Action Taken Report on ‘India’s Neighbourhood First Policy’ presented to Lok Sabha

Posted 12 Feb 2024

Updated 18 Mar 2024

1 min read

Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP): Aims to forge strong neighbourhood relations based on a consultative, non-reciprocal, and outcome-oriented approach.
- Focuses on delivering benefits like greater connectivity, improved infrastructure, stronger development cooperation in various sectors, security and broader people-to-people contacts.
- 5S Principle of neighbourhood engagement: Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Shanti (Peace), Samriddhi (Prosperity), and Sanskriti (Culture).

Significance of NFP
- For India: Regional stability and improved security, economic growth through improved trade and connectivity, countering external influence in the region such as China, enhanced Soft Power, etc.
- For Region: Shared prosperity, peaceful resolution of outstanding disputes, strengthened multilateralism through regional/ sub-regional organizations such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, etc.

Key recommendations
- Ministry of External Affairs should establish a cell to bring convergence with different ministries on NFP.
- Periodic review of bilateral and multilateral/regional relationship framework.
- Strengthen Joint Project Monitoring Committees and Oversight Mechanisms.
- Terrorism and illegal migration: Monitor demographic changes caused by illegal migration in border areas in coordination with Union Home Ministry.
- Synergy between NFP and Act East Policy to improve connectivity, development, and security in India’s North East.

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