The Fallout of India’s Bullying: Neighbors Push Back Against Modi’s Policies

India’s pursuit of regional dominance is pushing its neighbors further away, despite its aspirations to counter China and enhance its global voice. Prime Minister Modi’s government has aggressively interfered in the internal affairs of neighboring countries, causing widespread resentment. India’s actions, from suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan to imposing economic blockades on Nepal, have only fueled distrust and anger in the region.

India’s Overreach in South Asia

India’s efforts to become the dominant power in South Asia have led to increasing isolation from its smaller neighbors. Modi’s aggressive policies in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives are driving them to seek new alliances, particularly with China. These countries, once reliant on India, are now questioning India’s leadership due to its heavy-handed tactics and regional interference.

♦ India’s Heavy-Handed Tactics: India’s interference in its neighbors’ domestic issues has caused significant resentment.
♦ Rising Distrust in India: Smaller states in South Asia are increasingly looking for alternatives to India’s leadership.
♦ Growing Alliances with China: Countries like Nepal and the Maldives are turning to China, signaling India’s declining influence in the region.

India’s attempts to assert itself as the dominant power in South Asia have backfired, alienating its neighbors and pushing them to explore partnerships with rival powers.

Bangladesh’s Growing Disillusionment with India

For decades, Bangladesh and India shared a close relationship, particularly after India’s support for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. However, this relationship began to sour in 2024 when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted after a student-led uprising. India’s response, freezing visas and offering asylum to Hasina, has damaged its relationship with Bangladesh, making India appear unreliable and authoritarian.

♦ India’s Failure to Support Democracy: India failed to support the people of Bangladesh during their political crisis.
♦ India’s Support for Authoritarianism: By sheltering Hasina, India indirectly supported an authoritarian regime.
♦ Unreliable Ally: India’s refusal to extradite Hasina highlights its unreliability as an ally.

India’s actions in Bangladesh demonstrate its disregard for democratic values, showing that its influence is based on manipulation rather than genuine partnerships.

India-Pakistan Tensions: A New Low

India and Pakistan’s relationship has always been tense, but the situation reached new extremes in 2025 when India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a historic water-sharing agreement. This decision followed a terror attack in Pahalgam, which India blamed on Pakistan, leading to cross-border strikes and a dangerous escalation of military tensions. Despite international mediation, the conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations remains unresolved.

♦ Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty: India’s decision to suspend this critical agreement escalated tensions with Pakistan.
♦ Military Escalation: Cross-border strikes between India and Pakistan have brought both countries to the brink of war.
♦ Diplomatic Stalemate: Diplomatic relations are frozen, with no sign of improvement in sight.

India’s aggressive military actions and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty have worsened its relationship with Pakistan, creating a volatile and dangerous situation in the region.

Nepal’s Growing Distance from India

Nepal has long been a close ally of India, but recent events have led to growing resentment. The 2015 blockade, where India was accused of cutting off essential supplies during protests, was a major turning point. Nepal, once a Hindu kingdom closely aligned with India, has increasingly pursued a more independent foreign policy, including renewed ties with China. India’s interference in Nepal’s internal affairs and territorial disputes has deepened the rift.

♦ The 2015 Blockade: Nepal’s accusations of an unofficial blockade by India continue to fuel anger.
♦ Nepal Seeks Independence: Nepal’s shift towards China and its more independent foreign policy mark a break from India.
♦ Territorial Disputes: Disputes over border areas like Kalapani and Lipulekh have further strained ties between the two countries.

Nepal’s growing alignment with China reflects its frustration with India’s interference and its desire to assert more control over its own foreign policy.

The Maldives: Moving Away from India

The Maldives, once a close partner of India, has seen a shift in its foreign policy under President Mohamed Muizzu, who campaigned on reducing India’s influence. The #IndiaOut movement, which gained momentum in 2022-2023, focused on India’s military presence in the Maldives. India’s attempts to exert influence over the island nation’s defense and domestic politics have backfired, leading the Maldives to seek stronger ties with China.

♦ India’s Military Presence: The presence of Indian troops in the Maldives has sparked widespread opposition.
♦ Shift Toward China: The Maldives is turning to China for economic and security partnerships, distancing itself from India.
♦ Political Fallout: The political fallout from India’s interference has significantly damaged relations.

The Maldives’ decision to distance itself from India and seek closer ties with China is a clear indication of the declining influence India has in the region.

Sri Lanka’s Complex Relationship with India

Sri Lanka’s relationship with India has long been shaped by periods of both cooperation and tension. During the country’s economic collapse in 2022, India provided vital aid, but controversies over India’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, particularly in projects like the Adani wind-power project, have led to growing resentment. Sri Lanka is now more cautious about India’s influence, seeking to balance its ties with China while maintaining some level of engagement with India.

♦ India’s Economic Support: India’s aid during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis was crucial but also controversial.
♦ Controversial Projects: India’s push for projects like the Adani wind-power deal has led to accusations of undue political influence.
♦ Sri Lanka’s Balancing Act: Sri Lanka is increasingly navigating a complex path between India and China, seeking to maintain its sovereignty.

Sri Lanka’s efforts to balance its relationships with both India and China show how India’s heavy-handed policies are pushing smaller countries to seek alternatives.

India’s Regional Isolation

India’s attempts to assert itself as the dominant power in South Asia have been marked by overreach, interference, and a disregard for the sovereignty of its neighbors. Modi’s government has alienated countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Maldives, pushing them into the arms of China. As India faces increasing regional rejection, it must reassess its approach and seek to build relationships based on respect and mutual benefit rather than dominance and coercion.