South Asian foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government

2021-12-08T10:11:53Z

2600:1700:4D44:2100:F1C6:333B:76C4:4971: /* Afghanistan */Fixed section

{{further|SAARC}}
{{multiple issues|{{cleanup|date=August 2020|reason=This is an overtly promotional article that only covers Modi's positive behaviour}}{{peacock|date=August 2020}}}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2016}}

{{Narendra Modi}}
[[File:PM Narendra Modi meets Bhutan PM Mr. Tshering Tobgay.jpg|thumb|Modi with [[Prime Minister of Bhutan|Bhutanese Prime Minister]] during his maiden foreign trip as the Prime Minister to the Himalayan country.]]

'''Neighbourhood First Policy of India''', a core component of [[India]]'s foreign policy, focuses on peaceful relations and collaborative synergetic co-development with its [[South Asian]] neighbors of the [[Indian subcontinent]] encompassing a diverse range of topics, such as economic, technology, research and education, connectivity (digital, surface and air transport, energy grid connectivity, logistic chains, etc), space program, defence security, environment and climate challenge.<ref name=nf1/><ref name=nf2/><ref name=nf3/><ref name=nf4/> This policy creates new avenues as well as leverages existing regional cooperation initiatives, such as [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation|SAARC]], [[South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation|SASEC]], [[BBIN]], and
[[Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation|BIMSTEC]]. It compliments India's [[Look East policy (India)|Look East policy]] focused on [[Southeast Asia]] and [[Middle Eastern foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government|Look West Policy]] focused on [[Middle East]].

It was conceived by [[Narendra Modi]] as his [[Foreign policy of Narendra Modi|priority]], in early days of which then Foreign Minister [[Sushma Swaraj]] played an [[Sushma Swaraj's tenure as External Affairs Minister|important role]],<ref name=nf6/><ref name=nf8/><ref name=nf10/><ref name=nf11/><ref name=nf12/><ref name=nf4/> was taken forward by former Foreign Secretaries and next Foreign Minister [[S. Jaishankar]], all of these were supported by the important roles played by [[National Security Advisor (India)|NSA]], [[Ajit Doval]], and several successive Foreign Secretaries.<ref name=nf14/><ref name=nf16/>

== Background ==

=== Origin of policy ===

During the election campaign, before becoming the Prime Minister, [[Narendra Modi]] stated that the hinted that one of core component of his foreign policy will be neighbourhood first to foster cordial relations and synergetic economic development.<ref name=nf1>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-07-03/news/51057722_1_prime-minister-narendra-modi-friendly-neighbours-nepal|title=Narendra Modi's push for strong relations with neighbours|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=3 July 2014|access-date=3 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=nf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.gatewayhouse.in/india-modi-and-the-neighbourhood/|title=India, Modi and the neighbourhood|publisher=Gateway House|date=25 August 2014|access-date=3 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=nf3>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/nepal-enthralled-by-visit-of-india-s-prime-minister-who-hits-the-right-notes-570277?pfrom=home-otherstories |title=Nepal Enthralled by Visit of India's Prime Minister, Who Hits 'the Right Notes' |date=7 June 2014 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref> and he started well by inviting all heads of state/heads of government of South Asian countries in his inauguration and on the second day on office he held bilateral talks with all of them individually which was dubbed as a [[List of SAARC summits|mini SAARC summit]] by the media.<ref name=nf4>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/140601/editorial/the-mini-saarc-summit-100977.html|title=The mini SAARC summit|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=1 June 2014|access-date=3 November 2014}}</ref> Later during a launch event at [[ISRO]] he has asked Indian scientists to take the endeavour to develop a dedicated ''SAARC satellite''<ref name=nf5>{{cite web|url=http://www.claws.in/1248/saarc-satellite-to-strengthen-relations-with-neighbours-radhakrishna-rao.html|title=SAARC Satellite to Strengthen Relations with Neighbours|publisher=Center for Land and Warfare Studies|date=3 September 2014|access-date=3 November 2014}}</ref> to share the fruits of the technology like tele-medicine, e-learning etc. with the people across South Asia to complement the currently operating [[Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme]] program in the region.

