In this post, notes of “Unit 3: India in South Asia: Issues and Challenges” from “DSC 18: India’s Foreign Policy: Challenges and Strategies” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
1. Introduction
Overview of South Asia: Geography, History, and Key Features
South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Afghanistan. It has nearly a quarter of the world’s population and a diverse mix of cultures, ethnic groups, and languages.
- Geography: Surrounded by the Himalayas to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south, with major rivers like the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
- History: Home to the Indus Valley Civilization, Maurya and Gupta Empires, Mughal rule, and British colonization. The region has since experienced political changes, wars, and economic shifts.
- Key Features: South Asia has different political systems, fast-growing economies, but also ongoing poverty and frequent conflicts (e.g., India-Pakistan tensions, border disputes, terrorism, and rebellions).
India’s Role and Leadership in the Region
As the largest country in South Asia, India plays a crucial role in regional stability and economic growth through:
- Economic Influence: India is the largest economy in the region, providing trade and investment opportunities.
- Security and Stability: Leads in counterterrorism, disaster relief, and peacekeeping efforts.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthens ties through SAARC and BIMSTEC to promote economic cooperation.
- Soft Power: Spreads cultural influence via Bollywood, yoga, and traditional medicine.
Major Challenges Facing South Asia in the 21st Century
Despite its potential, South Asia faces serious challenges:
- Political Instability and Conflicts: Border disputes (e.g., India-China, India-Pakistan), political turmoil (e.g., Afghanistan, Sri Lanka), and terrorism.
- Economic Disparities: High poverty, unemployment, and income inequality.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels threaten Bangladesh and the Maldives, while unpredictable weather affects agriculture.
- Health and Education: Poor healthcare and low education rates hinder progress.
- Geopolitical Tensions: China’s Belt and Road Initiative increases strategic challenges for India.
2. Problems in South Asia
Land and Border Problems
History of Partition and Border Disputes
The division of British India in 1947 created India and Pakistan, and later Bangladesh in 1971. This led to unresolved border issues, including:
- Unclear borders due to rushed partition decisions.
- Ethnic and religious conflicts causing ongoing tensions.
- Border disputes with China due to historical treaties and strategic interests.
Examples of Major Border Disputes
- India-Pakistan (Kashmir Conflict)
- Stemming from the 1947 partition, this dispute is over Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
- Pakistan claims J&K due to its Muslim-majority, while India asserts legal integration in 1947.
- Three wars (1947, 1965, 1999 Kargil conflict) and ongoing border skirmishes.
- 2019: Article 370 revoked, making J&K a Union Territory, which Pakistan opposed.
- India-China (LAC – Line of Actual Control)
- 3,488 km-long disputed border, not clearly demarcated.
- 1962 Sino-Indian War resulted in China controlling Aksai Chin, which India still claims.
- 2020 Galwan Valley clash worsened tensions, leading to a prolonged military standoff.
- India-Nepal Border Issues
- Disputes over Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) and Susta (Bihar).
- 2020: Nepal released a new map, escalating tensions with India.
International Mediation and Bilateral Efforts
- Simla Agreement (1972): India and Pakistan agreed to resolve Kashmir bilaterally.
- Indo-China Peace Agreements: Treaties (1993, 1996, 2005) aimed at maintaining peace along the LAC.
- India-Nepal Diplomacy: Ongoing talks to settle border disagreements.
- International Role: The UN, USA, Russia, and China sometimes mediate, but India prefers bilateral resolutions.
Migration and Refugee Crisis
Reasons for Cross-Border Migration
People move across borders in South Asia due to:
- Jobs: Migrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan seek work in India.
- Cultural Links: Open borders (e.g., India-Nepal) encourage movement due to shared heritage.
- Political Conflicts: Wars and persecution force people to flee their countries.
Refugee Crises in South Asia
- Rohingya Crisis
- 2017: Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar to Bangladesh and India due to persecution.
- India classifies them as illegal immigrants and has deported some.
- Tibetan Refugees
- Since China’s 1959 takeover of Tibet, India hosts the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala.
- India grants asylum but carefully manages ties with China.
- Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees
- Due to Sri Lanka’s civil war (1983–2009), many Tamils fled to Tamil Nadu.
- India provided shelter but did not grant them citizenship.
India’s Responses to Refugee and Migration Challenges
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019: Offers citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, but excludes Muslims, causing controversy.
- Deportation Measures: India has deported Rohingya refugees citing security concerns.
- Humanitarian Aid: Financial aid to Bangladesh for Rohingya refugees.
Concerns from Cross-Border Movements
- Security Threats: Risks of terrorism, smuggling, and demographic shifts.
- Economic Burden: Large refugee influx strains resources and public services.
- Human Rights Dilemmas: Balancing national security with refugee protection remains a challenge.
3. Discussing Regional Strategies
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Goals, History, and Structure of SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was formed in 1985 to promote cooperation among South Asian countries.
- Member Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
- Goals:
- Support economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
- Build self-reliance among members.
- Improve living standards and encourage regional cooperation.
- Structure:
- Summit Meetings (leaders of member countries).
- Council of Ministers (Foreign Ministers).
- SAARC Secretariat (Kathmandu, Nepal).
- Specialized Bodies (e.g., SAARC Development Fund, SAARC Energy Centre).
India’s Role in SAARC: Successes and Challenges
As South Asia’s largest economy, India plays a key role in SAARC:
Successes
- Economic Efforts: India supported regional trade through SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement).
