This document is a response from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to Unstarred Question No. 1294 in the Lok Sabha, answered on February 6, 2026. The question, posed by Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P, concerns India's relations with its neighboring countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka), specifically addressing potential deterioration, reasons for it, and future plans for improvement.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, responded that the Government maintains constant vigilance over developments in the neighborhood, particularly those impacting India's security and national interests. The Government prioritizes relations with its neighbors, acknowledging their multifaceted nature and evolution based on mutual interests and prevailing circumstances. Under the Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India engages its neighboring countries through diplomatic dialogue, development partnerships, people-to-people exchanges, trade, connectivity initiatives, and regional mechanisms. The Government remains committed to safeguarding India's security and national interests and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of External Affairs: The ministry responsible for India's foreign relations, answering the parliamentary question.
Neighbourhood First Policy: A policy focused on prioritizing relations with India's immediate neighbors.
Vision MAHASAGAR: Related to maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Indian Parliament, where the question was raised.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1294
ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026
INDIA'S RELATIONS WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
1294. DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the relations of India with the neighbouring countries like
Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh,
Maldives and Sri Lanka has recently deteriorated;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Union Government has any future plans to improve/revamp
ties with these neighbouring countries; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) The Government keeps a constant watch on developments in the
neighbourhood, especially those having a bearing on India’s security and
national interests. The Government accords the highest priority to India’s
1relations with its neighbours, which are multifaceted and evolve in
response to mutual interests, sensitivities and prevailing bilateral,
regional and global circumstances.
Under the Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR,
India continues to engage with its neighbouring countries through
sustained diplomatic dialogue, development partnerships, people-to-
people exchanges, trade, connectivity initiatives and regional
mechanisms. The Government remains committed to safeguarding India’s
security and national interests and promoting peace, stability and
prosperity in the region.
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