==Afghanistan==
The first challenge before the new govt had come from [[Herat]], Afghanistan where the Indian consulate was attacked by the [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] backed terrorist organisation days before Modi's [[First swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi|inauguration]]. Visiting the war-torn country on 10 September Swaraj called "India Afghanistan's first strategic partner".<ref name=nf6>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/neighbours/sushma-swaraj-arrives-in-afghanistan-strategic-ties-on-the-agenda/|title=Sushma Swaraj arrives in Afghanistan; strategic ties on the agenda|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=2014-09-10|access-date=2014-09-10}}</ref> and has committed to play a greater role in capacity building by strengthening the [[Afghan National Army]] but sighed away from possibility of sending troops or direct export of military hardware from India instead according to an arrangement made earlier India would pay for purchase of arms and ammunitions from Russia.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/05/india-stepping-up-to-the-plate-in-afghanistan/|title=India Stepping Up to the Plate in Afghanistan|magazine=[[The Diplomat]]|date=7 May 2014|access-date=14 September 2014}}</ref> Potential re-emergence of the [[Taliban]] and [[al-Qaeda]] in the [[South Asia|subcontinent]] following [[NATO]] withdrawal from the country by end of 2014 have raised concerns among Indian security establishments.<ref name=nf8>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushma-meets-karzai-seeks-sco-help-to-stabilise-region/article1-1262673.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911000012/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushma-meets-karzai-seeks-sco-help-to-stabilise-region/article1-1262673.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 September 2014|title=Sushma meets Karzai in Kabul, stresses partnership |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=2014-09-11|access-date=2014-09-11}}</ref> [[Hamid Ansari]], Vice-President of India attended the inauguration ceremony of new Afghan President [[Ashraf Ghani]] and CEO [[Abdullah Abdullah]] on 29 September 2014 in Kabul and the Indian side welcomes the move of new Afghan govt to sign '''bilateral security agreement''' (BSA) with the US which will eventually pave the way for around 10,000 US soldier to remain in Afghanistan beyond 2014 NATO withdrawal.

India is also in the process of reviving an old agreement for modernising the [[Port of Chabahar|Chabahar Port]] in Iran. This is to provide an alternative sea access to Afghanistan which will help further the Indian investment in the country and bilateral trade which is so far restricted by Pakistan's hostile transit policy through [[Karachi Port]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/shipping-ministry-revives-plans-to-upgrade-irans-chabahar-port/articleshow/42542882.cms|title=Shipping Ministry revives plans to upgrade Iran's Chabahar Port|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=16 September 2014|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref>

==Bhutan==
Narendra Modi made his first foreign visit to Bhutan following an invitation by King [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]] and Tobgay. The visit was called by the media as a "charm offensive" that would also seek to check Bhutan-China relations that had recently been formalised.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/india-s-modi-heads-to/1160430.html |title=India's Modi heads to Bhutan to woo neighbours |work=Channel NewsAsia |date=4 June 2014|access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> He also sought to build business ties,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-arrives-to-a-grand-welcome-in-bhutan/article1-1229665.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615135000/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-arrives-to-a-grand-welcome-in-bhutan/article1-1229665.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2014 |title=India, Bhutan to enhance economic ties as PM Modi pitches for 'B2B' links |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=1 January 1980 |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> including a hydro-electric deal, and inaugurated the India-funded [[Supreme Court of Bhutan]] building.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/modi-inaugurates-bhutan-s-supreme-court-building-114061500581_1.html |title=Modi inaugurates Bhutan's Supreme Court building |work=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> While talking about the visit, Modi said that Bhutan was a "natural choice" for his first foreign destination because of the "unique and [[Bhutan-India relations|special relationship]]" the two countries shared. He added that he was looking forward to nurture and further strengthen India's special relations with Bhutan. His entourage included Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser [[Ajit Doval]] and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh.<ref name=nf14>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/bhutan-rolls-out-the-red-carpet-for-prime-minister-narendra-modi-541836 |title=Bhutan Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Prime Minister Narendra Modi |work=NDTV |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> He was further set to discuss the [[insurgency in Northeast India]], and China.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rajeev Sharma |url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/ne-terror-china-whats-on-pm-modis-bhutan-trip-agenda-1571127.html |title=NE terror, China: What's on PM Modi's Bhutan trip agenda? |work=Firstpost |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>