- Disaster Relief & Development: India provided aid during disasters and helped in capacity-building.
- Cultural Diplomacy: India has promoted cultural exchange, education, and healthcare initiatives.
Challenges
- Pakistan’s Resistance: Tensions between India and Pakistan often block SAARC projects.
- Low Trade Volume: Intra-SAARC trade is only 5% of total trade, limiting economic growth.
- Weak Enforcement: SAARC lacks authority to ensure countries follow agreements.
Challenges Facing SAARC
- Political Conflicts:
- India-Pakistan tensions slow SAARC’s progress.
- 2016 SAARC Summit was canceled after India boycotted following the Uri attack.
- Weak Institutional Structure:
- Decisions require full consensus, causing delays.
- No enforcement mechanism to implement policies.
- Internal Instability:
- Border disputes (e.g., India-Nepal, India-Bangladesh, India-China) create mistrust.
- Internal conflicts in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan affect regional stability.
Evaluating SAARC’s Importance
SAARC has potential but remains weak due to political and structural issues. Some suggest strengthening SAARC, while others believe BIMSTEC (which excludes Pakistan) is a better platform for regional cooperation.
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
History and Goals of BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC was established in 1997 to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia.
- Member Countries: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand.
- Goals:
- Promote regional economic integration.
- Enhance connectivity (trade, transport, infrastructure).
- Strengthen security cooperation, counterterrorism, and disaster management.
India’s Interests in BIMSTEC
India sees BIMSTEC as a better alternative to SAARC because:
- Regional Connectivity: Supports India’s Act East Policy, improving ties with ASEAN nations.
- Avoiding SAARC’s Issues: Excludes Pakistan, making decision-making faster and smoother.
- Security Collaboration: Helps combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and cyber threats.
BIMSTEC’s Successes
- Economic Cooperation:
- Promotes cross-border trade and investment.
- India proposed a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement.
- Connectivity Projects:
- Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (India-Myanmar) enhances Northeast India’s links.
- BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Master Plan (2018) focuses on regional infrastructure development.
- Disaster Management & Energy Cooperation:
- India leads disaster response and climate change initiatives.
- Hydropower projects (India-Bhutan-Nepal) boost clean energy production.
Challenges Facing BIMSTEC
- Weak Institutional Structure:
- No strong secretariat or enforcement power.
- Slow decision-making and funding shortages hinder progress.
- Political Instability:
- Myanmar’s 2021 military coup disrupted cooperation.
- China’s influence in Myanmar and Thailand challenges India’s leadership.
Conclusion: SAARC vs. BIMSTEC
- SAARC struggles due to India-Pakistan tensions, while BIMSTEC is emerging as a stronger alternative.
- India is shifting its focus to BIMSTEC for economic and strategic benefits.
4. Comparing SAARC and BIMSTEC
Differences in Goals, Members, and Importance
| Feature | SAARC | BIMSTEC |
| Founded | 1985 | 1997 |
| Member Countries | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
| Main Focus | Economic growth, trade, social progress, cultural sharing | Economic links, security, infrastructure, trade |
| Key Issues | Political conflicts (mostly India-Pakistan), slow decisions, weak economic ties | Weak institutions, rising Chinese influence in Myanmar & Thailand |
| Importance | Focuses only on South Asia | Links South & Southeast Asia, supports India’s Act East Policy |
| Security Cooperation | Limited help in fighting terrorism and disaster relief | Stronger focus on security, including terrorism and disaster response |
| Decision-Making | Requires agreement from all (often unproductive due to rivalries) | More flexible, with effective project implementation |
| India’s Interest | Decreasing interest due to SAARC’s problems | Increasing interest because of strategic and economic benefits |
Effectiveness in Dealing with Regional Issues
- SAARC has failed to deliver due to political conflicts, especially between India and Pakistan.
- BIMSTEC has been more effective in trade, security, and connectivity, though it still faces institutional weaknesses.
- BIMSTEC has greater potential to improve regional trade and integration, supporting India’s outreach to Southeast Asia.
India’s Shift in Policy Towards BIMSTEC
- India moved away from SAARC as Pakistan frequently blocked cooperation.
- BIMSTEC aligns with India’s Act East Policy, strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.
- India actively supports BIMSTEC projects, including infrastructure, trade, and energy cooperation.
5. Conclusion
India’s Role in Addressing Regional Issues in South Asia
India plays a key role in tackling political, economic, and security challenges in South Asia by:
- Promoting regional cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC.
- Engaging in conflict resolution (e.g., India-Nepal, India-Bangladesh border discussions).
- Providing humanitarian aid (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine assistance to neighbors).
- Leading counterterrorism efforts to maintain regional stability.
Opportunities for Cooperation and Leadership
- Strengthening BIMSTEC as a more effective alternative to SAARC.
- Expanding trade agreements to boost regional economic growth.
- Developing infrastructure (e.g., roads, railways, and ports for better connectivity).
- Enhancing security collaboration to tackle terrorism, cyber threats, and border tensions.
Future Vision for South Asia: Stability, Integration, and Growth
- Resolving conflicts peacefully through diplomacy rather than military action.
- Enhancing economic partnerships to improve regional trade and investment.
- Promoting sustainable development by tackling climate change, disaster management, and renewable energy.
- Reforming regional organizations by revitalizing SAARC and making BIMSTEC more efficient.
Final Thought
India’s leadership and diplomatic strategy will shape the future of South Asia. While SAARC struggles with political divisions, BIMSTEC offers a stronger foundation for regional stability and growth.
