On 6th December , Gateway House will launch ‘Neighbourhood views of India,’ a compendium of essays in which geopolitical experts from each of India’s neighbouring SAARC countries have analyzed bilateral relations between India and their country, and the course of India’s future foreign policy towards their nation.
The SAARC nations are bound together by history, culture and the British colonial legacy. However, some historical incidents still continue to haunt the relationship that these nations share with India. Since their inception, initiatives like the SAARC and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ) have upheld a glorious vision of economic growth and prosperity built on peace and stability in the region. However, what is evident today is a denial of those principles and objectives.
The current geopolitical climate has prompted these nations to revisit the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, mutual understanding and cooperation. India’s $2 billion aid to Afghanistan, granting of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India by Pakistan, training of Sri-Lankan police personnel by India, etc highlight the increasing efforts of these nations towards strengthening bilateral ties. So today we need innovative ideas that would further boost their efforts. The compendium of essays intends to contribute to this process.
The writers include Ronen Sen- former Indian Ambassador, Ayesha Siddiqa-a political commentator from Pakistan and Mahfuz Anam-editor and publisher of Bangladesh’s leading newspaper ‘Daily Star’ among others. The writers will address key questions like- how India’s policies are viewed in their country, what would be the ideal bilateral relationship between India and their country and what policy changes can reinvigorate the business, security, development and political goals of South Asia?
Gateway House meetings are for members and special invitees only, and they are off-the-record and not-for-attribution. If you are interested in becoming a member, click here for more details.