==Bangladesh==
There was scepticism during election campaign about Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in India which raised concern in Bangladesh but it was Prime Minister [[Sheikh Hasina]] who made a remark: "I am delighted to see a great friend of Bangladesh leading an extremely friendly country, India, in the coming days." following Modi's victory in the general election. And the new Indian govt too were quick to realize the immense geo-strategic importance of Bangladesh in India's security paradigm and therefore Foreign Minister [[Sushma Swaraj]] chose [[Dhaka]] for her first stand-alone foreign visit on 26–27 June 2014, where she met her counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood and also called on Sheikh Hasina. Discussions were held regarding the '''land boundary agreement''' (LBA), the proposed [[Teesta river|Teesta]] water sharing pact, cooperation in eliminating extremist groups from [[North-East India|North-East]] taking refuge in Bangladesh and illegal immigration.<ref name=nf10>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/sushma-swaraj-on-2-day-visit-to-bangladesh-teesta-land-boundary-top-of-agenda-548139 |title=Sushma Swaraj on 2-Day Visit to Bangladesh, Teesta, Land Boundary Top of Agenda |publisher=[[NDTV]] |date=26 June 2014 |access-date=28 July 2014}}</ref> And taking a lesson from the previous UPA govt experience Swaraj had discussed contentious issues of Bengal with [[Chief Minister of West Bengal|Chief Minister]] [[Mamata Banerjee]] before leaving for Dhaka, indicating a federal style of foreign policy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/06/25/sushma-swaraj-in-dhaka |title=Sushma Swaraj in Dhaka |work=BDNews24 |date=26 June 2014 |access-date=28 July 2014}}</ref>

In September 2014 at the sidelines of [[United Nations]] general assembly Modi met [[Prime Minister of Bangladesh|Bangladeshi Prime Minister]] Sheikh Hasina for the first time in New York City. The two leaders have discussed mechanism to stop terrorist trespassing through the porous Indo-Bangla border and the stability of democracy in Bangladesh apart from regular water sharing and land boundary issues.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-narendra-modi-emphasises-on-neighbourhood-first-policy-talks-about-strong-saarc-with-rajapakse-hasina-and-k%E2%80%A6|title=Narendra Modi emphasises on "neighbourhood first' policy, talks about 'strong SAARC' with Rajapakse, Hasina and Koirala|newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=28 September 2014|access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>

==Maldives==
[[President of Maldives|Maldivian President]] was one of the seven SAARC leaders to attend Modi's inauguration in Delhi. Strategically located in the [[Indian Ocean]] region Maldives plays critical role in India's maritime security architecture and being part of SAARC bilateral relations with Maldives become important as per the new [[Neighbourhood first policy|neighbourhood policy]]. Foreign Minister Swaraj during her maiden trip to [[Male]] on 3 November 2014 held discussion with her counterpart [[Dunya Maumoon]] on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interests and also reiterated India's strong commitment towards prosperity, stability and security of Maldives. The two sides also plans to celebrate 50 years of establishment of bilateral relation.<ref name=nf11>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-committed-to-maldives-security-stability-foreign-minister-sushma-swaraj/articleshow/45026388.cms|title=India committed to Maldives' security & stability: Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=3 November 2014|access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>
;Drinking-water crisis in Male
In the wake of a drinking water crisis in Male on 4 December 2014, following collapse of the island's only water treatment plant, Maldives urged India for immediate help. India came to rescue by sending its heavy lift transporters like [[C-17 Globemaster III]], [[Il-76]] carrying bottled water. The navy also sent her ships like {{INS|Sukanya|P50|6}}, {{INS|Deepak|A50|6}} and others which can produce fresh water using their onboard desalination plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/maldives-water-crisis-india-transports-1-000-tonnes-of-fresh-water-to-male-631175|title=Maldives Water Crisis: India Transports 1,000 Tonnes of Fresh Water to Male|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=7 December 2014|access-date=21 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/12/maldives-faces-drinking-water-crisis/|title=Maldives Faces Drinking Water Crisis|magazine=[[The Diplomat]]|date=5 December 2014|access-date=21 December 2014}}</ref> The humanitarian relief efforts by the Indian side was widely appreciated in Male across all sections of people even the Vice-President of Maldives thanked the Indian ambassador for swift action.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/maldives-appreciative-of-india-s-help-during-its-water-crisis-shahare-114120600811_1.html|title=Maldives appreciative of India's help during its water crisis: Shahare|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=6 December 2014|access-date=21 December 2014}}</ref>

