Editing Foreign relations of India (section)

===South===
{{further|Neighbourhood first policy}}

;Afghanistan
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1947.<ref name="google.com.ua"/>{{Main|Afghanistan–India relations}}Bilateral relations between India and Afghanistan have been traditionally strong and friendly. While India was the only South Asian country to recognise the Soviet-backed [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan]] in the 1980s, its relations were diminished during the [[War in Afghanistan (1978–present)|Afghan civil wars]] and the rule of the Islamist [[Taliban]] in the 1990s.<ref name="RED">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/07/world/india-to-provide-aid-to-government-in-afghanistan.html |title=India to Provide Aid to Government in Afghanistan |access-date=16 August 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |first=Barbara |last=Crossette |date=7 March 1989 |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212023911/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/07/world/india-to-provide-aid-to-government-in-afghanistan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> India aided the overthrow of the Taliban and became the largest regional provider of humanitarian and reconstruction aid.<ref name="CFR">{{cite web |url=http://www.cfr.org/publication/14969/ |title=India's Northern Exposure |access-date=3 June 2008 |publisher=[[Council on Foreign Relations]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303135744/http://www.cfr.org/publication/14969/ |archive-date=3 March 2008 }}</ref><ref name="IP">{{cite news |url=http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/04/B5BFE0BE-ED5D-43DE-A768-99A6AB1E6C5C.html |title=Kabul's India ties worry Pakistan |newspaper=Radiofreeeurope/Radioliberty |access-date=3 June 2008 |publisher=[[Radio Free Europe]], [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] |last1=Tarzi |first1=Amin |archive-date=11 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611105916/http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/04/b5bfe0be-ed5d-43de-a768-99a6ab1e6c5c.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new democratically elected Afghan government strengthened its ties with India in the wake of persisting tensions and problems with Pakistan, which is continuing to shelter and support the Taliban.<ref name="CFR"/><ref name="IP"/> India pursues a policy of close cooperation to bolster its standing as a regional power and contains its rival Pakistan, which it maintains is supporting Islamic militants in Kashmir and other parts of India.<ref name="CFR"/> India is the largest regional investor in Afghanistan, having committed more than US$3 billion for reconstruction purposes.<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080060107&type=News India, Afghanistan united against terror] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508223623/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080060107&type=News |date=8 May 2013 }}, 4 August 2008</ref> After the [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan]] collapsed, India [[Operation Devi Shakti|participated in the evacuation of non-Muslim minorities]] and provided food aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taliban Commend India for Sending Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-commend-india-for-sending-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan/6386809.html |website=VOA |date=7 January 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508173211/https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-commend-india-for-sending-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan/6386809.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

;Bangladesh
{{Main|Bangladesh–India relations}}

[[File:Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms. Sheikh Hasina and the Chief Minister of West Bengal (2).jpg|thumb|[[Prime Minister of India|PM]] [[Narendra Modi]], along with [[Prime Minister of Bangladesh|PM of Bangladesh]], [[Sheikh Hasina]], and [[Chief Minister of West Bengal]], [[Mamata Banerjee]], in an agreement between Indian and Bangladeshi Government, with [[Minister of External Affairs (India)]], [[S. Jaishankar]], and Bangladesh Govt. officials]]

India was the second country to recognise Bangladesh as a separate and independent state, doing so on 6 December 1971. India fought alongside the Bangladeshis to liberate Bangladesh from West Pakistan in 1971.

Bangladesh's relationship with India has been difficult in terms of [[Deaths along the Bangladesh–India border|border killing]], irrigation and land border disputes post-1976. However, India has enjoyed a favourable relationship with Bangladesh during governments formed by the Awami League in 1972 and 1996. The recent solutions to land and maritime disputes have taken out irritants in ties.

