Explain India’s major concerns in South Asia

Explain India’s major concerns in South Asia

India’s major concerns in South Asia stem from its strategic, economic, and security interests in the region.

These concerns shape India’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements with its South Asian neighbors. Some of the key concerns include:

1. Security Challenges: India faces various security challenges in South Asia, including cross-border terrorism, insurgencies, and transnational crime. The presence of militant groups and extremist elements in neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan, poses a threat to India’s internal security and stability. India seeks cooperation from South Asian countries in countering terrorism and violent extremism, as well as addressing issues related to border security and illegal cross-border activities.
2. Territorial Disputes: India has unresolved territorial disputes with several South Asian neighbors, including Pakistan, China, and Nepal. The dispute over the region of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and China remains a longstanding issue that has led to conflicts and tensions in the region. Border disputes with Nepal and occasional skirmishes along the Indo-Nepal border also pose challenges to India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
3. Influence of External Powers: India is concerned about the growing influence of external powers, particularly China, in South Asia. China’s increasing investments, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic engagements in countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives raise concerns about strategic encirclement and competition in India’s immediate neighborhood. India seeks to counterbalance external influence by strengthening its own economic ties, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic relations with South Asian countries.
4. Economic Integration and Development: India views South Asia as a critical region for economic integration and development, given its potential for trade, investment, and regional cooperation. However, economic disparities, trade barriers, and infrastructure deficits hinder the realization of India’s vision for a prosperous and interconnected South Asia. India’s concerns about market access, trade imbalances, and non-tariff barriers in South Asian countries pose challenges to regional economic integration efforts.
5. Regional Stability and Cooperation: India seeks to promote stability and cooperation in South Asia through initiatives such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and bilateral engagement with neighboring countries. However, geopolitical rivalries, historical animosities, and domestic political challenges have impeded progress on regional cooperation and integration. India’s concerns about regional stability and security extend to issues such as maritime security, energy cooperation, and water resource management in South Asia.

Overall, India’s major concerns in South Asia revolve around security challenges, territorial disputes, influence of external powers, economic integration, and regional stability. Addressing these concerns requires proactive diplomatic engagement, conflict resolution mechanisms, and cooperative approaches to foster peace, security, and prosperity in the region.