"India's Deteriorating Ties: Former Allies Turn Foes"

 "India's Deteriorating Ties: Former Allies Turn Foes"

Indian PM with Bangladeshi PM

"In recent times, India's longstanding relations with neighboring countries like China and Pakistan have been strained. However, following certain recent events, even historically perceived friendly nations such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives are seemingly voicing concerns against India.

While discussions about Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan may seem outdated, the recent diplomatic tensions between India and Sri Lanka have come to light. Last week, during a press conference, Indian Foreign Minister Jay Shankar mentioned the Sri Lankan island of 'Kachchativu'.

This rocky and desolate island lies between India's southern coast and the northern region of Sri Lanka, belonging solely to Sri Lanka with no territorial dispute between the two nations.

'Kachchativu,' positioned closer to Sri Lanka than India, was under British rule in 1921. Historically, India has never had control over the island. In 1974, under a treaty between India and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka's sovereignty over the island was affirmed.

However, Foreign Minister Jay Shankar suggests that the island was handed over to Sri Lanka due to the weakness of the Congress government at the time. Previously, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned the island during a political rally in Tamil Nadu.

Diplomatic circles of both countries speculate that India is unnecessarily stirring up a conflict with Sri Lanka for its domestic political gains.

However, observing the rhetoric of political figures in India, it seems they are not particularly concerned about deteriorating relations with neighboring countries."

"During a recent gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that 'India is no longer a weak nation; its strength is being felt worldwide, and the people of the country are very pleased with Modi's policies, believing that he has elevated India's status globally.'

On the other hand, voices against India have risen in Bangladesh, contradicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement.

In recent days, there have been calls to boycott Indian-made products in Bangladesh, led by opposition parties in the country.

Some individuals on social media have even attempted to portray India as aiding Bangladesh's Prime Minister Hasina Wajed's government to strengthen her administration."

"In the past, the Maldives, once considered close to India, now appears to be drifting away from New Delhi. In the previous presidential election, the slogan 'Return to India' was prominent, and Mohamed Nasheed, who raised this slogan during his election campaign, emerged victorious.

After coming to power, the new president, Mohamed Nasheed, ordered nearly 100 Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives to return to their country, stating that there was no justification for the presence of foreign troops in his country.

Bhutan, the third country in the region attempting to distance itself from India's shadow, used to receive aid allocated specifically for Bhutan in India's annual budget. However, Bhutan is now formulating an independent foreign policy, seeking to improve diplomatic relations with China as well.

Last year, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering softened his stance on the area of 'Doklam', which had been the cause of tension between India and China. Doklam is a disputed mountainous region claimed by both China and Bhutan, where Indian and Chinese troops clashed a few years ago.

Nepal also has a historical border dispute with India. Initially, during the early days of the Modi government, there was enthusiasm about mutual relations in Nepal, but disputes over Nepal's internal affairs led to strained relations between the two countries.

Now, Nepal also appears to be leaning towards China, with infrastructure projects such as airports, highways, and major developments being undertaken with Beijing's assistance.

According to Ghazala Amin, an analyst focusing on security and foreign affairs, 'It's not that India is not concerned about deteriorating relations with neighboring countries, but India can't do much more now because the dynamics have changed in the region after China's arrival.'

She added, 'China has vast resources and is offering all kinds of assistance to these countries (Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, etc.). Therefore, the inclination of these countries towards China is a natural phenomenon.'

Ghazala believes that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has now almost collapsed, and member countries acknowledge that the organization, built for increasing cooperation, couldn't progress due to India's behavior.

She said, 'Whether it's the government of Vajpayee or Modi, their entire focus is on strengthening relations with America. America is a dreamland for India's middle class, and millions of students go there for education. The inclination of the Modi government towards America is natural.'

However, in their opinion, deteriorating relations with neighboring countries is not in India's interest. There is also public discourse on India's foreign policy.

An individual, Badruldeen, said, 'India's foreign policy was good in the past, but now the policy being adopted is for electoral gains.'

But another citizen, Haider Ali, believes that 'Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, these are all small countries. The government knows that deteriorating relations with them will not affect the country.'

Lecturer Mahmood Anwar seems influenced by India's foreign policy. According to him, 'The government has created such an atmosphere that it seems India has conquered the whole world. Today, people of every class are saying that Modi has raised India's flag worldwide.'"