At the outset, India's relations with Bangladesh could not have been stronger because of India's unalloyed support for independence and opposition against Pakistan in 1971. During the independence war, many refugees fled to India. When the struggle of resistance matured in November 1971, India also intervened militarily and may have helped bring international attention to the issue through [[Indira Gandhi]]'s visit to Washington, D.C. Afterwards India furnished relief and reconstruction aid. India extended recognition to Bangladesh before the end of the war in 1971 (the second country to do so after Bhutan<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Bhutan-not-India-was-first-to-recognize-Bangladesh/articleshow/45434808.cms|title=Bangladesh independende: Bhutan, not India, was first to recognize Bangladesh|website=The Times of India|date=9 December 2014|access-date=5 January 2018|archive-date=19 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219143153/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/bhutan-not-india-was-first-to-recognize-bangladesh/articleshow/45434808.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>) and subsequently lobbied others to follow suit. India also withdrew its military from the land of Bangladesh when [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]] requested [[Indira Gandhi]] to do so during the latter's visit to Dhaka in 1972.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}}

[[File:1971 Instrument of Surrender.jpg|thumb|Lt Gen [[Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi|Niazi]] signing the [[Instrument of Surrender (1971)|Instrument of Surrender]] under the gaze of Lt Gen [[Jagjit Singh Aurora|Aurora]], effectively ending [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] and creating the new state of [[Bangladesh]].|left]]

Indo-Bangladesh relations have been somewhat less friendly since the [[15 August 1975 Bangladesh coup d'état|fall of the Mujib government]] in August 1975.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2003/01/22/edbow_ed3__2.php For Bangladesh: India is causing trouble] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616200431/http://www.iht.com/articles/2003/01/22/edbow_ed3__2.php |date=16 June 2008 }}, International Herald Tribune, 22 January 2003</ref> over the years over issues such as [[New Moore, or South Talpatti|South Talpatti Island]], the [[Tin Bigha Corridor]] and access to Nepal, the [[Farakka Barrage]] and water sharing, border conflicts near [[Tripura]] and the construction of a fence along most of the border which India explains as security provision against migrants, insurgents and terrorists. Many Bangladeshis feel India likes to play "big brother" to smaller neighbours, including Bangladesh. Bilateral relations warmed in 1996, due to a softer Indian foreign policy and the new [[Bangladesh Awami League|Awami League]] Government. A 30-year water-sharing agreement for the [[Ganges]] River was signed in December 1996, after an earlier bilateral water-sharing agreement for the Ganges River lapsed in 1988. Both nations also have cooperated on the issue of flood warnings and preparedness. The Bangladesh Government and tribal [[Insurgency|insurgents]] signed a peace accord in December 1997, which allowed for the return of tribal refugees who had fled to India, beginning in 1986, to escape violence caused by an insurgency in their homeland in the [[Chittagong Hill Tracts]]. The [[Bangladesh Army]] maintains a very strong presence in the area to this day. The army is increasingly concerned about the growing problem of the [[Plant cultivation|cultivation]] of [[illegal drugs]].

There are also small pieces of land along the border region that Bangladesh is diplomatically trying to reclaim. Padua, part of [[Sylhet Division]] before 1971, has been under Indian control since the war in 1971. This small strip of land was [[2001 Bangladesh–India border clashes|re-occupied by the BDR in 2001]] but later given back to India after the Bangladesh government decided to solve the problem through diplomatic negotiations. The Indian New Moore island no longer exists, but Bangladesh repeatedly claims it<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8584665.stm |title=Disputed Bay of Bengal island 'vanishes' say scientists |access-date=21 February 2015 |archive-date=26 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426090518/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8584665.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> to be part of the Satkhira district of Bangladesh.

[[File:Stamp of India - 1973 - Colnect 372292 - Flower with Flag - Map of Bangladesh.jpeg|thumb|Stamp of India - 1973- Flower with Flag - India commemorating the [[Creation of Bangladesh|creation of Republic of Bangladesh.]]]]

