India’s Neighbourhood First Policy has always been an integral part of its foreign policy. It aims to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations with its neighbours through economic, political, and cultural ties. Energy security plays a crucial role in this policy, and India has been actively supporting its neighbours in managing their energy needs. In a significant move, India has been providing petroleum products to its South Asian neighbours, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, to help them ensure their energy security.
In today’s global scenario, energy security is a major concern for many countries. With rapid economic growth and increasing population, the demand for energy has been on the rise. This has put immense pressure on the limited natural resources, making it imperative for countries to look for alternative sources of energy. This is where India’s support to its neighbours in managing their energy needs comes into picture.
India, being one of the largest energy consumers in the world, has been proactive in sharing its resources with its neighbours. With its vast reserves of petroleum products, India has been in a position to supply its neighbours with much-needed energy resources. This has helped these countries to reduce their dependence on other countries and ensure a secure supply of energy, thus contributing to their overall development.
One of the primary beneficiaries of this Neighbourhood First Policy has been Nepal. Being a landlocked country, Nepal has always struggled to meet its energy needs. With the support of India, Nepal has been able to secure a constant supply of petroleum products, which has been a significant boost to its economy. In 2014, India signed a landmark agreement with Nepal to supply 1.3 million metric tonnes of oil annually for the next five years. This has helped Nepal to reduce its dependence on other countries for oil and has also improved its trade relation with India.
Similarly, Bangladesh has also been a major beneficiary of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. In 2017, India signed a historic agreement with Bangladesh to supply 2200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day for the next fifteen years. This move has not only helped Bangladesh to meet its domestic energy requirements but has also helped to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. India has also been supplying diesel and LPG to Bangladesh, which has further enhanced the energy security in the country.
India’s efforts to support its neighbours in managing their energy needs have also extended to other South Asian countries like Sri Lanka and Bhutan. In 2003, India signed an agreement with Sri Lanka for the supply of petroleum products, which has been extended every year since then. This has helped Sri Lanka to reduce its dependence on other countries for oil and has also improved trade relations between the two countries. Similarly, India has also been supplying diesel to Bhutan, which has played a significant role in ensuring a steady supply of energy to the country.
India’s Neighbourhood First Policy not only focuses on providing energy resources but also on developing infrastructure to support these efforts. The construction of cross-border pipelines, such as the Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline between India and Nepal, has been a significant step in this direction. Such infrastructural developments have not only facilitated the uninterrupted supply of energy but have also contributed to better connectivity and trade between the neighbouring countries.
India’s continuous efforts to support its neighbours in managing their energy security speaks volumes about its commitment towards the development of the region. By sharing its resources, India has not only strengthened its ties with its neighbours but has also played a significant role in their progress and prosperity. This has also helped to foster a sense of goodwill and trust between the countries, leading to a peaceful and stable South Asian region.
In conclusion, India’s Neighbourhood First Policy has been a game-changer for its neighbours, especially in terms of energy security. By providing petroleum products, India has not only helped these countries to reduce their dependence on other countries but has also played a crucial role in their overall development. With continuous efforts to support and strengthen its ties with its neighbours, India is working towards building a brighter and more prosperous South Asia.
