Misguided Foreign Policy Has Left India Friendless in South Asia: Nikkei Asia

India’s diplomatic strategies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have come under fire, resulting in a noticeable decline in allies within South Asia.

A recent article in Nikkei Asia, a Japanese media agency, titled “Misguided Foreign Policy Has Left India Friendless in South Asia,” underscores India’s growing isolation in its own neighborhood. The piece highlights strained relations with key countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

The article attributes these tensions to a combination of internal political issues, mismanagement of regional partnerships, and India’s perceived alignment with global powers such as the U.S. and Japan.

A primary focus is India’s deteriorating ties with Nepal. The report indicates that India’s heavy-handed response to Nepal’s constitutional crisis in 2015, including a blockade of essential supplies, severely damaged bilateral relations. In response, Nepal has sought closer ties with China, raising alarms in New Delhi.

In Bangladesh, policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have created distrust among Bangladeshis. Many view these measures as targeting the Bangladeshi population. Consequently, Dhaka is exploring a diversification of its international partnerships, with China emerging as a significant alternative.

Similarly, Sri Lanka’s relationship with India has also faced hurdles. The Nikkei report highlights how increasing Chinese investments in key infrastructure projects have diminished India’s traditional influence on the island. The Maldives presents a similar scenario, with China’s expanding presence further eroding India’s sway.

The article emphasizes that China has adeptly capitalized on India’s strained relationships with its neighbors. By making strategic investments and forming partnerships, China is strengthening its foothold across South Asia.

Nikkei argues that India’s challenges in countering China’s growing presence stem from miscalculations in foreign policy. New Delhi’s focus on fostering global partnerships has come at the expense of regional diplomacy. The reluctance to confront China openly, while prioritizing relationships with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Quad alliance, has weakened India’s standing in South Asia.

To regain its influence, the report suggests that India needs a more balanced and inclusive approach to regional diplomacy.