilateral diplomacy.