INTERNATIONAL RELATION - STATIC+CURRENT

1 INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD Cooperation: BBIN Sri Lanka, Teesta water-sharing
and BIMSTEC with Bangladesh, Rohingya
RELATIONS
promote cooperation. crisis, Myanmar coup, Taliban-
led Afghanistan affect relations.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF INDIA‘S NEIGHBORHOOD Emergency Response: Border and river disputes:
SAARC Assistance India-Nepal border conflict in
Indian 2020, Doklam and Galwan with
Policy/Doct like Sanjeevani and
Key Principles Example/Chronol China strain cooperation.
rine Neer.
ogy
Enhancing Extreme trust deficit: Recent
British Buffer states, Indian Pre-1947, using conflicts with Nepal and China
Connectivity:
Policy Colony Security Nepal, Afghanistan
Sagarmala, Maldives heighten nationalism and trust
Nehru‘s 1950s-1960s, connectivity project. issues.
Security focus,
Policy focused on non-
'Family approach' Maritime Security: Failure of SAARC: India-
(1954) alignment
India as a Net Security Pakistan tensions delay SAARC
Non-Reciprocity, No Provider under initiatives, impacting regional
Gujral Interference, SAGAR. cooperation.
Post-1990s, South
Doctrine Resolve Disputes
Asian neighbors Developmental
(1996) Amicably, Regional
Assistance:
Cooperation
Community and
Economic Quick Impact
Early 2000s,
Manmohan Interdependence, Projects.
Bangladesh, Sri
Doctrine Regional
Lanka
Integration
Neighborho MAJOR CHALLENGES IN INDIA‘S
Proactive Neighbor 2014-present, NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS
od First
Relations, Global strengthening ties Topic Key Points
Policy
Cooperation, Peace with SAARC - India identifies as a civilizational
(2014-
Promotion countries Border Disputes state, complicating boundary
present)
resolutions.
- Disputes with Pakistan (Kashmir),
DETERMINANTS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST
China (Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh,
POLICY
Aksai Chin), Sri Lanka
Strategic Area Example (Kachchatheevu island), Nepal
Strategic Location Central position in South Asia (Kalapani Area).
Advantage and Western Indian Ocean.
- Limited success; resolved with
Regional Diplomacy Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; ongoing
SAARC engagement.
and Discourse talks with Pakistan and China.
Economic Cooperation BBIN energy development. - China's Brahmaputra dams
Bilateral Issue India-Bangladesh Land impacting downstream flow; India's
Resolution Boundary Agreement. River Disputes
Teesta River dams affecting
Connectivity and SAARC MOUs for regional Bangladesh's water supply.
Cooperation connectivity. - Stalled agreements like India-
Joint exercises with Nepal and Bangladesh on Teesta; ongoing
Military and Defence
Bangladesh. Support to Afghan disputes with Nepal over the Kosi
Cooperation
National Army. River.
Aid to Nepal after earthquake. - Historical factors (India's socialist
Disaster Management
Aid to Afghanistan post- Trade Barriers past) and bilateral conflicts hinder
and Humanitarian Aid
Taliban. South Asian economic integration.
Capacity Building and Training Afghan National - SAARC's limited effectiveness due
Training Army. to India-Pakistan conflicts;
challenging logistics and infrastructure
IMPACTS: in the region.
Positive Aspects - Economic competition in projects
Challenges
like CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic
China's Influence
Rising Chinese footprint: BRI Corridor); strategic tensions in
India's Monroe
projects in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ladakh and Galwan Valley.
Doctrine: Changing
and Maldives raise concerns - Growing geopolitical rivalry;
the "Big Brother"
about debt sustainability and China's ties with Nepal and Maldives
Image.
regional security. impacting India's regional influence.
Sub-Regional Domestic politics: Tamil issue in Counterterrorism - State-sponsored terrorism by

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Pakistan; cross-border attacks in KEY ISSUES IN INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATION

Kashmir; proxy warfare using groups Border Issues Key Points
like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Kashmir - Wars: 3 conflicts fought
Lashkar-e-Taiba. - Internationalization: Pakistan seeks
- Impact on India's image and global involvement
security concerns; need for enhanced - Bilateral Issue: India asserts bilateral
regional cooperation and intelligence approach (1972 Shimla)
sharing. Siachen - Operation Meghdoot: Weather
- India's soft loans for regional Glacier hampers border demarcation
Soft Loan
development; fostering economic ties - Casualties: 167 Indian Army lives lost
Diplomacy
and trust-building with neighbors. in 10 years
- Agreements: Close to deals in 1989,
WAYFORWARD: 1992, 2006
Challenge Way Forward - Runs through Pakistan-occupied
CPEC
- Regional cooperation Strengthen legal Kashmir, impacting Indian sovereignty
Border frameworks Increase diplomatic Sir Creek - Geographical: 92 km marshland
Disputes engagement Implement confidence-building - Boundary Dispute: Disagreement on
measures Promote Track II diplomacy maritime line
- Enhanced dialogue and cooperation - Recently gained provincial status, part
River Gilgit Baltistan
Sustainable agreements Infrastructure of J&K
Disputes
investment Environmental conservation Asymmetric - Use of terrorism from PoK to
- Re-evaluate FTAs Eliminate NTBs Balancing destabilize Kashmir
Trade
Enhance cross-border infrastructure Adopt China- - Two-Front Conflict: Potential due to
Barriers
global best practices Political commitment Pakistan Ladakh tensions
- Emphasize neighborhood first policy - Strategic Encirclement: Utilizes
Rising
Revitalize SAARC Accelerate project CPEC, Gwadar against India
Chinese
completion Leverage Quad and - Security Threats: Rising China-
Footprint
minilaterals Resolve disputes actively Pakistan-Iran-Russia axis
- Strengthen economic integration.Promote Trade Relations Key Points
regional initiatives Enhance India's Exports to
Terrorism - Total: $653M in 2022
counterterrorism cooperation Reduce Pakistan
nuclear risks Foster enhanced cooperation - Main Exports: Raw Sugar ($219M),
Vaccines ($79.4M)
- India's Economic Complexity Index
(ECI): 0.64 in 2022
Pakistan's Exports
2. INDIA-PAKISTAN - Total: $18.1M in 2022
to India
- Main Exports: Ships ($17.1M),
INTRODUCTION Fruits ($233k)
Aspect Key Points - Pakistan's Economic Complexity
- Among the most complicated in India's Index (ECI): 0.45 in 2022
Complexity
neighborhood.
- Significant lowering of the trust deficit WAY FORWARD
Progress
through dialogues. Topic Details
- India aims for peaceful, cooperative - Bilateral talks initiated. Aims: Address
Objectives UFA
relations with Pakistan. terrorism, release fishermen, enhance
- Political and historical factors complicate Agreement
Challenges military and religious ties.
the relationship. - Blend of soft and hard power crucial.
- Shared linguistic, cultural, geographical, Soft and Hard
Ties Example: Cultural exchanges, military
and economic connections. Power
dialogues.
- Persistent challenges related to violence and - Use of global platforms to pressure
Issues terrorism must be addressed for improved International
Pakistan. Impact: FATF Grey List
relations. Pressure
inclusion.
- Masood Azhar labeled global terrorist.
Tackling
Results: Asset freezing, weakening
Jaish-e-
Jaish-e-Mohammed. Example: Reduced
Mohammed
attacks on Indian army bases.

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PAKISTAN‘S CRUMBLING ECONOMY AND ITS WAYFORWARD:

IMPACT ON INDIA Issue Solutions
Topic Details - Bilateral Dialogue: Sustained and
- ICRIER highlights Pakistan's meaningful talks between India and
Growing Chinese economic problems. India Pakistan. - Peacebuilding Measures:
Kashmir
Influence in recognizes increasing Chinese Confidence-building measures to reduce
Dispute
Pakistan influence. South Asia dynamics: tensions. - Humanitarian Efforts: Address
Impact of Chinese investments. humanitarian issues affecting Kashmiri
- US-Pakistan collaboration during civilians.
Unfriendly
USSR conflict. Pakistan's hostile - Enhanced Security Cooperation:
Activities Against
actions against India backed by Strengthen intelligence sharing and joint
India
external powers. Cross- operations. - Diplomatic Pressure:
- China's investments in Pakistan Border International efforts to isolate and sanction
Vested Interest in
seek regional stability. Emphasis on Terrorism terrorist organizations. - Legal Measures:
Stability
stability for economic interests. Pursue legal actions against perpetrators of
- Uncertainty on China-Pakistan terrorism.
alliance impact on anti-India - Trade Initiatives: Promote bilateral trade
Anti-India Activity
actions. Potential shift in regional agreements and economic cooperation. -
dynamics. Trade and Infrastructure Development: Enhance
- India's strategy: Adapting to Economic cross-border infrastructure to facilitate
New Approach for volatile scenarios with Pakistan's Relations trade. - Regional Integration: Participate
Engagement external donors. Strategic in regional economic forums to boost trade
adjustments in engagement. ties.
- Pakistan's cautionary tale of - Adherence to Treaty: Ensure compliance
Effect of Jingoistic jingoistic majoritarianism. Water with the Indus Waters Treaty provisions. -
Majoritarianism Regional implications on stability Sharing Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Establish
and development. (Indus effective mechanisms for resolving
- India's evaluation of Pakistan's Waters disputes. - Environmental Sustainability:
Assessing economic stability. Consideration of Treaty) Collaborate on sustainable water
Consequences short, medium, and long-term management practices.
impacts.

