The Foreign Policies of India’s Immediate Neighbours a Reflective Interpretation

Abstract

The foreign policies of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have focussed mainly on Indian security concerns. These states have avoided a clash with India. Where clashes occurred, as in India-Nepal relations, 1950 and India-Sri Lanka relations, 1987, India intervened to stress her claims. India's relationship with Pakistan has been unsatisfactory. Both states feed on each other's military insecurity. In 1948 Sri Lanka had similar fears. However, its participation in the nonalignment movement has been in harmony with India's. Pakistan sought admission and joined the US alliance network against the USSR. Pakistan's trajectory invites US and PRC interest and India has secured a position with the Indo-Soviet Treaty, 1971. The involvement by major power threatens South Asian peace. The SAARC is neither a solution for economic nor for political problems. South Asia should be recognised as a sub-system for international purposes. In that event the meddling of foreign powers in a volatile area can be monitored by the United Nations to restore confidence and stability in the region.