In recent years India has increasingly complained that Bangladesh does not secure its border properly. It fears an increasing flow of poor Bangladeshis and it accuses Bangladesh of harbouring Indian separatist groups like [[United Liberation Front of Assam|ULFA]] and alleged terrorist groups. The Bangladesh government has refused to accept these allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Bangladesh-promises-India-all-help-against-insurgents/article14728781.ece|title=Bangladesh promises India all help against insurgents|newspaper=The Hindu|date=4 March 2007|access-date=24 July 2018|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731183637/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Bangladesh-promises-India-all-help-against-insurgents/article14728781.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5183862.stm Dhaka dismisses Mumbai bomb claim] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111112148/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5183862.stm |date=11 November 2012 }}, BBC World News, 15 July 2006</ref> India estimates that over 20 million [[Illegal immigration in India|Bangladeshis are living illegally in India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030928/main1.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Main News|website=The Tribune|access-date=12 January 2013|archive-date=14 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314061057/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030928/main1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> One Bangladeshi official responded that "there is not a single Bangladeshi migrant in India".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030217/edit.htm#3Problem|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Editorial|website=The Tribune|access-date=12 January 2013|archive-date=30 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130095216/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030217/edit.htm#3Problem|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2002, India has been constructing an [[Indo-Bangladeshi barrier|India – Bangladesh Fence]] along much of the 2500-mile border.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Dean |date=13 November 2005 |title=India fences off Bangladesh to keep out Muslim terror |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article589627.ece |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220120456/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article589627.ece |archive-date=20 February 2007 |access-date=11 July 2007}}</ref> The failure to resolve migration disputes bears a human cost for illegal migrants, such as imprisonment and health risks (namely [[HIV/AIDS]]).<ref name=ODI1>Fiona Samuels and Sanju Wagle 2011. [http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5733&title=hiv-aids-migration-emphasis-bangladesh-nepal-india Population mobility and HIV and AIDS: review of laws, policies and treaties between Bangladesh, Nepal and India] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920024611/http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5733&title=hiv-aids-migration-emphasis-bangladesh-nepal-india |date=20 September 2012 }}. London: [[Overseas Development Institute]]</ref>

India's prime minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart [[Sheikh Hasina]] have completed a landmark deal redrawing their messy shared border and thereby solving disputes between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh has also given India a transit route to travel through Bangladesh to its North East states. India and Bangladesh also have free trade agreement on 7 June 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/india-bangladesh-seal-land-swap-deal-150606012711866.html|title=India and Bangladesh seal land-swap deal|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=10 July 2015|archive-date=11 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711020223/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/india-bangladesh-seal-land-swap-deal-150606012711866.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Both countries solved their border dispute on 6 June 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-33733911|title=India and Bangladesh swap enclaves|publisher=BBC News|date=31 July 2015|access-date=24 July 2018|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629025535/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-33733911|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Agartala railway station|Agartala]]-[[Akhaura Junction railway station|Akhaura]] rail link between Indian Railway and Bangladesh Railway will reduce the current 1700&nbsp;km road distance between Kolkata to Agartala via Siliguri to just 350 kilometer by railway.
To connect Kolkata with [[Tripura]] via Bangladesh through railway, the Union Government on 10 February 2016 sanctioned about 580 crore rupees. The project which is expected to be completed by 2017 will pass through Bangladesh.

The project ranks high on Prime Minister's [[Look East policy (India)|'Act East Policy']], and is expected to increase connectivity and boost trade between India and Bangladesh.[[File:The King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck meeting the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on November 01, 2017 (1).jpg|thumb|The [[King of Bhutan]], [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]], at [[7, Lok Kalyan Marg|Prime Minister's Residence]] with [[Prime Minister of India|PM]] [[Narendra Modi]] in [[New Delhi]] on 1 November 2017.]]

;Bhutan
{{Main|Bhutan–India relations}}

Historically, there have been close ties with India. Both countries signed a friendship treaty in 1949, where India would assist Bhutan in foreign relations. On 8 February 2007, the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was substantially revised under the Bhutanese King, [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]]. Whereas in the Treaty of 1949 Article 2 read as "The Government of India undertakes to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan. On its part, the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India regarding its external relations."

In the revised treaty it now reads as, "In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other". The revised treaty also includes in it the preamble "Reaffirming their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity", an element that was absent in the earlier version. The Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007 strengthens Bhutan's status as an independent and sovereign nation.
[[File:PM Narendra Modi meets Bhutan PM Mr. Tshering Tobgay.jpg|thumb|Indian PM [[Narendra Modi]] meets with Bhutanese PM [[Tshering Tobgay]]]]
India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan. Planned development efforts in Bhutan began in the early 1960s. The First Five Year Plan (FYP) of Bhutan was launched in 1961. Since then, India has been extending financial assistance to Bhutan's FYPs. The 10th FYP ended in June 2013. India's overall assistance to the 10th FYP was a little over Rs. 5000 crores, excluding grants for hydropower projects. India has committed Rs. 4500 crores for Bhutan's 11th FYP along with Rs. 500 crores as an Economic Stimulus Package.<ref name="mea.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Bilateral_Briefs_of_Bhutan.pdf|title=Bilateral Briefs of Bhutan|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-date=15 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215184528/http://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Bilateral_Briefs_of_Bhutan.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The hydropower sector is one of the main pillars of bilateral cooperation, exemplifying mutually beneficial synergy by providing clean energy to India and exporting revenue to Bhutan (power contributes 14% to the Bhutanese GDP, comprising about 35% of Bhutan's total exports). Three hydroelectric projects (HEPs) totaling 1416 MW, (336 MW [[Chukha District|Chukha]] HEP, the 60 MW Kurichu HEP, and the 1020 MW Tala HEP), are already exporting electricity to India. In 2008 the two governments identified ten more projects for development with a total generation capacity of 10,000 MW. Of these, three projects totaling 2940 MW (1200 MW Punatsangchu-I, 1020 MW Punatsangchu-II and 720 MW Mangdechu HEPs) are under construction and are scheduled to be commissioned in the last quarter of 2017–2018. Out of the remaining 7 HEPs, 4 projects totaling 2120 MW (600 MW Kholongchhu, 180 MW Bunakha, 570 MW Wangchu and 770 MW Chamkarchu) will be constructed under a Joint Venture model, for which a Framework Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed between both governments in 2014. Of these 4 JV-model projects, pre-construction activities for Kholongchhu HEP have commenced.<ref name="mea.gov.in"/> [[Tata Power]] is also building a hydroelectric dam in Bhutan.