==Nepal==
[[File:PM of India Narendra Modi with PM of Nepal Sushil Koirala.jpg|thumb|240px|Modi in a meeting with the Prime Minister of Nepal [[Sushil Koirala]].]]
Modi chose Nepal as one of the first few countries to visit since he assumes office which signifies the importance of Nepal in the overall neighbourhood policy of the Modi govt. He visited Kathmandu on 3–4 August 2014, the first Indian PM to visit in 17 years, where he was received by the Nepalese PM himself at the airport going against protocol.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/nepal-pm-to-break-protocol-personally-receive-modi-at-airport-1639985.html | title=Nepal PM to break protocol, personally receive Modi at airport | work=[[First Post]]|place=Kathmandu | date=30 July 2014 | access-date=30 July 2014}}</ref>{{ref|1|[Note I]}} The visit generated unprecedented enthusiasm among Nepali public and politicians as he addressed the constituent assembly of Nepal, first world leaders to do so, where pledged for US$1 billion line of credit to Nepal to support the infrastructure projects and said "Nepal can free India of its darkness with its electricity. But {{sic}} we don't want free electricity, we want to buy it. Just by selling electricity to India, Nepal can find a place in the developed countries of the world".<ref name="First">{{cite news |url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/narendra-modi-first-foreign-leader-to-address-nepal-parliament-39660.html | title=Narendra Modi first foreign leader to address Nepal parliament | publisher=[[India TV]]| date=26 July 2014 | access-date=28 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/live-pm-modi-arrives-in-kathmandu-on-a-2-day-visit/99/ | title=Highlights of Narendra Modi's address at Nepal Parliament | work=[[Indian Express]]| date=3 August 2014 | access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref> He also told Nepali MPs he wanted to turn India's "hostile borders benign and ultimately gateways for free trade and commerce...borders must be bridges not barriers". The ''[[Kathmandu Post]]'' reacted in writing: "Modi mantra warms Nepal's hearts."<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|last=Lakshmi |first=Rama |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/08/05/modis-speech-in-nepal-shows-india-is-paying-attention-to-its-neighbors/ |title=Modi's speech in Nepal shows India is paying attention to its neighbors |work= [[The Washington Post]]|access-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> The Western medias too read it as a shift in foreign affairs for India,<ref name="nyt" /> as well as a Nepal policy shift.<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/05/world/asia/visit-from-indian-premier-modi-signals-a-political-shift-in-nepal.html |title= Visit From Indian Premier Signals a Political Shift in Nepal |date=4 August 2014 |access-date=6 August 2014 |work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Harris, Gardiner}}</ref> The ''[[New York Times]]'' also suggested the lack of a meeting with former [[King Gyanendra]] signified that India would not support a return to monarchy<ref name="nytimes1" /> despite the lack of a new [[constitution of Nepal]]. The bilateral talks were focused on reviewing the [[1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship|1950s Treaty of Peace and Friendship]], India-funded 'hydroelectricity projects' in Nepal and other infrastructure projects in Nepal and enhancing people-to-people contacts.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-new-beginning-with-nepal/article6238665.ece | title=A new beginning with Nepal |work=[[The Hindu]]| date=23 July 2014 | access-date=28 July 2014 | author=Sood, Rakesh}}</ref> The commonality of a majority Hindu heritage was also played up.<ref name="niti">{{cite news|url=http://www.niticentral.com/2014/08/05/narendra-modi-uses-hindu-heritage-in-nepal-diplomacy-235296.html|title=Narendra Modi uses Hindu heritage in Nepal diplomacy|work=Niticentral|access-date=6 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810034219/http://www.niticentral.com/2014/08/05/narendra-modi-uses-hindu-heritage-in-nepal-diplomacy-235296.html|archive-date=10 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He also participated in ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' at the fifth century [[Hinduism in Nepal|Hindu]] [[Pashupatinath temple|temple of Pashupatinath]] where he donated Rs. 25 [[crore]]s and the head priest, Mool Bhatta Ganesh Bhatta, said: "I told him that we see him as a mascot for Hinduism, and appreciate his efforts in saving Hindu culture".<ref name="niti" /> Further he pledged not to interfere in Nepal's internal affairs (following controversy of appointment of Indian priests at a Nepali temple).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nepal-deplores-attack-on-indian-priests-promises-action/article177257.ece |title=Nepal deplores attack on Indian priests, promises action |work=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 September 2009 |access-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> Prior to Modi's visit, Swaraj made a three-day visit to Nepal from 27 July 2014 and co-chaired the Indo-Nepal Joint Commission meeting and also prepared the ground for Modi's scheduled visit. The last visit by a foreign minister of India to Nepal was made 23 years before this.<ref name=nf12>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sushma-Swaraj-describes-her-Nepal-visit-very-successful/articleshow/39099488.cms |title=Sushma Swaraj describes her Nepal visit very successful |work=[[The Times of India]]|date=27 July 2014 |access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref> Later the two sides signed the much awaited Indo-Nepal '''power trade agreement''' (PTA) which could not get signed earlier during Modi's visit due to technical problem in the draft agreement. This will allow Indian private and public sector investment in hydro power development in Nepal and future power trade and transmission to India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/india-nepal-hold-negotiations-for-900-mw-power-project/articleshow/45050481.cms|title=India, Nepal hold negotiations for 900 MW power project |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date= 5 November 2014|access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>

