India and Neighborhood: India-Pakistan, India-Nepal, India-China, India-Myanmar, India-Bangladesh, India-Maledives, India-Sri Lanka relations- SAARC-BBIN-SASEC-BIMSTEC- Vaccine Diplomacy

 It does not Matter whether your Neighbors are Good or Bad, they are the First , who will come forward at your Ups and Downs. OR "We can Change our Friends but not our Neighbors" 

India has gained the status of 'Big Brother' from its immediate neighborhood, this status did not come merely due to the Size and Population of the Country. It may due to Non-Alignment Movement(NAM), Panchsheel Treaty, Gujral Doctrine, Cultural Connect, and many more. You will be happy to know that India has joined the elite club of nation in many respect ranging from Vaccine development against COVID-19, Nuclear Technology, Space Technology, Defence Technology etc. In this Article you will going to have a brief idea of India's relations with its immediate neighbors viz, Pakistan, Nepal, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, and Maldives, then about SAARC, BBIN, BIMSTEC groupings and at the end Vaccine Diplomacy of India. Let's begin with Pakistan...

INDIA-PAKISTAN:

As we all know, relations of these two Countries are not flowing towards favorable or right direction, it may due to Anti-India policies of Pakistan which is promoting Terrorism in the region, unprovoked ceasefire violations at western borders, Unnecessary confrontations at International Forums, Planing and executing terrorist activities directly or indirectly into India and lot more. Let's have a brief look on recent happenings of Kishenganga Project issue and Gilgit- Baltistan Issue.

Kishenganga Project issue, In former State of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), PM Modi, recently inaugurated the State run NHPC Ltd's Hydro-Power Project, under the project water from Kishenganga River will be diverted to power plant in the Jhelum River basin through an underground tunnel and discharge the water into the Wular Lake. In 2012, Pakistan objected the development of project and appealed to Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration, and claimed that the project violated the Indus Water Treaty. After taking the cognizance of the case, Court of Arbitration ordered India to submit technical data of the project and allowed India to go ahead with the construction, it also ordered that a minimum of 9 cubic metre of flow should be maintained across the border.

Gilgit-Baltistan issue, Pakistan recently decided to integrate the region into the Federal Structure of the Country, India lodged a strong protest against this move. Pakistan Govt consistently upheld that Gilgit-Baltistan is a UN declared disputed area and her residents can not be declared Citizens of Pakistan until India and Pakistan resolve the issue of Accession of J&K, in line with the above commitment, in 2009, Pakistan had passed a Gilgit-Baltistan empowerment and Self-Governance order, which granted self-rule to the people by creating a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council. Now, against all these, Pakistan Govt has approved an executive order namely Gilgit-Baltistan order,2018 and start integrating the region with the rest of the Country. Later, the order was challenged in the Apex Court of Pakistan but nothing favorable came out, Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the integration of region along with Gilgit-Baltistan order of 2018. Indian Govt again lodged a strong protest against the ruling and claimed that entire Union Territory of J&K and Ladakh, Including areas of Gilgit-Baltistan are 'integral part of India'. In 1994, a resolution was passed in the Indian Parliament which reaffirmed that the entire region is a part of former state of J&K.

Terrorism in Pakistan, many terrorist organisations and outfits are active in the soil of Pakistan, from past few decades, these terrorists outfits wounded India like never before. For more detailed elaboration please visit the link, https://pandemic365.blogspot.com/2021/01/terrorism-and-india-plane-hijack.html

INDIA-NEPAL:

Both Countries have cordial relations since the eve of Independence of India. India-Nepal treaty of peace and friendship of 1950 forms the roots of this cordial and ever friendly relations. Mahakali treaty of 1996, signed for development of Pancheswar multi-purpose project, Power trade agreement signed in 2014, to buy and sell electricity during the time of shortages, these are few proof to know the deepness of the relations. Recent, Unveiling of a new Political Map by Nepal which claimed Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh areas of Uttrakhand as their own Territory, created a major jolt in the friendly relations. Political experts have said that the unveiling of new map is perhaps in retaliation of Nepal's objection to construction of road by India in Lipulekh region. Actually, India has constructed a new route to provide ease to pilgrims of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the route is passing via Lipulekh pass. India has controlled this territory since 1950s and also built infrastructure there, China in 2015, even recognized the India's Sovereignty over the area. Nepalese authorities consider the Treaty of Suguali, 1816, as the only authentic documents for boundary settlement. Anti-India sentiments have been running high in Nepal due to India's alleged role in Nepal's internal Politics and favoring Madhesi people.