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

Topic Details
- Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signed in 3. INDIA-BANGLADESH
Background:
1960 between India and Pakistan
IWT and
mediated by World Bank (WB). Highlighting the importance of the relationship, Foreign
Dispute
Pakistan objects to Indian hydroelectric Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that India
Resolution
projects under IWT terms. and Bangladesh have the potential to change ―the whole
- India issues notice regarding dispute geo-economics of the region.‖
resolution mechanisms under IWT.
India's Notice Concerns over Kishanganga and Ratle
to Pakistan projects. Involvement of World Bank in
INTRODUCTION
neutral expert and arbitration
Key Points Details
processes.
- Jaishankar: Potential to change
- Inaugurated 2018 over Kishanganga Importance of
regional geo-economics. Modi: Golden
river, a Jhelum tributary. Pakistan Relationship
Kishanganga phase ('Sonali Adhyay') of bilateral ties.
raises dam design concerns. Court of
Project - Maitri Setu: Enhances connectivity.
arbitration interim order 2013 allowing Strategic
Mutual trust: Strengthens economic
construction. Cooperation
and security ties.
- Article 9 of IWT outlines dispute
- Cultural exchanges: Foster people-to-
resolution through Permanent Cultural
people bonds. Shared history: Bolsters
Commission and World Bank Diplomacy
Dispute diplomatic relations.
arbitration. World Bank suspends
Resolution - $10B credit line: Supports
processes 2016 citing treaty
Process Economic development projects. Trade
endangerment. Resumption of
processes with India's objections to Growth cooperation: Drives regional
parallel dispute resolution. development.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA BANGLADESH RELATIONS Issues contention affecting bilateral relations.
Geostrategic
Details
Significance GOVERNMENT STEPS
Connectivity to Enhanced via Bangladesh, aiding
North-East landlocked region like Tripura.
Maritime Essential for securing sea lanes in Bay
Topic Details
Security of Bengal, crucial for trade.
- Land Boundary Agreement (2015):
Facilitates India's link to Southeast Asia
Act East Policy Resolved border disputes. Connectivity:
through BBIN and BIMSTEC.
Use of Chattogram and Mongla ports.
Bilateral trade reached US$18.2 billion
Vaccine Maitri: Gifted 1.2 million COVID-
Trade Relations in 2022, benefiting from SAFTA tariff India-
19 vaccine doses. Developmental Support:
concessions. Bangladesh
$7.4 billion in credit since 2010. Youth:
Proposed Comprehensive Economic Relations
Economic 'Swarna Jayanti Scholarships' for
Partnership Agreement covering goods,
Partnership Bangladeshi students. S&T Cooperation:
services, investments.
Joint initiatives in AI, nuclear tech, big data,
Connectivity Details healthcare.
Inland Links Tripura to India's National - Collaboration with Serum Institute for
Waterway Waterways via Bangladesh, easing COVID-19 vaccines. Donation of 3.3 million vaccine
Route transport. Pandemic doses. Bangladesh's aid to India during
Five operational rail links between crisis.
Rail
Bangladesh and India, boosting trade - Sheikh Hasina's re-election; praise for
Connectivity
flow. Elections in India's stance. Potential for enhanced
Allows India transit via inland water, Bangladesh cooperation. Opposition's "India Out"
Transit
rail, and coastal shipping through campaign critique.
Agreement
Bangladesh.
Agreement with no transit fees at
Coastal WAY FORWARD
Chattogram and Mongla ports benefits
Shipping Topic Details
Indian trade to NE states.
Opened in 2023, enhancing direct rail - Assisting Bangladesh: nuclear
Akhaura- Countering
connectivity between Bangladesh and technology, AI, modern farming, flood
Agartala Rail China's
Northeast India. data exchange. Strengthening ties to resist
Link Influence
China's influence.
Blue
Details - SAARC Declaration: India, Bangladesh
Economy
Refugee Crisis lead. Procedures for refugee, economic
Joint efforts in hydrocarbon exploration,
migrants' status.
Cooperation deep-sea fishing, and marine ecology
- Mutual Agreement: Bengal, central
preservation.
Teesta River governments collaborate. Cooperative
Rohingya Issue Details
Dispute federalism for Teesta River water
India's 'Operation Insaniyat' provided aid sharing.
Humanitarian
to 300,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh in
Support - Clean Energy Collaboration: global
2018. Energy
energy crisis. Enhancing South Asia's
Security
energy security.
ISSUES IN RELATIONSHIP
Topic Details
- Water Distribution: Agreement in
2011 gave India 42.5%, Bangladesh
Teesta River 4. INDIA- NEPAL
37.5%, 20% for both. - Irrigation
Dispute
Importance: Critical for paddy farming
in both nations. India and Nepal have a unique friendship and
- Border Tensions: Stemming from
Illegal cooperation relationship characterized by open borders
unrest in Bangladesh, leading to bilateral
Migration
strains.
and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship
Countering - Strategic Cooperation: India supports and culture.
China's Bangladesh with technology and flood
Influence data to counter Chinese influence. INTRODUCTION
- Water Sharing: Dispute over Ganga Aspect Details
Farakka
water due to Farakka Barrage, operational - India is Nepal's largest trade partner.
Barrage
since 1996. - Issues: Complaints about Economic - Trade surplus since 2002-2003. -
Dispute
seasonal water allocation and flooding. Significant Indian investments.
Insurgency - Security Concerns: Major point of Political - Strong bilateral ties with persistent

