B S Dara
bsdara@gmail.com
From Pakistan’s internal shifts to Afghanistan’s isolation and China’s expanding footprint, New Delhi faces a complex regional landscape that demands sustained diplomatic engagement.
India today stands at the centre of a region undergoing profound political, security, and economic transitions. The neighbourhood that surrounds South Asia,extending from the Himalayan belt to the Indian Ocean, and from West Asia to the Indo-Pacific,is marked by multiple crises that intersect with India’s national interests. These shifts demand careful diplomatic engagement, sustained strategic attention, and a rounded foreign-policy outlook.
Now more than ever, India’s choices carry wider implications. As the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies, India is expected to play a stabilising role even when several of its immediate neighbours face internal turbulence. The regional landscape today is shaped by a combination of political uncertainty, economic strain, security threats, and shifting global alignments. Navigating these conditions requires an approach rooted in balance, restraint, and long-term strategy.
To India’s west, Pakistan remains in the midst of institutional and political uncertainty. Recent constitutional amendments that expand the authority and legal protection of the military chief have reshaped Pakistan’s political order. While Islamabad explains these steps as measures for stability, they also highlight the long-standing imbalance between civilian institutions and the military establishment.
Economic challenges persist, and Pakistan’s reliance on international lending continues. Inflation remains high, foreign investment is minimal, and governance capacity is stretched. The domestic security environment has become more complex due to frequent attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan(TTP). The group’s resurgence has worsened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, resulting in cross-border clashes and growing mistrust.
For India, an unstable and a nuclear-armed Pakistan facing political volatility, economic weakness, and rising militancy creates an unpredictable security environment. India’s policy has been to maintain vigilance, avoid escalation, and encourage regional stability wherever possible.
To the east, Bangladesh is experiencing a sensitive political phase following the collapse of an elected government and the formation of an interim authority. The transition period has brought both uncertainty and debate over the long-term direction of Bangladesh’s democracy.
Economically, Bangladesh is under pressure due to reduced exports, global inflationary trends, and investor caution. While the fundamentals of its garment-driven economy remain strong, political unpredictability affects confidence. For India, Bangladesh remains an essential partner in connectivity, counter-terrorism, and regional trade. New Delhi has extended support where appropriate and continues to emphasise stability, democratic processes, and bilateral cooperation.
Sri Lanka continues to navigate the aftermath of its 2022 financial collapse, one of the worst economic crises in its history. Although the situation has improved compared to the peak of the crisis, the island nation remains dependent on international assistance, debt restructuring programs, and domestic reforms.
The political climate remains delicate.Public trust in institutions is not fully restored. For India, Sri Lanka is a vital maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean. Delhi’s early assistance,fuel, food, medicines, and credit lines ,helped prevent a deeper collapse. Today, India continues to engage through development assistance, infrastructure projects, and open communication channels.
A stable Sri Lanka contributes to wider Indian Ocean security, and India’s diplomacy has sought to ensure Colombo’s balanced engagement with all external partners, including China.
Nepal’s political landscape remains fluid, marked by coalition shifts, public protests, and internal political bargaining. While Kathmandu has maintained democratic processes, the frequent changes in leadership and policy uncertainty make its governance vulnerable.
India shares deep historical, cultural, and economic ties with Nepal, and the relationship remains one of the most people-to-people-driven in the region. However, increasing geopolitical interest from China has added new layers to Nepal’s political dynamics. India’s approach has been to maintain respect for Nepal’s sovereignty, promote connectivity, facilitate trade, and expand energy cooperation, especially in hydropower.
Afghanistan remains one of the most complex actors in the region. Since the Taliban takeover, the country has been largely isolated internationally, with limited diplomatic engagement and almost no formal recognition. The humanitarian situation is severe, and economic reconstruction remains limited. Security concerns persist, including the presence of transnational extremist networks.
Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated as both sides trade accusations over militancy and border incidents. These tensions have implications for regional stability, refugee flows, and counter-terrorism efforts.
India has adopted a humanitarian-driven approach, offering wheat, medical assistance, and essential supplies. Without formal recognition, New Delhi has maintained functional engagement and emphasised the need for Afghanistan to adhere to inclusive governance and counter-terror commitments.
