Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 187 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Recently, due to unfortunate bickerings with maldives, it was alleged that India is losing south Asia, having grave implications.
Body · points and prose
India's Geopolitical challenges in south Asia
- Past Image of Big Brother attitude Ex: Interference allegations by nepal, maldives.
- China Angle → This is perhaps the biggest source of concern for India. → Debt trap diplomacy (Ex: BRI, CPEC, etc) have led to countries being forced to sell off geostrategic assets to china. Ex: SL's Hambantota
↳ China has deeper pockets and thus can provide unlimited credit (albeit with intentions poor)
(3) Poorly integrated S.Asia
↳ S.Asia remains the one of the least integrated regions globally despite members sharing common past & cultures.
(4) Unresolved disputes
Boundary disputes, water sharing disputes; Internal security disputes etc. turn the region into a geopolitical mess.
However, C Raja mohan argues that the matter be seen from a slightly different perspective. It is not about India losing S.Asia; but about India trying to find ways to gain ground in a turmoiled S.Asia.
Fig: India's recent efforts w.r.t neighbourhood
Thus, the Gujral principles: Non-Reciprocity, non-Interference connectivity &
Close · a way forward
would be critical ahead.