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border disputes. - Both members of Nepali Army.

SAARC and BIMSTEC.
- Strong cultural ties and familial WAY FORWARD
Social
relations (Roti-Beti ka Rishta). Aspect Details
- Rich Hindu and Buddhist heritage. - - Kathmandu seeks to regulate
Cultural Ties Sister-city agreements for cultural Revision of traffic along the border as part of
exchange. Friendship Treaty revising the 1950 Friendship
- Nepal's rivers crucial for Ganges Treaty.
Water
basin. - Bilateral water resources - India must be mindful of its "big
Resources
cooperation since 2008. Big Brother Image brother" image amidst Nepal's
- Indian firms dominate FDI (40% of volatile domestic politics.
Investment total). - Approximately 150 Indian - India needs to enhance project
ventures operating in Nepal. Projects on Time delivery efficiency and ensure
- Annual joint military exercise ‗Surya timely completion.
Defense
Kiran‘. - Historical ties with Indian - Agreements signed to facilitate
Cooperation
Army's Gorkha regiment. Nepal's trade through India's
- Participation in BIMSTEC for Transit Agreement
Disaster inland waterways and
collective disaster response. - Indian connectivity.
Management
assistance during 2015 earthquake. - Perception of Indian
- Nepal dependent on India for sea Avoiding
"micromanagement" in Nepal
Connectivity access. - Rail and inland waterways Micromanagement
could strain bilateral relations.
development. - Integrated Check Posts.
INDIA-NEPAL HISROIC PAST:
INDIA NEPAL TIES Key Words Details
Dimension Details Managed under the 1950 India-Nepal
India: largest trade partner, trade surplus Treaty of Peace and Friendship; border
Economic Open borders
since 2002-2003. demarcated formally under the Treaty of
Strong bilateral ties; historical, cultural, Sugauli (1816).
Political religious links; SAARC, BIMSTEC India's control over Kalapani,
members. Territorial Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh;
Deep people-to-people bonds; "Roti-Beti disputes disagreements over boundary demarcation
Social
ka Rishta" (marriages, familial ties). and river course changes.
Shared Hindu, Buddhist heritage; sister- India-Nepal Border Joint Technical
Cultural Ties
city agreements; heritage projects. Joint Committee (1981), Joint Border
Water Bilateral mechanism (2008) for water, mechanisms Inspection Mechanism (1981), Joint
Resources hydropower cooperation. Border Management Committee (1997).
Indian firms lead FDI, 40% total; 150 Nepal issuing new maps including
Investment
operating ventures. Recent disputed areas; controversy over inclusion
Defense Annual 'Surya Kiran' joint military tensions of Indian territories on Nepali currency
Cooperation exercise; Gorkha soldiers' historical ties. notes.
Disaster Mutual aid in BIMSTEC; India's 2015 India-Nepal power trade agreement for
Management earthquake assistance. Development 10,000 MW over 10 years; financial aid
Rail projects; inland waterways; projects for earthquake-hit regions; satellite launch
Connectivity
Integrated Check Posts. and HICDP agreements.
Nepal's role in India's national security;
ISSUES IN INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS Strategic concerns over terrorist infiltration;
Key Aspect Details significance importance of maintaining stable bilateral
Border Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura relations.
Disputes regions; Nepal claims these areas.
Economic Trade surplus since 2002-2003; Indian INDIA-NEPAL BORDER CONFLICTS
Relations investments dominant in Nepal. Issue Details
Strong historical and cultural ties; Sino-Indian
Political Kalapani administered by India since the
occasional tensions over perceived War and
Relations 1962 Sino-Indian War.
interference. Kalapani
Delayed completion of Indian-aided Nepal's claims to Kalapani,
Infrastructure
projects due to trust deficit and political Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh precede the
Projects Historical
uncertainties. Treaty of Sugauli (1816); Kali River
Claims
Geopolitical Nepal-China strategic partnership; joint defined as border between India and
Dynamics military exercises between PLA and Nepal.