China remains a central factor in South Asian geopolitics. Beijing’s strategic, economic, and military footprint ,from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean ,shapes regional developments. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), border infrastructure build-up, and deep defence cooperation with Islamabad signal a long-term strategic partnership that India must assess carefully.
At the same time, China’s economic engagement with Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar reflects a broader regional pattern. India’s position has been consistent that the regional development must be transparent, sustainable, and respectful of sovereign decision-making. China’s approach often prioritises its own strategic interests, and this remains a challenge in India-China relations.
The boundary issue between India and China continues to be sensitive. India has emphasised that peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control are essential for the broader relationship to progress.
India’s relations with major global powers form the second layer of its strategic environment. With the United States, ties in defence, technology, trade, and education have grown significantly. However, certain trade-related concerns, including unresolved tariff issues, remain. Washington’s renewed interest in Pakistan due to Afghanistan-related calculations also requires careful monitoring.
Europe views India as a vital partner in global supply-chain resilience, green energy, and security partnerships. EU-India relations have expanded, although occasional political differences appear in multilateral settings.
Russia continues to be a longstanding and important partner for India. Despite global tensions arising from the Ukraine conflict, India has adopted a balanced, independent position rooted in strategic autonomy. Energy cooperation with Russia has enabled India to stabilise domestic fuel prices during global volatility. Defence cooperation continues, though India is diversifying its suppliers and expanding indigenous production.
Moscow remains an important touchpoint in India’s continental strategy, particularly concerning Central Asia and counter-terrorism. New Delhi’s continued ability to maintain a balanced relationship with both the West and Russia is an asset in its diplomatic toolkit.
India’s relations with the Gulf countries ,UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait,have strengthened significantly. These nations are crucial partners for energy security, trade, and the welfare of millions of Indian citizens working in the region. Integrated economic models, investment corridors, and defence cooperation have deepened these partnerships.
Israel remains one of India’s closest technological and defence partners. Yet Israel itself is navigating a difficult geopolitical moment due to the Gaza conflict. India has maintained a principled, balanced stance, supporting humanitarian concerns while maintaining strategic cooperation.
The Indo-Pacific has become the arena where India’s long-term strategic future is likely to be shaped. Mechanisms like the Quad,involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australi,stress transparency, maritime security, and respect for territorial sovereignty. India’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific reflects its vision of a free, open, and inclusive regional order.
India’s foreign policy over the past decade has shown maturity, continuity, and adaptability. Whether managing crises in neighbouring countries, responding to global conflicts, or advancing multilateral engagement, India has maintained a consistent emphasis on dialogue, stability, and cooperation.
The challenges, however, are considerable. India’s foreign policy must balance these complexities while ensuring national security and economic growth.
Amid these regional uncertainties, India is increasingly seen as an anchor for stability. Its democratic institutions, youthful economy, technological capacity, and principled diplomacy have enhanced its international credibility. India’s humanitarian assistance ,from pandemic support to disaster relief ,has reinforced its reputation as a responsible regional power.
A peaceful and prosperous Asia requires a regional order grounded in cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect. India’s role, therefore, is central. New Delhi is expected to show leadership in strengthening regional institutions, expanding connectivity, promoting energy security, and encouraging peaceful dispute resolution.
India’s immediate neighbourhood is passing through a challenging phase marked by political transitions, economic pressures, and contested security environments. Yet these conditions also present opportunities for India to deepen partnerships, provide guidance, and shape a constructive regional narrative.
Going forward, India’s foreign policy will need to remain measured, forward-looking, and adaptable. Whether in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Ocean, West Asia, Eurasia, or within South Asia itself, India’s choices will help define the region’s trajectory. A strong, stable, and outward-looking India is not only in the national interest, it is a necessity for the future of Asia.
As an independent Indian foreign affairs observer, one hopes the subcontinent rises above its cycles of crisis and confrontation, choosing cooperation, maturity, and foresight, the very principles that once shaped its shared civilisational wisdom.
As an independent Indian foreign affairs observer, one believes the region will endure its present uncertainties just as it has weathered past storms, for resilience is South Asia’s oldest inheritance. As Iqbal wrote:”Kuch toh baat hai ke hasti mit’ti nahin hamari,Sadiyon raha hai dushman daur-e-zaman hamara.”
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