International Relations - India's relations with Neighbourhood

It is said that the test of excellence of Foreign Policy of any country lies in its relationship with neighbors. Unfortunately, India's relations with it's neighborhood has not been as warm as it would have been desired. Following are the reasons (highlighted by Former Indian Foreign Secretary, Muchkund Dubey)

• Asymmetry in size 
• Ethnic commonalities 
• Involvement of third parties - US, China, EU ...
• Small nations perceive India as "Big brother" influencing their internal matters
• Tendency of elites of small neighbors to deflect internal problem on external entity-India.

India has total of 9 neighbors (7 SAARC neighbors apart from China & Myanmar)

1. Pakistan
2. Afghanistan
3. Nepal 
4. Bhutan
5. Bangladesh
6. Sri Lanka
7. Myanamar 
8. China
9. Myanmar

We will analyse relations with each of them but first why relations with neighbors important.

• successful regional integration like ASEAN, EU shows importance in improving overall quality of life of citizens. 
• face similar challenges of poverty alleviation, terrorism, ethnic conflicts, climate change, organised crimes. 
• third world solidarity required for issues concerning us eg. reform in institution of global governance- WTO, WB, UN
• while small, developing nations do not have significant say in international matter, together aligned they can punch much beyond their weight.

Therefore, normal if not friendly relation required for development and growth.

What has been India's policy with neighborhood?
India recognizes significance of its neighbors and deals with them on following stated frameworks .

• Panchsheel
• Gujral Doctrine
• Neighborhood First Policy(2014)