India had assisted Bhutan by [[2017 China–India border standoff|deploying its troops in Doklam in 2017]]- a territory claimed and controlled by the Bhutanese government- to resist a Chinese army's control and construction of military structures.<ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite web|date=28 August 2017|title=Blow by blow: A timeline of India, China face-off over Doklam|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/blow-by-blow-a-timeline-of-india-china-face-off-over-doklam/story-qBIEwZI7kUcXxNmCfHzHCP.html|access-date=23 April 2021|work=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=23 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423134737/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/blow-by-blow-a-timeline-of-india-china-face-off-over-doklam/story-qBIEwZI7kUcXxNmCfHzHCP.html|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Maldives, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in Male, Maldives on November 17, 2018.JPG|thumb|PM Narendra Modi meeting [[President of Maldives]], [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]], in [[Malé]] {{small|(2018)}}]]

;Maldives
{{Main|India–Maldives relations}}
{{Further|2024 India-Maldives diplomatic row}}

India enjoys a considerable influence over Maldives' foreign policy and provides extensive security cooperation, especially after [[1988 Maldives coup d'état#Operation Cactus|Operation Cactus]] in 1988 during which India repelled Tamil mercenaries who invaded the country.

As a founder member in 1985 of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation|SAARC]], which brings together [[Afghanistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Bhutan]], [[India]], [[Maldives]], [[Nepal]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Sri Lanka]], the country plays a very active role in SAARC. The Maldives has taken the lead in calling for a South Asian Free Trade Agreement, the formulation of a Social Charter, the initiation of informal political consultations in SAARC forums, the lobbying for greater action on environmental issues, the proposal of numerous human rights measures such as the regional convention on child rights and for setting up a SAARC Human Rights Resource Centre. The Maldives is also an advocate of greater international profile for SAARC such as through formulating common positions at the UN.

India is starting the process to bring the island country into India's security grid. The move comes after the moderate Islamic nation approached New Delhi earlier this year over fears that one of its island resorts could be taken over by terrorists given its lack of military assets and surveillance capabilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/India-bringing-Maldives-into-its-security-net/501583 |title=India bringing Maldives into its security net |work=The Indian Express |location=India |date=13 August 2009 |access-date=21 November 2009 |archive-date=15 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015082349/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-bringing-maldives-into-its-security-net/501583/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
India also signed an agreement with the Maldives in 2011 which is centred around the following:
* India shall permanently base two helicopters in the country to enhance its surveillance capabilities and ability to respond swiftly to threats. One helicopter from the Coast Guard was handed over during [[A. K. Antony]]'s visit while another from the Navy will be cleared for transfer shortly.
* Maldives has coastal radars on only two of its 26 atolls. India will help set up radars on all 26 for seamless coverage of approaching vessels and aircraft.
* The coastal radar chain in the Maldives will be networked with the Indian coastal radar system. India has already undertaken a project to install radars along its entire coastline. The radar chains of the two countries will be interlinked and a central control room in India's Coastal Command will get a seamless radar picture.
* The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will carry out regular Dornier sorties over the island nation to look out for suspicious movements or vessels. The Southern Naval Command will facilitate the inclusion of Maldives into the Indian security grid.
* Military teams from Maldives will visit the tri-services Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) to observe how India manages security and surveillance of the critical island chain.

