An objective analysis post-2014, suggests that India’s foreign policy has been proactive and pragmatic, especially in its neighbourhood Many new initiatives have resulted in positive outcomes, relations with several countries have improved and fruitful engagements accelerated. In 2014, leaders of SAARC member states were invited to the swearing in ceremony of the Narendra Modi government. Realising the need for stability on the subcontinent, Modi pitched for a policy aimed at strengthening relations with neighbouring countries. Accordingly, he focused on the Neighbourhood First and Look East policies with the latter being upgraded to the Act East policy. To enhance neighbourhood diplomacy, the leaders of BIMSTEC states were invited to Modi’s second oath taking ceremony. India now has an opportunity to further its influence in the region. A focused approach at both the bilateral and multilateral levels could integrate South Asia culturally and in an economic sense.
