India & Neighbours (Nepal, BD, SL)
International Relations · भारत और पड़ोसी देश
📋Quick Overview
India shares borders with 7 countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan (via PoK). Each bilateral relationship has its unique dynamics, historical bonds, and contemporary challenges. Under the Neighbourhood First policy, India has prioritised connectivity, development assistance, and people-to-people ties with all its neighbours — though some relationships face friction over China's growing influence.
Doklam Standoff (2017): A 73-day military standoff between India and China at the Doklam plateau — a territory claimed by Bhutan but China was building a road there. India intervened on Bhutan's behalf, citing threat to Siliguri Corridor ('Chicken's Neck'). China backed down.
📖India's Bilateral Relations — Country-wise
| Country | Key Treaties/Agreements | Issues/Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950); open border; BIPPA (2011) | Kalapani-Lipulekh territory dispute; Arun-III hydropower (India building); Nepal's new map controversy 2020; China's growing influence (BRI) |
| Bangladesh | Land Boundary Agreement (2015) — enclaves exchanged; BIMSTEC member | Teesta water dispute; BSF fencing at border; Rohingya issue; India's 1971 liberation role; connectivity projects; 2024 political crisis (Hasina fled to India) |
| Sri Lanka | India-Sri Lanka FTA (2000); ETCA under negotiation | Tamil issue (13th Amendment); Hambantota Port (99-year China lease 2017); India's 1987 IPKF intervention; Easter bombings 2019; 2022 economic crisis (India helped) |
| Bhutan | India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty (2007); India funds 5-year plans | Doklam standoff 2017 (India-China-Bhutan tri-junction); Bhutan-China border talks ongoing; India's exclusive special relationship |
| Myanmar | India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway; Kaladan Multimodal Project | Border fencing controversy; military coup 2021; India walked fine line between engagement + democracy concerns; Arakan Army tensions |
| Maldives | India-Maldives security cooperation; Agalega Island concern | 2023 crisis: President Muizzu expelled Indian military personnel (troops withdrawn); 'India Out' campaign; China's growing influence |