China's interference is a big challenge for India...?
India's "Neighborhood First" policy has long been the basis of its foreign policy. Its aim is to build strong and cooperative relations with its neighboring countries. But today india faces big challenges like instability in its neighborhood and increasing Chinese interference. India's neighborhood in South Asia is part of its identity not only geographically, but also culturally and historically. Still, border disputes, especially with china and pakistan, political turmoil in neighboring countries and China's strategic moves have made this policy of india difficult.
India's relations with bhutan are very good. Both countries are deep partners in trade and development. But there too china is increasing its territorial claims, especially regarding the Doklam plateau, which is strategically important for India. India's relations with sri lanka are also getting stronger. Work is going on on economic and defense cooperation there. sri lanka has assured india that its land will not be used against India. But the situation is not so easy in countries like nepal, Bangladesh, maldives and Myanmar.
Nepal has had historical relations with India. But the Agniveer scheme and some incidents of the past have soured these relations. nepal is now also looking towards china, which has increased India's concern. Due to internal political instability in Bangladesh, there is a danger of its land being used against India. However, it has allowed india to use its ports. China's economic hold in the maldives has become so strong that there is a possibility of military bases and surveillance equipment being built there.
The ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar and China's support to the military government there can pose a threat to India's northeastern states. India's relationship with pakistan has always been tense. Border disputes and terrorism have deepened the mistrust. China's growing influence is the biggest challenge for india in all these countries. It is getting these countries on its side through its Belt and Road initiative and economic aid. This is trying to reduce India's influence.
India's neighborhood is not just a geography for it, but the basis of its security, stability and development. But the economic weakness and political instability of neighboring countries has given china an opportunity to make inroads in these countries. The economic crisis in sri lanka has affected India's exports. China's help to small countries like maldives has tried to distance them from India. india has always given unconditional help to its neighbors as per its policy. But the neighbors feel that india does not treat them equally. This has increased the feeling of distrust.
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