Modi kickstarts new term by expanding horizons of friendship with immediate and extended neighbourhood

Having laid firm ground for a pragmatic foreign policy during his first term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who returned to power with spectacular mandate entered into a mission mode.  As a novice, Modi surprised strategists with his out of the box initiative of inviting SAARC members for his swearing-in ceremony in 2014. Pressing into action, his foreign policy doctrine of bolstering regional ties, Modi inaugurated his second innings and invited heads of the state of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) member countries for his oath taking ceremony.

Back in 2014 with a focus on improving ties with South Asian countries, Modi Unveiled Neighbourhood first policy. In response to the changing geopolitical equations, India unwilling to be encumbered by the narrow definitions of South Asia has sought to revive its ties beyond the narrow defines of the region. In a bid to “reimagine its neighbourhood”, beyond the boundaries of SAARC, Modi began cultivating ties with BIMSTEC countries. In 2016, India invited BIMSTEC countries for the 2016 BRICS summit at Goa and ever since, New Delhi took special interest in reviving the regional grouping started in 1997. At the 4^th BIMSTEC summit at Kathmandu, member countries reiterated strong commitment to combat terrorism. Soon, the countries held a joint anti-terror military drills for the first time in September 2018. Sustaining the momentum, New Delhi is seeking to enhance multi-dimensional cooperation with BIMSTEC countries, which are integral to India’s- Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East and Indo-Pacific construct.

BIMSTEC sub-regional grouping includes littorals of Bay of Bengal-Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Himalayan countries Nepal and Bhutan. Except Thailand and Myanmar all other countries are part of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). To aggressively promote regional cooperation, South Asian countries ambitiously started SAARC, but Pakistan’s intransigence and insidious anti-India agenda marred grouping. BIMSTEC is thus a perfect alternative to the SAARC nearing extinction.

Due to Pakistan’s obstructionist approach, India’s whose aspirations are impeded was driven towards BIMSTEC. Despite three decades of existence, SAARC as a regional grouping fail to achieve its basic objectives of enhancing regional cooperation, seamless connectivity and heightened economic cooperation. Islamabad held SAARC hostage its animosities towards India and roadblocked India’s initiatives. Eventually, in search of better opportunities for greater economic engagement, smaller countries began to look beyond the sub-continent. China another giant in the immediate vicinity became obvious choice. Capable of doling out big monies, Beijing stepped up investments, unveiled connectivity corridors with SAARC countries and making inroads into the region. These developments posed a strategic challenge to India’s interests in the region. Though India can’t compete with China in terms of extending financial assistance, New Delhi expedited infrastructure projects with BIMSTEC countries.

India shares both land and sea borders with BIMSTEC countries rejuvenated its ties to bolster Act East Policy. Given the geographical proximity and strategic location, driven by its agenda of strengthening connectivity links with North East, which is faraway from economic centres and ensure security in the Bay of Bengal region India engaged with BIMSTEC. Myanmar and Thailand, in continuum with Indian sub-continent served as pivotal land bridges to South East Asian Region and beyond. Thus, a comprehensive engagement with BIMSTEC could provide massive fillip to India’s Act East Policy. Of late Bay of Bengal is emerging as a strategically important region since it overlaps with the Indo-Pacific which is witnessing major power contestations. By virtue of its proximity to this region, India is now proving to be an indispensable partner in the power play of Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Besides, BIMSTEC members Modi extended invitation to Kyrgyzstan Republic and Mauritius, that represent Central Asia and Indian Ocean Region respectively. Kyrgyzstan, the current chair of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is India’s gateway to the Eurasian Region. Modi is keen on using this opportunity to step up India’s bilateral ties with Kyrgyz Republic interested in Indian defence equipment. Since his visit to Central Asian Republics in 2015, Modi government had revitalised ties with the region energising India’s Connect Central Asia Policy of 2012. Earlier in 2011, India initiated “Khanjar series” of joint military exercises with Kyrgyz Republic. Since then India established IT centres at Krygyz Military units and expanded the military drills. Krygyz has sourced most of its defence products from Russia. Given the commonality of the equipment, Kyrgyz is interested in Indian defence technologies. India is likely to extend $100 million line of credit for the same.

Maritime security cooperation is top most priority of India foreign policy. In line with India’s approach to secure vital shipping lines and expand its maritime presence New Delhi signed an agreement to upgrade sea and air links to the Agalega islands of Mauritius. Modi’s invitation thus reiterates India’s commitment to strengthen multi-faceted bilateral cooperation with Mauritius which has 68% of people of Indian Origin.

Given the assertive rise of China, its looming presence in the Indian Ocean Region and stealthy intrusions into the Bay of Bengal region, India is now forced to shift its focus to BIMSTEC region.  For long, India endured the traditional diplomatic hostility of Pakistan and vain fully expended resources and diplomatic capital in energising SAARC. Sceptical of SAARC’s revival, India embarked on exploring potential trade and investment opportunities by expanding its frontiers to new sub-regions. While cooperation among BIMSTEC countries is still in infancy through renewed outreach efforts, Modi besides underscoring the importance of BIMSTEC infused fresh energy for intra-regional cooperation. Honouring Modi’s invitation President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Bangladesh Mohammed Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister of Nepal K. P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering, President of Myanamar U Win Myint, Special Envoy of Thailand Grisada Boonrach, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravid Jugnauth attended the swearing in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi. Hours after taking charge, Modi held wide-ranging deliberations with President of Kyrgyz Republic.

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