By fostering stability and cooperation among its neighbors, India can create a more secure and prosperous regional order.
By Vipul Tamhane
It’s been 79 years since Nehru’s historic "Tryst with Destiny" speech, and India finds itself amidst a neighborhood marked by instability, conflict, and economic challenges. India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s adage, "You can choose your friends but you cannot choose your neighbors", rings profoundly true in the context of India’s current geopolitical landscape.
India's geographical position is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it grants access to crucial maritime trade routes. On the other, it places the country in close proximity to regions prone to turmoil. To the west, Pakistan, a nuclear-armed neighbor, remains a persistent security threat with economic downturn. Afghanistan, under the Taliban's iron grip, serves as a breeding ground for extremism, indirectly impacting India's security.
To the east, the situation is equally complex. Nepal, traditionally a close ally, has been experiencing political instability due to Chinese strong-arming. The emergence of China as a dominant force in the region has further complicated matters. While maintaining cordial relations, Bhutan is also under increasing Chinese influence and is entering a border agreement with China. Myanmar, mired in civil conflict, poses a security challenge. Bangladesh, once a steadfast friend, is grappling with internal issues, with the recent ousting of long-serving leader PM Sheikh Hasina. The Indian Ocean island nations, Sri Lanka and Maldives, have faced economic crises and are slowly yet openly turning on India.
These challenges have far-reaching implications for India. The constant need to maintain a robust military posture to counter potential threats drains significant resources. Moreover, the instability in the neighborhood provides fertile ground for anti-India forces to operate. China, India's primary geopolitical rival, has been adept at exploiting these vulnerabilities, increasing its influence in the region. This has resulted in a strategic encirclement of India, limiting its diplomatic maneuverability.
National security is a multifaceted and delicate issue, requiring expertise and nuanced analysis to address effectively. India, with its rich history of internal security challenges, including insurgencies and terrorism, has developed sophisticated strategies to safeguard its national interests. The nation's approach to counter-insurgency and counterterrorism integrates military, political, and social elements, reflecting its comprehensive stance on
security management.
India’s national security framework emphasizes several key areas to mitigate potential threats. To start with, intelligence gathering is paramount, aiming to detect and thwart potential attacks through enhanced surveillance and analysis. Border security also plays a crucial role, with reinforced controls designed to prevent terrorist infiltration. To top this, counterinsurgency operations are conducted to address internal insurgencies, particularly in volatile regions like Kashmir and the Northeast. International cooperation further strengthens India’s security posture, enabling intelligence sharing and joint operations with allied nations.
The geopolitical context of India introduces further complexities. Neighboring Pakistan's history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, along with China’s aggressive policies, pose significant external threats. The internal dynamics of nearby nations, such as Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, add layers to the security challenges India faces. Emerging threats like terrorism funding, cyber warfare, and hybrid tactics, which combine conventional and unconventional strategies, further complicate the security landscape. In response, India has implemented various measures to enhance its security apparatus. These include advancing border security through technological upgrades and increased force deployment, developing specialized counter-terrorism units, and bolstering intelligence capabilities.
Despite these advancements, India must continuously adapt its strategies to evolving threats. Addressing underlying issues such as poverty and inequality, building community resilience, and fostering international partnerships remain vital for ensuring long-term security and stability. Though facing challenges, India is not without leverage. Its substantial economic and demographic weight makes it a crucial player in the region. However, translating this potential
into effective influence requires a delicate balancing act. India must navigate complex relationships, provide economic assistance without compromising its sovereignty, and project a strong image as a regional security provider.
India's neighborhood is a complex mosaic of challenges and opportunities. The nation must adopt a multi-pronged approach, combining diplomacy, economic engagement, and military preparedness. By fostering stability and cooperation among its neighbors, India can create a more secure and prosperous regional order. The journey ahead is arduous, but the stakes are high. India's ability to navigate this complex terrain will significantly shape its trajectory as a global power.
India's national security strategy should focus on a multifaceted approach due to its complex geopolitical environment. Key parameters include military modernization, border security, maritime security, economic stability, cybersecurity, internal cohesion, diplomacy and alliances, and non-traditional threats. Military modernization aims to enhance the armed forces' capabilities to deal with potential interstate conflicts, while border security strengthens
surveillance and defense mechanisms along disputed boundaries. Maritime security protects India's coastline and maritime interests in the Indian Ocean, while economic stability fosters resilience to withstand regional economic challenges. Counter-terrorism and combating terrorism financing measures are key to cutting the lifeline of cross-border and internal insurgent operations.
Cybersecurity safeguards critical infrastructure and information systems against cyber threats. Internal cohesion addresses internal challenges like social discrimination, unemployment, and regional disparities. Diplomacy and alliances build strategic partnerships to counterbalance adversarial influence. Non-traditional threats, such as terrorism, insurgency, and climate change, must be prepared and mitigated.
India's strategic location and geopolitical landscape necessitate a proactive diplomatic approach to safeguard its sovereignty, stability, and democratic values. To achieve this, India should focus on strengthening regional partnerships, such as SAARC revitalization, BIMSTEC, and India-ASEAN ties. Balancing strategic autonomy with major powers like the US, Russia, and China is essential, as is strengthening the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). India should diversify its defense and energy partnerships while maintaining a strategic partnership with Russia.
Economic diplomacy should focus on accelerating economic engagement with Southeast Asia, promoting connectivity initiatives, and positioning India as a global technology hub. Security and defense should be strengthened through border management, military modernization, and counter-terrorism capabilities. Soft power diplomacy can be enhanced through cultural exchange, diaspora engagement, and capacity building. Addressing internal challenges is crucial, including inclusive growth, good governance, and counter-radicalization. By adopting a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, India can effectively navigate the challenges posed by its neighborhood and ensure its own
development and the stability of the region.
Kavi (poet) Pradeep in his patriotic song ‘Hum Laye Hai Tufan Se Kashti Nikal Ke’ from the 1954 Hindi movie 'Jagriti', praises the triumph of his motherland and those who sacrificed to overcome all obstacles and fought the foes throughout her history, and the ode sings how the generations to come shall protect Mother India from any threats that our enemies may bring in the future; well Modi Government will have to focus on the neighbourhood in their third term; there is no other option. Diplomatic efforts with the neighboring countries and investments in economic development will be a crucial strategy in countering geopolitical threats and radicalization, to maintain regional stability. India will soon come to sing ‘ude badal gulal ke', that is, see the days of felicity.
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(The writer is a counter-terrorism expert and a visiting faculty with Pune University (SPPU) at the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies (DDSS). He is also the founder & editor-in-chief at Diplomacy Direct, a public interest think-tank.)
