India and South Asian Countries Relations in the 21st Century: Regional Cooperation, Strategic Challenges, and Emerging Geopolitical Dynamics

India and South Asian Countries Relations in the 21st Century: Regional Cooperation, Strategic Challenges, and Emerging Geopolitical Dynamics Dr K.S.KANNAN M.A,M.A,M.A,M.Ed, PGDCA,Ph.D, School Assistant in Social StudiesZPHS (B), Department of School Education V Kota, Chittoor District, , AP ISSN: 3108-1053 (VOLUME-1, ISSUE-3) Received: July 5, 2025 Revised: August 15, 2025 Accepted: August 15, 2025 Published: September 30, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20416318 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract The twenty-first century has witnessed significant transformations in India's relations with South Asian countries due to changing geopolitical realities, globalization, economic integration, security concerns, and the rise of new regional and global powers. India occupies a central position in South Asia because of its geographical size, economic strength, strategic location, and historical influence. The region includes neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan, each contributing to regional dynamics in distinct ways. India's foreign policy toward South Asia has increasingly emphasized cooperation, connectivity, economic diplomacy, security partnerships, and neighborhood engagement. Initiatives such as the “Neighborhood First Policy,” “Act East Policy,” and regional cooperation mechanisms have shaped India's diplomatic interactions. However, unresolved border disputes, political instability, terrorism, external power competition, and strategic rivalries continue to influence regional relations. This article examines India's bilateral and multilateral engagements with South Asian countries in the twenty-first century and evaluates opportunities and challenges shaping regional cooperation. Keywords: South Asia, India, Foreign Policy, Regional Cooperation, SAARC, Neighborhood First Policy, Security, Diplomacy. Introduction South Asia remains one of the most strategically significant regions in global politics. The region contains nearly one-fourth of the world's population and possesses considerable cultural, economic, and geopolitical diversity. India occupies a central position within South Asia due to its geographical size, economic capabilities, military strength, and political influence.1 India's relations with neighboring countries have historically been shaped by shared cultural traditions, colonial experiences, migration patterns, security concerns, and economic interactions. In the twenty-first century, regional diplomacy has become increasingly complex due to globalization, terrorism, technological transformations, and growing international competition. India's foreign policy increasingly recognizes that regional peace and prosperity are essential for national development. Consequently, India has adopted policies emphasizing partnership, connectivity, and regional stability.2,3 Historical Background of India–South Asia Relations India's regional relations cannot be understood without considering historical factors. The partition of British India in 1947 fundamentally altered regional political structures. Newly independent states pursued separate political identities while maintaining deep social and cultural connections. Post-independence relations witnessed cooperation as well as conflicts. Border disputes, wars, migration issues, and political differences shaped regional diplomacy. The Cold War further influenced South Asian politics as countries aligned with different strategic interests. The twenty-first century introduced new realities involving economic globalization and regional integration.4 India's Foreign Policy in the Twenty-First Century India's regional diplomacy evolved considerably after economic liberalization. Major principles include: Neighborhood First Policy Strategic autonomy Economic cooperation Regional connectivity Counterterrorism cooperation Maritime security India increasingly views neighboring countries as partners in development and regional stability. Neighborhood First Policy The Neighborhood First Policy emphasizes proactive engagement with neighboring countries. Objectives include: Strengthening diplomatic relations Promoting economic partnerships Enhancing infrastructure connectivity Supporting regional stability The policy seeks mutual development and trust-building. India-Pakistan Relations India-Pakistan relations remain among the most complex bilateral relationships in South Asia. Historical disputes involving Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and military conflicts continue to influence relations. Major challenges include: Terrorism Border tensions Political mistrust Security concerns Despite periods of dialogue, bilateral relations frequently experience disruptions. Trade and cultural interactions remain limited. However, peace and stability between India and Pakistan remain essential for broader regional development.5,6 India-Bangladesh Relations India and Bangladesh share extensive cultural, linguistic, and historical linkages. Relations significantly improved during the twenty-first century. Areas of cooperation include: Trade Border management Energy cooperation Connectivity projects Water sharing discussions The settlement of land boundary disputes represented a major diplomatic achievement. Bangladesh increasingly serves as an important strategic and economic partner. India-Nepal Relations India and Nepal maintain close civilizational and cultural connections. Open borders facilitate movement and people-to-people interaction.7 Cooperation includes: Trade Hydropower development Security coordination Infrastructure projects However, disputes occasionally emerge concerning: Boundary issues Political developments Constitutional questions Managing sensitivities remains important for sustaining positive relations. India-Sri Lanka Relations India and Sri Lanka share maritime proximity and historical links. Relations focus on: Trade cooperation Maritime security Fisheries issues Infrastructure development India played an important role in supporting Sri Lanka during economic crises and humanitarian challenges. Chinese investments in Sri Lanka have introduced additional strategic considerations.8 India-Bhutan Relations Bhutan remains one of India's closest regional partners. Relations are characterized by: Mutual trust Hydroelectric cooperation Development partnerships Educational exchanges India supports infrastructure and developmental initiatives in Bhutan. The relationship serves as an example of stable regional cooperation. India-Maldives Relations The Maldives occupies strategic importance in the Indian Ocean region. India- Maldives cooperation includes: Maritime security Climate concerns Infrastructure support Defense cooperation Strategic competition in the Indian Ocean increasingly influences bilateral relations. India seeks to strengthen maritime partnerships and regional security frameworks. India-Afghanistan Relations India has historically maintained developmental partnerships with Afghanistan. India contributed to: Infrastructure projects Educational assistance Humanitarian aid Capacity-building initiatives Political changes in Afghanistan have created uncertainties regarding future engagement. Nevertheless, regional stability in Afghanistan remains important for South Asian security. Major Developments in India–South Asia Relations Year Country Major Development 2001 Pakistan Agra Summit attempted dialogue between India and Pakistan. 2004 South Asia SAARC initiatives strengthened regional cooperation discussions. 2008 Afghanistan India expanded developmental assistance and infrastructure projects. 2010 Bangladesh Bilateral engagement intensified through connectivity and trade discussions. 2014 South Asia India's Neighborhood First Policy received renewed emphasis. 2015 Bangladesh India–Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement implemented successfully. 2015 Nepal Constitution-related tensions affected bilateral relations. 2017 Bhutan Doklam crisis highlighted India–Bhutan strategic cooperation. 2018 Maldives Political transitions created renewed India–Maldives engagement. 2019 Pakistan Pulwama attack and Balakot developments increased tensions. 2020 South Asia COVID-19 diplomacy expanded India's regional health cooperation. 2021 Sri Lanka India increased economic and humanitarian assistance. 2022 Sri Lanka India extended support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis. 2023 Bangladesh Enhanced cooperation in trade, transport, and energy sectors. 2024 Nepal Bilateral connectivity and infrastructure discussions expanded. 2025 Maldives Maritime cooperation and security dialogue strengthened. 2026 South Asia Focus increased on connectivity, digital diplomacy, and regional resilience. The year-wise developments demonstrate that India's relations with South Asian countries have evolved from traditional security-centered diplomacy toward broader cooperation involving connectivity, trade, public health, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships. SAARC and Regional Cooperation The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established to promote regional collaboration. SAARC objectives include: Economic development Cultural cooperation Poverty reduction Regional integration However, political tensions particularly between India and Pakistan have limited organizational effectiveness. Alternative initiatives increasingly complement regional cooperation efforts.8 Strategic Challenges in South Asia- Several challenges continue influen