To attend his [[18th SAARC summit|maiden SAARC summit]] Modi visited Nepal for the second time in 2014. Where he inaugurated an India funded high tech trauma-care centre as part of a goodwill measure and also flagged-off the Kathmandu-Delhi bus service. In order to deepen ties with the Himalayan neighbour Modi presented a [[HAL Dhruv]] advanced helicopter to the Nepalese armed force in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/to-boost-ties-pm-narendra-modi-to-present-advanced-chopper-to-nepal/articleshow/45262048.cms|title= To boost ties, PM Narendra Modi to present advanced chopper to Nepal |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=24 November 2014|access-date=14 December 2014}}</ref> He also held bilateral talks with his Nepalese counterpart in Kathmandu where two sides inked 10 agreements and memorandum of understanding including important ones regarding power trade and transmission.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-narendra-modi-holds-talks-with-nepal-pm-ten-pacts-inked/articleshow/45274138.cms|title=PM Narendra Modi holds talks with Nepal PM, ten pacts inked|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=25 November 2014|access-date=14 December 2014}}</ref> Once again Modi urged Nepalese law makers to adhere the January 2015 dateline for Constitution writing on the basis of consensus to accommodate views of all sections of people but this time his comments were received with mixed responses. The Nepali daily ''[[Kantipur]]'' on its editorial remarked that Narendra Modi breached diplomatic ''Lanshman rekha'' (red line) by calling it an interference in Nepal's internal matter although the English daily ''[[The Kathmandu Post]]'' described it as a well-intended advice.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/modi-breached-diplomatic-norms-nepal-media/article6639682.ece?homepage=true|title=Modi breached diplomatic norms: Nepal media|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=27 November 2014|access-date=14 December 2014}}</ref>

==Pakistan==
Modi has long been considered as a hardliner nationalist against enemy forces across the border sponsoring terrorist attacks in India while he was [[Chief Minister of Gujarat]], a state bordering Pakistan, but post-election things have changed substantially when he decided to invite [[Nawaz Sharif]] in the swearing-in ceremony. Even his strongest critics could not resist to laud this initiative, Sharif and Modi had cordial discussion on 27 May 2014 day after Modi's inauguration where the two sides agreed to look forward with Foreign Secretary level talk to start with.<ref name=nf16>{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/pm-swearing-in-us-media-praises-modi-for-inviting-all-saarc-leaders-1543971.html |title=PM swearing-in: US media praises Modi for inviting all SAARC leaders |work=Firstpost |date=27 May 2014 |access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>

But [[Foreign minister|Foreign Secretary]] level talk scheduled on 25 August in [[Islamabad]] was called off last minute by India following Pakistani high commissioner's meeting with secessionist leaders from [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu & Kashmir]] at high commission in Delhi. Which further jeopardized a potential Modi-Sharif meeting in New York at the sidelines of UNGA. Later External Affairs Minister Swaraj said that "there is no full stop in diplomacy" referring the future course of action in Indo-Pak relation.<ref name=nf13>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/no-full-stop-only-comma-in-pak-diplomacy-sushma/ |title=No full stop, only comma in (Pak) diplomacy: Sushma |work=[[Indian Express]] |date=9 Sep 2014 |access-date=16 Sep 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile the two sides got engaged into an ugly gun-firing along the International border and the [[line of control]] as well with India accusing Pakistan of violating cease-fire agreement which had further damaged the already shaky bilateral ties. Later Pakistan tried to internationalize the issue by seeking [[United Nations]] intervention but the world body refused to interfere and asked the two party to settle the dispute. India accused Pakistan not following [[Simla Agreement]] where both sides agreed to resolve the [[Kashmir conflict|Kashmir issue]] only through bilateral means. Now the two leaders will be in [[Kathmandu]], Nepal to attend the [[18th SAARC summit]] scheduled for 26–27 November. But experts anticipate the success of the upcoming summit depending upon how India and Pakistan will manage their differences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/11/01/nepal-think-tank-foresees-average-saarc-summit|title=Nepal think-tank foresees 'average' SAARC summit|publisher=bdnews24.com|date=1 November 201|access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>