Relations faced a strain in January 2024 due to derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials and concerns over racism, targeted towards Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] as well as India, triggering the '''[[2024 India-Maldives diplomatic row]]'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Indians Rightfully Angry": Maldives MP Amid Row Over Ministers' Remarks |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/shameful-racist-maldives-mp-condemns-ministers-remark-on-india-pm-modi-4820311 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311001456/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/shameful-racist-maldives-mp-condemns-ministers-remark-on-india-pm-modi-4820311 |url-status=live }}</ref>

This was seen very negatively in India, with citizens calling for a boycott of vacations in Maldives, with many renowned [[Bollywood]] actors and personalities criticising the Maldivian government. This also led to the death of a young Maldivian teenager,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Biswas |first1=Sayantani |title=Maldives teen dies waiting for air ambulance, minister blames President Muizzu's 'animosity' towards India |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/malives-india-row-teen-dies-waiting-for-indian-dornier-aircraft-minister-blames-mohamed-muizzus-animosity-11705813493152.html |agency=Mint |access-date=14 March 2024 |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323064838/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/malives-india-row-teen-dies-waiting-for-indian-dornier-aircraft-minister-blames-mohamed-muizzus-animosity-11705813493152.html |url-status=live }}</ref> who had to be taken to India via an [[air ambulance]], after the request at the last minute was denied by Maldivian authorities due to the ongoing tensions against the country.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Adarsh Kumar |title=Sick Maldivian teen dies after President Mohammed Muizzu refused India's plane services: Report |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/sick-maldivian-teen-dies-after-president-mohammed-muizzu-refused-indias-plane-services-report-101705810862369.html |agency=Hindustan Times |access-date=14 March 2024 |archive-date=21 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321172713/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/sick-maldivian-teen-dies-after-president-mohammed-muizzu-refused-indias-plane-services-report-101705810862369.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

;Nepal
{{Main|India–Nepal relations}}
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Sharma Oli, on the sidelines of the 4th BIMSTEC Summit, in Kathmandu, Nepal on August 31, 2018.JPG|thumb|[[Prime Minister of India|PM]] [[Narendra Modi]], with Former [[Prime Minister of Nepal]], [[KP Sharma Oli]], in BIMSTEC Summit 2018 at [[Kathmandu]].]]
Relations between India and Nepal are close yet fraught with difficulties stemming from border disputes, geography, economics, the problems inherent in big power-small power relations, and common ethnic and linguistic identities that overlap the two countries borders. In 1950 New Delhi and [[Kathmandu]] initiated their intertwined relationship with the [[1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship|Treaty of Peace and Friendship]] and accompanying secret letters that defined security relations between the two countries, and an agreement governing both bilateral trade and trade transiting Indian soil. The 1950 treaty and letters stated that "neither government shall tolerate any threat to the security of the other by a foreign aggressor" and obligated both sides "to inform each other of any serious friction or misunderstanding with any neighboring state likely to cause any breach in the friendly relations subsisting between the two governments", and also granted the Indian and Nepali citizens right to get involved in any economic activity such as work and business-related activity in each other's territory. These accords cemented a "special relationship" between India and Nepal that granted Nepalese in India the same economic and educational opportunities as Indian citizens.

[[File:Local_Nepalese_and_Army_persons_being_evacuated_by_An_Indian_Air_Force_(IAF)_Mi-17_V5_helicopter_of_directions_of_Nepalese_authority_as_part_of_relief_&_rescue_operations_following_a_recent_massive_earthquake_in_Nepal.jpg|thumb|Local Nepalese and Army persons are being evacuated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 V5 helicopter at the directions of Nepalese authority as part of relief & rescue operations following the 2015 Kathmandu Earthquake.]]

Relations between India and Nepal reached their lowest in 1989 when India imposed a 13-month-long economic blockade on Nepal. Indian PM Narendra Modi visited Nepal in 2014, the first by an Indian PM in nearly 17 years.

