THE SHOCK EFFECTS OF SOUTH ASIAN TUMULT

THE CONTEXT: India’s geopolitical landscape in South Asia has been marked by unexpected political shifts, necessitating reevaluating its diplomatic strategies. To navigate these challenges, India must adopt pragmatic and assertive solutions that ensure regional stability and strengthen its influence.

THE CAUSE OF CONCERNS:

• Staying Informed and Engaged: India cannot afford to be caught off guard by events in its neighborhood. It must maintain a strong presence and engagement with all stakeholders, including opposition parties, to ensure it is well-informed about the groundswell of anger against any government. India’s engagement with the opposition in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is crucial to understanding the country’s political landscape.
• Pragmatic Engagement: India should adopt a practical approach and engage with all stakeholders in neighboring countries, including those with whom it may have differed. This includes strengthening ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan and engaging with leaders of Sri Lanka’s Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Communist Party of Nepal.
• Loyalty to Friends: India must not forget its friends and should stand by them when needed. This includes supporting ousted leaders, such as Sheikh Hasina, and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Despite its authoritarian tendencies, India’s support of the Awami League government in Bangladesh has been seen as a move to maintain stability in the region.
• Avoiding Communal Binaries: India should avoid reducing neighborhood ties to communal binaries and not assume that good ties are linked to religion. Instead, it should focus on building relationships based on mutual respect and trust, regardless of religious differences. India’s relationship with Nepal, a Hindu-majority country, has been strained in recent years despite their shared cultural heritage.
• Reviving Pan-South Asian Mechanisms: India needs to regain its place as the pre-eminent power in the subcontinent and revive pan-South Asian mechanisms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). India’s decision to withdraw from SAARC in 2016 was seen as a setback for regional cooperation.
• Addressing Economic and Democratic Challenges: India and other South Asian capitals must address economic challenges such as joblessness, unequal growth, and democratic backsliding. This includes ensuring that dissent is not stifled and that democratic institutions are strengthened.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Proactive Engagement and Intelligence Gathering: India should increase its diplomatic presence in neighboring countries by deploying more diplomats and intelligence officers. For instance, India’s existing consulates in Bangladesh could be leveraged for more comprehensive intelligence gathering. India must also engage with all political factions, including building relationships with opposition parties in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal and ensuring a balanced approach.
• Pragmatic Diplomacy: India should maintain diplomatic relations with all groups, including those historically unfriendly, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Communist Party in Nepal. This pragmatic approach can help India maintain its influence and stability in the region. India’s foreign policy should be flexible enough to adapt to changing political landscapes.
• Avoiding Communal Binaries: India should refrain from viewing its relationships through a religious lens. The complex relationship with Hindu-majority Nepal and strong ties with Muslim-majority Maldives demonstrate the need for a secular diplomatic approach. Emphasize common economic and strategic interests rather than religious affiliations. This can help build stronger, more resilient partnerships across the region.
• Strengthening Regional Mechanisms: India should work towards revitalizing regional cooperation frameworks like SAARC and BIMSTEC. These platforms can collectively address challenges such as terrorism, economic instability, and climate change. By strengthening regional mechanisms, India can counterbalance external influences, particularly from China, increasing its presence in South Asia through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Addressing Economic and Social Inequities: India should collaborate with neighboring countries to promote inclusive economic growth, addressing issues like joblessness and unequal growth. Initiatives could include regional trade agreements and joint infrastructure projects. Focus on developing regional supply chains and enhancing connectivity to boost economic integration and reduce disparities.
• Learning from Democratic Transitions: India should maintain an adaptable foreign policy that does not rely on specific leaders or parties. This includes preparing for political transitions and engaging with all political entities. Encourage and support democratic processes in neighboring countries, ensuring India remains a stable and supportive partner during transitions.

THE CONCLUSION:

By embracing proactive engagement, pragmatic diplomacy, and regional cooperation, India can effectively address the complexities of its neighborhood. These strategies will enhance India’s regional standing and contribute to long-term peace and prosperity in South Asia.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka the light of the preceding statement 2022

Q.2 Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. 2016

Q.3 The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 has major security implications for the region’s countries. Examine because India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its strategic interests. 2013

Q.4 The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? 2013

Q.5 Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? 2013

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Discuss India’s challenges in maintaining stable relations with its South Asian neighbors, considering the regional political upheavals.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-shock-effects-of-south-asian-tumult/article68521412.ece