India’s Neighbourhood Policy: Evolution, Priorities, and Strategic Challenges

India’s neighbourhood policy has undergone significant evolution since independence, shaped by shifting regional dynamics, domestic imperatives, and the broader contours of global geopolitics. Traditionally grounded in principles of peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and non-interference, the policy has progressively adapted to address emerging strategic, economic, and security challenges. In recent decades—and especially with growing geopolitical competition in South Asia—the articulation of India’s neighbourhood approach has become more proactive, structured, and strategically driven. The “Neighbourhood First” policy underscores India’s intention to strengthen bilateral and regional ties through enhanced connectivity, trade integration, developmental assistance, and people-to-people engagement. Priorities include promoting economic interdependence, countering terrorism, ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and supporting democratic transitions and stability in neighbouring countries. This study examines the historical evolution of India’s neighbourhood policy, analyzes its contemporary priorities, and evaluates the strategic challenges that shape its effectiveness in fostering a stable, cooperative, and secure regional environment.