In 2015, a blockade of the India-Nepal border affected relations. The blockade is led by ethnic communities angered by Nepal's recently promulgated new constitution.<ref name="bbc.com">{{cite news |title=UN: Nepal blockade puts millions of children at risk |publisher=BBC News |date=30 November 2015 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34968252 |access-date=25 December 2015 |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101034857/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34968252 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the Nepalese government accuses India of deliberately worsening the embargo, but India denies it.<ref name="bbc.com"/>

India [[Humanitarian response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake#India|aided Nepal]] during the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake|2015 Kathmandu earthquake]] with the financial aid of $1 billion and launched [[Operation Maitri]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=India announces $1 billion aid for rebuilding Nepal|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-announces-1-billion-aid-for-rebuilding-nepal/articleshow/47810366.cms|access-date=24 April 2021|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424084213/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-announces-1-billion-aid-for-rebuilding-nepal/articleshow/47810366.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

The relations were strained during mid-2020, when it was reported that a firing took place by the Nepalese police across the Indo-Nepalese border of Bihar on 12 July.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ramashankar|title=India Nepal border news: One killed, two injured in firing by Nepal police near border {{!}} Patna News|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/one-killed-two-injured-in-shootout-at-india-nepal-border-in-bihars-sitamarhi/articleshow/76337313.cms|access-date=23 April 2021|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=12 June 2020|language=en|archive-date=4 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704115456/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/one-killed-two-injured-in-shootout-at-india-nepal-border-in-bihars-sitamarhi/articleshow/76337313.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of Nepal|Nepalese Prime Minister]] [[KP Sharma Oli]] commented about [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|the pandemic of Coronavirus]] that the "Indian virus was deadlier" than the one which [[COVID-19 pandemic|spread from Wuhan]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chaudhury|first=Dipanjan Roy|title=Indian coronavirus more lethal than Chinese: Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/coronavirus-coming-from-india-more-lethal-than-those-from-china-italy-oli/articleshow/75850117.cms|access-date=24 April 2021|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424084211/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/coronavirus-coming-from-india-more-lethal-than-those-from-china-italy-oli/articleshow/75850117.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> As time progressed, certain claims were also made on the Indian territories, for example, [[Kalapani territory|Kalapani]], [[Kuthi Valley|Limpiyadhura]] and [[Lipulekh Pass|Lipulekh]] of [[Uttarakhand]].<ref>{{cite web|date=25 October 2020|title=Controversy over old map of Nepal in Oli's Dussehra greeting card|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/controversy-over-old-map-of-nepal-in-kp-oli-dussehra-greeting-card-6878975/|access-date=24 April 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424084210/https://indianexpress.com/article/world/controversy-over-old-map-of-nepal-in-kp-oli-dussehra-greeting-card-6878975/|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, the claims were also made culturally, when it was said that Hindu God [[Rama|Ram]] was Nepalese, that he was born in [[Thori]], west of [[Birgunj]], and that [[Ayodhya]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] was fake.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sujeet Jha|first=Geeta Mohan|title=Lord Ram was Nepali, India set up a 'fake Ayodhya', claims Nepal PM KP Oli|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lord-ram-was-nepali-india-set-up-a-fake-ayodhya-claims-nepal-pm-kp-oli-1700220-2020-07-13|access-date=24 April 2021|website=[[India Today]]|date=13 July 2020 |language=en|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424084211/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lord-ram-was-nepali-india-set-up-a-fake-ayodhya-claims-nepal-pm-kp-oli-1700220-2020-07-13|url-status=live}}</ref> Rules were made strict for [[Indian Nepalis|Indians in Nepal]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Nepal amends citizenship law for Indians, cites Indian laws to justify change|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/nepal-amends-citizenship-law-for-indians-cites-indian-laws-to-justify-change/609491|access-date=24 April 2021|website=timesnownews.com|date=20 June 2020|language=en|publisher=[[Times Now]]|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424084215/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/nepal-amends-citizenship-law-for-indians-cites-indian-laws-to-justify-change/609491|url-status=live}}</ref> along with banning some Indian media.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nepal bans transmission of private Indian news channels for allegedly 'hurting national sentiments'|url=https://scroll.in/latest/967062/nepal-bans-transmission-of-private-indian-news-channels-for-allegedly-hurting-national-sentiments|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Scroll.in|date=10 July 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424084211/https://scroll.in/latest/967062/nepal-bans-transmission-of-private-indian-news-channels-for-allegedly-hurting-national-sentiments|url-status=live}}</ref>
Indian media stated that the actions of the Oli government were souring the relations, "and these were being done on the direction of China and propelled by Chinese ambassador [[Hou Yanqi]]". Speculations were made that since China could not handle India directly, in the aftermath of the [[2020 China–India skirmishes|LAC skirmish]], it was lurking and trapping its neighboring countries and provoking them against India. In August, there were reports about the Chinese "illegal occupations" in Nepal's border states' areas.<ref>{{Cite news|title=China occupies Nepal village, land; deafening silence from Oli govt|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/china-occupies-nepal-village-land-deafening-silence-from-oli-govt/articleshow/76539082.cms|access-date=24 April 2021|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424084211/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/china-occupies-nepal-village-land-deafening-silence-from-oli-govt/articleshow/76539082.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Nehrujinnah.jpg|thumb|279x279px|[[Jawaharlal Nehru|Jawahar Lal Nehru]] and [[Muhammad Ali Jinnah|Muhammed Ali Jinnah]] walking in the grounds of Government House, [[Shimla|Simla]], [[Presidencies and provinces of British India|British India]].<ref name=":0" />]]