==Sri Lanka==
[[File:Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.jpg|thumb|Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President [[Maithripala Sirisena]] at [[Hyderabad House]]]]
Despite India being Sri Lanka's primary neighbour the India-Sri Lanka relations faced stagnation in the last decade due to several reasons including the large scale civilian casualties in [[Sri Lankan Civil War|civil war]] in the Tamil dominated north of the island country and a growing Chinese influence in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/06/modis-sweet-and-spicy-sri-lanka-strategy/|title=Modi's Sweet and Spicy Sri Lanka Strategy|magazine=[[The Diplomat]]|date=24 June 2014|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref> Modi invited President [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] to his inauguration in Delhi, overcoming domestic pressures from [[Tamil Nadu]] based political parties, in a bid to renew the ties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/aditi-phadnis-how-modi-projects-ideas-of-india-114091201424_1.html|title=Aditi Phadnis: How Modi projects ideas of india|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=12 September 2014|access-date=12 September 2014}}</ref> The primary concerns of New Delhi is the excessive Chinese investment and military presence in the island country strategically located off the South Indian coast.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/mahinda-rajapaksa-used-china-to-needle-india/articleshow/45831794.cms|title=Mahinda Rajapaksa used China to needle India|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=10 January 2014|access-date=17 February}}</ref> In fact in November 2014 a second [[People's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force|nuclear powered Chinese submarine]] was allowed by the Sri Lankan authority to dock in [[Colombo Port]] despite India expressed its displeasure following a similar incident in September 2014 coinciding with the stand-off between [[People's Liberation Army|PLA]] and Indian troops in the [[Chumar]] sector of Himalayas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail/?lng=en&id=186083|title=Chinese Submarines and Indian ASW in the Indian Ocean|publisher=[[FPRI]]|date=24 November 2014|access-date=19 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/Sri-Lanka-snubs-India-opens-port-to-Chinese-submarine-again/articleshow/45009064.cms|title=Sri Lanka snubs India, opens port to Chinese submarine again|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=2 November 2014 |access-date=3 November 2014}}</ref> Although later both Sri Lanka and China have clarified it as mere refueling and crew refreshment halt on the way to gulf of Aden as part of anti-piracy deployment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/china-says-its-submarine-docked-in-sri-lanka-for-replenishment/article6643129.ece?homepage=true|title=China says its submarine docked in Sri Lanka 'for replenishment'|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 November 2014|access-date=19 December 2014}}</ref>