INDIA-BHUTAN:

Bhutan is the closest friend of India and it will not be an exaggeration to say, she is an ally of India. The origin of relation can be trace back to friendship treaty of 1949, which was amended in 2007, the treaty says that both the Countries will ensure peace, friendship, and protect each other's National interests. Economically, India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan. Both Countries share a deep cooperation in hydro power projects which includes Tala Hydro power project, Chukha Hydro power project etc. In 2006, both Countries signed, India and Bhutan framework agreement on hydro power development and trade to develop 10,000 MW of hydro power by 2020.

INDIA-CHINA:

If you are interested to have a brief and complete information about India-China relations, please visit the given link, https://pandemic365.blogspot.com/2020/12/india-china-tibet-factor-panchsheel.html

INDIA-MYANMAR:

Almost entire North-East India have connectivity with Myanmar, NSCN and its factions even demanded a part of Northern Myanmar territory to form Greater Nagalim. Myanmar also share maritime border with India in Bay of Bengal. Experts and scholars have claimed that she can play an important role in 'Neighborhood First policy' and 'Act East policy' of India, also she may be treated as Gateway to enter the markets of ASEAN nations. In 2017, the country was devastated by the deadly cyclone MORA, India provided humanitarian relief assistance. Recently, both Countries open a coordinated bus service, signed treaties related to extradition. India has offered medical radiation equipment for the treatment of cancer patients, authorities in Myanmar had created a conducive platform to launch India's Rupay Card. Ananda Temple and Buddha statue are some symbols of cultural cooperation. In 2018, they have signed Land Border Crossing Agreement, which will help to make people to people contact and also marked the abolition of special land entry permission which was previously required for the visitors entering the Country via land routes. In contrary to this, relations between both the Countries are not moving as expected due to delayed infrastructure projects, China Factor(China-Myanmar Economic Corridor,CMEC), India's plan to deport the Rohingya Refugees back to Myanmar.

INDIA-BANGLADESH:

The root of relations can be trace back to liberation of Bangladesh from the clutches of Pakistan. Since then, both Countries share extensive and porous boundary. India believes that stable, tolerant and prosperous Bangladesh may help India in stopping extremism, sharing intelligence and other counter-terrorism efforts. Bangladesh can play an important role in realizing India's Act East policy, experts are of the view that friendly Bangladesh can be a platform to stop anti-India activities because it was found that leader of insurgent groups were using Bangladesh soil to fight against India. In Rooppur Atomic Energy project(An Indo-Russian project in Bangladesh), India will provide personnel training, consultation supports and participate in the construction and erection activity. The Country is also using the multi-dimensional facilities provided by South Asian Satellite(SAARC Satellite) which further help in boosting regional connectivity. India is currently supplies about 1200 MW power to the Bangladesh. In one of the recent meet a joint declaration was called for the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary(2019), birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman(2020), and 50 years of Bangladesh war of liberation(2021). During virtual summit of Dec.2020, India assured the delivery of vaccine against COVID-19. There are many challenges which both the Countries have to settle which include effective border management and tackling transnational crimes such as smuggling of Arms, Narcotics, fake Currency and trafficking of women and children. River water dispute is also one of the major issue between two Countries, specially the sharing of Teesta River Water, Bangladesh has raised concerns over enactment of Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA), National Register of Citizenship(NRC), and labeling of migrant people living in Assam as 'illegal immigrant from Bangladesh'. Excessive presence of Chinese infrastructures and other investments in Bangladesh's soil and increasing trend of Radicalization are some of the other challenges needs to be tackle.

