1 minPolitical Concept
Political Concept

Neighbourhood First Policy

What is Neighbourhood First Policy?

India's foreign policy doctrine that prioritizes friendly relations and cooperation with its immediate neighbours. It emphasizes proactive engagement, mutual benefit, and assistance, especially during times of crisis, to foster regional stability and prosperity.

Historical Background

Articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, building upon earlier initiatives like the Gujral Doctrine (1996). It signifies a renewed emphasis on India's role as a responsible and leading power in its immediate vicinity, focusing on proactive engagement and assistance.

Key Points

9 points
  • 1.

    Prioritizes diplomatic, economic, security, and cultural engagement with immediate neighbours (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka).

  • 2.

    Focuses on enhancing connectivity through land, sea, and air routes, and digital links.

  • 3.

    Emphasizes trade, investment, and economic cooperation for mutual growth and development.

  • 4.

    Promotes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) as a key component of engagement.

  • 5.

    Strengthens security cooperation, including maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts.

  • 6.

    Fosters people-to-people contact, cultural exchanges, and educational collaboration.

  • 7.

    Aims to address shared challenges like climate change, poverty, and regional stability.

  • 8.

    Seeks to resolve bilateral issues through dialogue and peaceful means.

  • 9.

    Underpins India's role as a responsible and reliable partner in the region.

Visual Insights

Key Pillars of Neighbourhood First Policy

Mind map illustrating the key pillars and objectives of India's Neighbourhood First Policy.

Neighbourhood First Policy

  • ●Connectivity
  • ●Economic Cooperation
  • ●Security Cooperation
  • ●Cultural Exchange

Recent Developments

6 developments
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India's extensive economic and humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis (2022-2023).

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Enhanced connectivity projects with Bangladesh (rail, road, waterways) and Nepal (cross-border railways).

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Continued security and development cooperation with Bhutan and Maldives.

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Operation Dost in Turkey and Syria (2023) showcasing India's HADR capabilities beyond immediate neighbourhood.

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Challenges persist with Pakistan (cross-border terrorism) and China (border disputes, influence in neighbours).

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Focus on multilateral forums like BIMSTEC to deepen regional cooperation, especially after SAARC's stagnation.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Rebuilding India-Maldives Relations: A Path to Renewed Cooperation

18 Feb 2026

The news highlights the importance of consistent engagement and proactive diplomacy, which are crucial elements of the Neighbourhood First Policy. The news demonstrates how this policy can be challenged by political changes and shifts in domestic priorities within neighbouring countries. It reveals the need for India to adapt its approach and address the specific concerns of each neighbour. The implications of this news are that India needs to invest more in building long-term relationships based on mutual benefit and trust. Understanding the Neighbourhood First Policy is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides the framework for understanding India's strategic interests and its approach to regional relations. It helps to assess the challenges and opportunities for India in its neighbourhood and to evaluate the effectiveness of its foreign policy initiatives. The news underscores that the success of the Neighbourhood First Policy depends on continuous efforts to build trust, address concerns, and promote mutual prosperity.

Source Topic

Rebuilding India-Maldives Relations: A Path to Renewed Cooperation

International Relations

UPSC Relevance

Crucial for UPSC GS Paper 2 (International Relations). Understanding this policy is key to analyzing India's regional foreign policy, its role in South Asia, and its responses to regional challenges and opportunities. It is a recurring theme in both Prelims and Mains.

Key Pillars of Neighbourhood First Policy

Mind map illustrating the key pillars and objectives of India's Neighbourhood First Policy.

Neighbourhood First Policy

BBIN Initiative

SAFTA

Joint Military Exercises

Scholarships

Connections
Connectivity→Economic Cooperation
Economic Cooperation→Security Cooperation
Security Cooperation→Cultural Exchange
Cultural Exchange→Connectivity

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

Rebuilding India-Maldives Relations: A Path to Renewed Cooperation

18 February 2026

The news highlights the importance of consistent engagement and proactive diplomacy, which are crucial elements of the Neighbourhood First Policy. The news demonstrates how this policy can be challenged by political changes and shifts in domestic priorities within neighbouring countries. It reveals the need for India to adapt its approach and address the specific concerns of each neighbour. The implications of this news are that India needs to invest more in building long-term relationships based on mutual benefit and trust. Understanding the Neighbourhood First Policy is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides the framework for understanding India's strategic interests and its approach to regional relations. It helps to assess the challenges and opportunities for India in its neighbourhood and to evaluate the effectiveness of its foreign policy initiatives. The news underscores that the success of the Neighbourhood First Policy depends on continuous efforts to build trust, address concerns, and promote mutual prosperity.