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Dispute over precise location of Kali Neighbourhood First Policy.

Lack of
River leads to ambiguity on ownership of - India-Afghanistan Air Freight
Clarity Geo-Economic
Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh. Corridor enhances connectivity. Rich
Significance
Contention due to Gandak River's in mineral resources.
(Narayani River in Nepal) changing - Integral to TAPI pipeline; crucial for
Susta Region
course affecting territorial claims in Susta energy security.
region. - Preferential Trade Agreement
benefits Afghan dry fruits; substantial
WAY FORWARD FOR INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS: aid provided by India.
Way Forward for
India-Nepal Details INDIA-AFGHANISTAN DEVELOPMENT
Relations PARTNERSHIP
- India needs to address issues
Immediate Action promptly, given the critical nature of Dimension Details
its relationship with Nepal. - Supported Operation Enduring
- Addressing unrestricted Political
Closing Border Freedom (2001)
movement across the border to - Advocated Afghanistan's inclusion
Loopholes
enhance national security. in SAARC (2005)
- Stable and strong relations with - Signed Strategic Partnership
Importance of
Nepal are crucial for India's Agreement (2011)
Stable Relations
strategic interests. - Implemented Preferential Trade
- India should emphasize the Economic Agreement (2003) for Afghan dry
Preserving
historical ties and the benefits fruits
Centuries-old Bond
enjoyed by Nepali citizens in India. - Established India-Afghanistan Air
Freight Corridor (2017)
- Funded infrastructure projects
including roads, dams
- Provided medical aid, school
5. INDIA-AFGHANISTAN Humanitarian feeding programs, COVID-19
vaccines
Afghanistan has been the center of „Great Games‟ and - Sent humanitarian aid including
„Graveyard of Empires‟. The Gandhar-Bharat Sambandha, wheat during crises
often known as Afghanistan-India connections, refers to - Awarded Amir Amanullah Khan
India's diplomatic ties with Afghanistan Cultural
Award to Indian leaders
- Extended ICCR fellowship for
SIGNIFICANCE OF AFGHANISTAN FOR INDIA Afghan students
Dimension Details - Promoted cultural ties through
- Connects East, West, Central, and sports, particularly cricket
Geo-Strategic
North East Asia. Proximity to Iran, Education & - Sponsored ICCR scholarships for
Importance
India, China, and Russia. Capacity Building Afghan students
- Historical center of the Great Game - Conducted vocational training for
between USA and Russia. Afghan women
Regional - Supported capacity building in
- Crucial for India's regional leadership
Balance of healthcare and administration sectors
and global power vision.
Power Regional - Engaged in Moscow Format and
Friendship - Signed in 1949, underscores Initiatives Heart of Asia Conference (HOAC)
Treaty longstanding bilateral ties. - Advocated for regional peace and
Countering stability in Afghanistan
- Uses partnerships like Chabahar port
Chinese - Committed to principles of non-
against China's OBOR initiatives. Diplomatic
Influence interference through Delhi
Engagements
Internal Declaration
- Center for radical ideology, drug
Security - Participated in dialogues supporting
trafficking, and smuggling.
Concerns Afghanistan's stability
- Stability vital for regional security.
Regional - Advocates for Afghanistan's counter- TALIBAN TAKEOVER OF AFGHANISTAN
Security terrorism capabilities at regional CHALLENGES
Initiatives dialogues. CHALLENGES DETAILS
Geopolitical - Emphasis on inclusive regional Transnational terrorism and
Strategy security frameworks under Security
radicalization Afghanistan. Kashmir

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