India has several major concerns in South Asia, which are driven by its strategic interests, regional stability, and the complex dynamics within the subcontinent.
Some of the key concerns for India in South Asia include:
- Security and Terrorism: India’s primary concern in South Asia is the threat of terrorism and cross-border infiltration. It has experienced numerous terrorist attacks originating from within the region, including those perpetrated by groups operating from Pakistan. India seeks to counter terrorist activities and maintain regional stability by collaborating with other South Asian countries on intelligence-sharing, counterterrorism operations, and border management.
- Border Disputes and Regional Stability: India has ongoing territorial disputes with several of its neighbors in South Asia, most notably Pakistan and China. The unresolved border issues, such as the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the disputed areas in the northeast, create tensions and pose challenges to regional stability. India’s concerns in this regard include safeguarding its territorial integrity and maintaining peace along its borders.
- Influence of External Powers: India is wary of the influence of external powers in South Asia, particularly China. It is concerned about China’s increasing economic, political, and military engagement with its neighboring countries, as it sees it as a potential encroachment on its traditional sphere of influence. India seeks to counterbalance such influences and maintain its position as a dominant regional power.
- Regional Integration and Connectivity: India places a significant emphasis on regional integration and connectivity initiatives in South Asia. However, its concerns arise from the slow progress and political hurdles in implementing these projects, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM). India’s concerns revolve around the need for enhanced cooperation, connectivity, and trade facilitation within the region to unlock its economic potential.
- Insurgencies and Political Stability: India is concerned about the impact of internal conflicts and insurgencies in neighboring countries. It fears that such unrest can spill across the borders, leading to security challenges and refugee inflows. India seeks political stability in the region, supports peace processes, and engages in capacity-building efforts to assist its neighbors in addressing their internal challenges.
- Water Security: The issue of water security is a significant concern for India in South Asia. It shares river systems with several neighboring countries, including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. Disputes over water sharing, dam construction, and water management policies can potentially escalate tensions and impact India’s water resources, agriculture, and overall development.
- Economic Cooperation and Trade Imbalances: India aims to enhance economic cooperation and trade within the region, but it is concerned about the trade imbalances and non-tariff barriers faced in certain markets. India seeks to address these concerns by advocating for fair trade practices, promoting greater market access, and boosting economic ties through initiatives like the South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and bilateral agreements.
- People-to-People Exchanges and Cultural Diplomacy: India attaches importance to people-to-people exchanges, cultural ties, and diaspora linkages in South Asia. It seeks to foster greater understanding and mutual cooperation among the people of the region. Concerns arise when there are disruptions or restrictions on people-to-people contacts due to political or security issues.
It is important to note that India’s concerns in South Asia are multifaceted and interconnected. They reflect its aspirations for regional stability, security, economic cooperation, and the protection of its national interests. India aims to address these concerns through bilateral engagements, multilateral forums, and diplomatic initiatives to foster collaboration and enhance regional integration in South Asia.