You are defined by those surrounding you. India’s bordering South and Southeast Asian states are struggling with food insecurity, political unrest, and violence. After the Doha Accords were signed in 2020, Afghanistan became open to the Taliban seizing power. Comparably, the junta’s takeover of Myanmar after the democratically elected government was rejected brought attention to the country’s democratic downfall. When former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan lost the no-confidence vote, and the economic crisis in Sri Lanka led to a public outcry and a wave of resignations from political parties, political instability in the neighbourhood emerged as a significant theme of recent times.
Unstable Neighbourhood
When Prime Minister Prachanda was dissuaded from leading his eight-party coalition administration, Nepal briefly experienced micro-instability. Even though Nepal trounced this enemy, the most startling development is the recent unrest in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has made tremendous strides since gaining its independence in 1971, outperforming other nations in the GDP and the Happiness Index. This impressive economic and infrastructure growth has also spurred talks on reclassifying it as a developing nation. However, this progress was abruptly stopped in August 2024 when demonstrators burst into the home of the premier of Bangladesh. Because of this, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned in less than a day and departed Bangladesh to protect herself.
Even if India is the fifth-largest democracy and economy in the world, a situation like this in the area could jeopardize its security. China’s interventionist policies also impacted India’s strategic interests in the area. China benefited economically from financial aid (the “Debt Trap”) and investments made for the Belt and Road Initiative (the “String of Pearls”). These actions also increased China’s economic dominance and sphere of influence throughout South Asia. Due to the ongoing insecurity in the area, illegal migration is also a significant worry. Migration has always been in the direction of more affluent and better states and in case of South Asia it is India. One of the most incredible places for Nepali nationals to study and eventually look for work has been India.
The Immigration Problem
The enormous influx of immigrants from Myanmar at the start of the Rohingya Refugee Crisis and Bangladesh during the Bangladesh Liberation War are clear examples of history. Numerous people sought safety in India as a result of the current turmoil in Sri Lanka and the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. In addition to being unable to pay taxes, most refugees are employed in the unorganised sector. The citizens who bear the tax burden are under strain as a result. This may eventually lead to animosity between the host citizens and immigrants, who will then be demonised and mistreated. Similar incidents occurred in a small Uttarakhand town last year, where Rohingya migrants were intimidated and expelled. Another example is the social problem between Kolkata’s Bangal and Ghoti communities. Mishandling immigration can result in the rise of slum areas and violence, which impedes development and lessens the likelihood of drawing foreign direct investment.
What India Must do?
Thus, one may ponder if restricting immigration can help India with at least some of its internal problems. However, the truth is that India is in a lose-lose situation due to its unstable neighbours. Complex immigration procedures encourage unauthorised immigration, which puts national security in danger. To stop immigration as a whole, it must influence its neighbours’ internal politics to halt a new conflict from starting or to enhance the existing excellent conditions in those nations, effectively slowing immigration.
India has become an essential actor in preserving peace and stability in the area. Similar to how India provided support during the most recent political and economic crisis, it also gave Sri Lanka financial and infrastructural support during the LTTE’s post-war period. India supplied nearby states with vaccinations, masks, and other humanitarian aid during Pandemic-19. However, because of its welfare and foreign aid programs, India now has an 80% debt-to-GDP ratio, and the World Bank predicts that by 2050, that number might reach 100%. As a result, India must proceed cautiously to prevent experiencing another economic catastrophe akin to 1991 and ending up in a position akin to that of Pakistan or Sri Lanka. India should also re-set its foreign policy goals towards the neighbourhood and strengthen bilateral relations through peaceful coexistence and continuous engagement.