INDIA-SRI LANKA:

Relations of Sri-Lanka and India are deep rooted since ancient time, Indian interest in the island country are driven by important factors which include post-war reconciliation and respect for the dignity of the Tamil minority. Indo-Sri Lanka free trade agreement of 2000, was a major initiative to boost-up the trade, gradually, this made India become the largest trading partner of Island nation globally. Both Countries have signed many MoUs to develop Ports, Airports,  Oil Tank farms, Rail track etc. In recent visit of former Sri-Lankan PM, he insisted for the revival of SAARC for better regional integration. SAARC summits are not taking place since the terrorist attack on Army Base camp at Uri, J&K. Challenges in the relation are deep and alarming, because it appears like Sri-Lanka is fallen into the debt-trap of China, as hambantota port is given on lease for 99 years to the China, Beijing is trying to put a military base into the island nation. Conflicts between Sinhala and Tamil had already undermined bilateral ties in recent decades.

INDIA-MALEDIVES:

India was one of the first Country to recognize the sovereignty of Maledives. The island Country is situated at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean. India has provided financial assistance to recover from debt-trap. Recently, an 'Air Bubble' agreement was signed for travel and providing a direct ferry service. Maledives has reaffirmed its commitment of 'India first policy'. In 2014, India helped Male to tackle water crisis under 'operation Neer', Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital is proving a much needed health service in the Island nation. Challenges are also dark, Maldives recently faced a severe Political uncertainty, Chinese debt-trap, Radicalization of youths etc. 

Notable Regional Groupings:

SAARC-

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC), it was signed in 1985, with the objective to promote the welfare of the people living in South Asia, other objective include eliminating Poverty, Improving quality of Life, Mutual trust etc. Members of the group are Afganistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Sri-Lanka, and Maldives. Leaders and Scholars have insisted to revive the group because South Asian identity which is based on Culture, Language, Religion etc are embedded in the Group. SAARC has the potential to eliminate terrorism, energy shortage and it may also be a platform to tackle Climate Change. Geographical advantage in South Asia can become a boon for generating huge amount of Hydro-Power. If India want to realize the goals of 'Neighbhorhood first' policy, the group can be a conducive platform. Moving in this direction recently SAARC development fund(SDF) was launched with the aim to convert it into a Regional Bank.

SASEC-

South Asian Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation(SASEC), which has member Countries viz, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives seems to be an alternative platform to realize the goals of SAARC.

BBIN-

Bangldesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal(BBIN), It is an another platform launched in Nov. 2014. Pakistan refused to sign SAARC Motor Vehicle agreement, this was probably the sole reason for the formation of this group. In June, 2015 BBIN have signed a sub-regional Motor Vehicle agreement, now it is a milestone in improving trade facilitation, promoting investment etc. The grouping has paved the way for the greater market access. The main concern of the group is not ratification of the agreement by Bhutan, leaders there raised concerns of adverse environmental impact.

BIMSTEC-

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation(BIMSTEC), it was established in 1997 as BIST-EC with four member Countries viz, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri-Lanka. It was named as BIMSTEC in 2004, after Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan joined the group. The grouping is based on the principle of equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non- interference in internal affairs, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect and benefits etc. In 2004, It adopted a framework to negotiate an free trade agreement(FTA) which has provisions like Tariff concessions, custom cooperation, trade in service, investment cooperation, dispute settlement etc. In 2018, Nepal and Thailand were not participated in the first BIMSTEC anti-terror Military exercise held at Pune, India. The main challenges include the lack of proper political will, Smaller Countries are of the view that the group is dominated by India and Indian hegemony.

Vaccine Diplomacy:

As promised by India to hers neighbors about the delivery of COVID-19 Vaccine, India has dispatched lakhs of doses of Covishield and Covaxin Vaccine, with the first batches to Bhutan and Maldives with special planes as a grant or gift. The release of the shipments is a part of India's 'Neighborhood first' policy and will make India the first Country to reach COVID-19 vaccines in South Asia. Expected delivery of doses are as follow- Pakistan has issued no request for either of the vaccine despite giving approval to AstraZeneca vaccine for use, almost one lakh doses is expected to reach Maldives, nearly 10 lakh doses to Nepal and Bhutan respectively., Bangladesh has requested for 20 lakh doses. Sri-Lanka has got 5 lakh doses as gift from India. To know more about vaccines please visit the link, https://pandemic365.blogspot.com/2021/01/covaxin-vs-covishield-vaccinesdetailed.html