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OPINION JUNE 28, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

India’s Outreach to

Revitalise Subregionalism

This viewpoint examines the diplomatic ramifications of Prime Minister Modi’s third

consecutive term inauguration ceremony, delving into its implications for the resurgence of
subregional cooperation in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region

SUBODH CHANDRA BHARTI

he National Democratic Alli-
ance (NDA), led by the Bhar-
Ttiya Janta Party (BJP), secured
a majority in the Parliamentary elec-
tions held in 2024. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi formed the govern-
ment for the third consecutive term.
His swearing-in ceremony on 9 June
2024 witnessed a notable gathering
of Heads of State/Government from
neighbouring states, marking a pivot-
al moment in India’s diplomatic land-
scape.
The invitation extended to lead-
ers from neighbouring and Indian
Ocean Region (IOR) countries was
not merely ceremonial but a tangi-
ble expression of India’s steadfast
commitment to its “Neighbour-
hood First” policy and the visionary
“SAGAR” initiative. Notable invi-
tees include Heads of State/Gov-
ernment from Bangladesh, Bhutan,
the Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri
Lanka and the Seychelles, signify-
ing India’s steadfast commitment to
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Ne-
pal (BBIN) and the SAGAR vision.
The swearing-in ceremony marked a
significant diplomatic event, drawing
attention to India’s subregional en- Prime Minister Narendra Modi with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Druk Gyalpo Award Ceremony,
gagement in South Asia and the quest in Thimphu in March (ANI)
for greater engagement in the IOR.
This viewpoint examines the dip-
lomatic ramifications of Prime Min- Prime Minister Modi’s inaugural for- (November 2018). Additionally, PM Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan
ister Modi’s third consecutive term eign visits to the neighbourhood un- Modi’s subsequent visits, during his and Myanmar exhibited positive tra-
inauguration ceremony, delving into derscored India’s proactive approach second term, to Bhutan in August jectories.
its implications for the resurgence towards strengthening bilateral ties. 2019 and March 2024, Nepal in May
of subregional cooperation in South After assuming office, PM Mo- 2022, Sri Lanka in June 2019, Ban- Shifting Dynamics: From
Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. di’s initial foreign visits to the neigh- gladesh in May 2021 and the Mal- Bilateralism to Subregional
bourhood included Bhutan (June dives in June 2019 further highlight Cooperation
The Foundation of 2014), Nepal twice in a span of four India’s stance on the “neighbour-
Neighbourhood First Policy months (August and November hood first policy.” Despite challeng- nder Prime Minister Modi’s
es, such as strained relations with
2014) and again in May and August
regime, India’s South Asia
ndia’s “Neighbourhood First Pol- 2018, Myanmar (November 2014), Pakistan and increased Chinese Upolicy has undergone a trans-
icy” took root with the advent of Sri Lanka (March 2015), Bangla- influence in certain neighbouring formational shift towards subregional
Ithe NDA government in 2014. desh (June 2015) and the Maldives countries, India’s engagement with Continued on next page... >>

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