Things started changing however with the [[2015 Sri Lankan presidential election|2015 presidential election]] where [[Maithripala Sirisena]], an old ally and Minister in the Rajapakshe's cabinet, defeated the veteran leader to become Sri Lanka's President.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/chinese-takeaway-regime-change/99/|title=Chinese Takeaway: Regime Change|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=16 January 2014|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> There were allegation of external factors (particularly India) involved in promoting the regime change in Colombo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/01/19/world/politics-diplomacy-world/indian-spys-role-alleged-sri-lankan-presidents-election-defeat/#.VM5tUGjLcSE|title=Indian spy's role alleged in Sri Lankan president's election defeat|date=19 January 2015|work=[[The Japan Times]]|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> On 9 January 2015 even before the formal announcement of election result, Modi became the first foreign leader to call and congratulate Sirisena on his victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sri-lanka-presidential-polls-pm-narendra-modi-congratulates-maithripala-sirisena-on-poll-victory/articleshow/45818109.cms|title=Sri Lanka Presidential polls: PM Narendra Modi congratulates Maithripala Sirisena on poll victory|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=9 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/india-usa-china-idINKBN0KU1IB20150121|title=As Obama visits, signs that India is pushing back against China|agency=[[Reuters]]|date=21 January 2014|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> Sirisena's election is expected to balance the island's tilt toward China in recent years,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sirisena-likely-to-stop-china-tilt/article6772591.ece|title=Sirisena likely to stop China 'tilt'|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}}</ref> who had earlier proposed a foreign policy catering Indian sensitivities.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/sirisena-for-equal-ties-with-india-china/article6709229.ece?homepage=true|title=Sirisena for equal ties with India, China|newspaper= [[The Hindu]] |date=20 December 2014|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> Sirisena chose India for his first state visit (15–18 February) signalling a fresh-start in the bilateral relations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-to-be-sri-lankan-president-maithripala-sirisenas-first-foreign-destination/articleshow/45835868.cms|title=India to be Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's first foreign destination|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=10 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/new-sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-visit-india-on-february-16/articleshow/46088682.cms |title=New Sri Lanka president Maithripala Sirisena to visit India on February 16|date=1 February 2015|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sri-lankan-presidents-india-visit-why-sirisena-pm-modi-must-look-to-deepen-bilateral-ties/articleshow/46245557.cms|title=Sri Lankan president's India visit: Why Sirisena & PM Modi must look to deepen bilateral ties|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=15 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> During Sirisena's visit to New Delhi<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/editorial%C2%ADnew%C2%ADthrust%C2%ADin%C2%ADindiasri%C2%ADlanka%C2%ADties/article6905808.ece?homepage=true|title=New thrust in IndiaSri Lanka ties|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=17 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> the two countries signed a bilateral '''civil nuclear agreement''', which is believed to be for sending a strong message towards China.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/ocean-diplomacy-sirisena-visit-key-for-india-to-tackle-chinas-maritime-silk-route-ambitions-2104399.html|title=Ocean diplomacy: Sirisena visit key for India to tackle China's Maritime Silk Route ambitions|magazine=[[First Post]]|date=17 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/diplomacy-win-sri-lankas-nuclear-deal-with-india-is-a-pointed-message-to-china-2102251.html|title=Diplomacy win: Sri Lanka's nuclear deal with India is a pointed message to China|magazine=[[First Post]]|date=17 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> They also signed three more agreements which includes a tripartite maritime cooperation pact involving Maldives.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150217/jsp/frontpage/story_3869.jsp#.VOOmg2jLcSE|title=Modi dangles carrots, Lanka doesn't bite|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)]]|date=17 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/02/india-sri-lanka-celebrate-new-beginning-in-ties/|title=India, Sri Lanka Celebrate 'New Beginning' in Ties|magazine=[[The Diplomat]]|date=17 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> Although one irritant remained with the new administration's go ahead of a US$1.4b Chinese project for developing a 'port-city' off the Colombo harbor undermining India's security concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-a-move-that-will-irk-india-sri-lanka-backs-big-china-port-deal-737457|title=In a Move That Will Irk India, Sri Lanka Backs Big China Port Deal|date=6 February 2015|work=[[NDTV]]/[[Reuters]]|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref>

Indian Prime Minister visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena and concluded his two-day official visit on Saturday 14 March 2015. Modi's visit is the first time in 28 years that an Indian prime minister has visited Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/modi-1st-pm-in-36-yrs-t-address-sl-parliament.html|title=MODI 1ST PM IN 36 YRS TO ADDRESS SL PARLIAMENT|work =[[The Pioneer (India)|The Pioneer]]|date=19 August 2014|access-date=19 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-seeks-its-place-in-Indian-Ocean-ahead-of-Modis-China-visit/articleshow/46273336.cms|title=India seeks its place in Indian Ocean ahead of Modi's China visit|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=17 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Prime Ministerial trips made by Narendra Modi]]
* [[Look East policy (India)]]
* [[Middle Eastern foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government]]
* [[SAARC]]

==Notes==
<sup>{{note|1|[Note I]}}</sup> In 2002, [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] had visited Nepal but for the [[List of SAARC summits#Eleventh summit|11th SAARC summit]] held at [[Kathmandu]].<ref name="First"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Foreign relations of India}}



{{DEFAULTSORT:Foreign Policy Of Narendra Modi}}
[[Category:Foreign relations of India]]
[[Category:Foreign policy of the Narendra Modi administration]]
[[Category:Narendra Modi]]

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

South Asian foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government