;Pakistan
{{main|India–Pakistan relations}}
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 August 1947.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Avtar Singh Bhasin |title=India - Pakistan relations 1947-2007 A Documentary Study Vol-I-X |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf/India-Pakistan-std.pdf |access-date=7 November 2023 |page=33 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107215952/https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf/India-Pakistan-std.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite historical, cultural and ethnic links between them, relations between India and Pakistan have been "plagued" by years of mistrust and suspicion ever since the [[partition of India]] in 1947. The principal source of contention between India and its western neighbour has been the [[Kashmir conflict]]. After an invasion by [[Pashtuns|Pashtun tribesmen]] and Pakistani paramilitary forces, the Hindu Maharaja of the [[Dogras|Dogra]] Kingdom of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Hari Singh]], and its Muslim Prime Minister, [[Sheikh Abdullah]], signed an [[Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir)|Instrument of Accession]] with New Delhi. The [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947|First Kashmir War]] started after the [[Indian Army]] entered [[Srinagar]], the capital of the state, to secure the area from the invading forces. The war ended in December 1948 with the [[Line of Control]] dividing the erstwhile princely state into territories administered by Pakistan (northern and western areas) and India (southern, central and northeastern areas). Pakistan contested the legality of the Instrument of Accession since the Dogra Kingdom has signed a [[standstill agreement]] with it. The [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] started following the failure of Pakistan's [[Operation Gibraltar]], which was designed to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency against rule by India. The five-week war caused thousands of casualties on both sides. It ended in a United Nations (UN) mandated ceasefire and the subsequent issuance of the [[Tashkent Declaration]]. India and Pakistan [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|went to war]] again in 1971, this time the conflict being over [[East Pakistan]]. The [[1971 Bangladesh genocide|large-scale atrocities]] committed there by the Pakistan army led to millions of Bengali refugees pouring over into India. India, along with the [[Mukti Bahini]], defeated Pakistan and the Pakistani forces surrendered on the eastern front. The war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. In 1998, India carried out the [[Pokhran-II]] nuclear tests which was followed by Pakistan's [[Chagai-I]] tests. Following the [[Lahore Declaration]] in February 1999, relations briefly improved. A few months later, however, Pakistani paramilitary forces and [[Pakistan Army]], infiltrated in large numbers into the [[Kargil district]] of Indian Kashmir. This initiated the [[Kargil War]] after India moved in thousands of troops to successfully flush out the infiltrators. Although the conflict did not result in a full-scale war between India and Pakistan, relations between the two reached an all-time low which worsened even further following the involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists in the hijacking of the [[Indian Airlines Flight 814]] in December 1999. Attempts to normalise relations, such as the [[Agra summit]] held in July 2001, failed. An [[2001 Indian Parliament attack|attack on the Indian Parliament]] in December 2001, which was blamed on Pakistan, which had condemned the attack<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1707865.stm |title=SOUTH ASIA {{pipe}} Indian parliament attack kills 12 |publisher=BBC News |date=13 December 2001 |access-date=21 November 2009}}</ref> caused a [[2001–02 India–Pakistan standoff|military standoff between the two countries]] which lasted for nearly a year raising fears of [[nuclear warfare]]. However, a peace process, initiated in 2003, led to improved relations in the following years.[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, at Raiwind, in Pakistan on December 25, 2015 (2).jpg|thumb|[[Prime Minister of India|PM]] [[Narendra Modi]] meeting Former [[Prime Minister of Pakistan]], [[Nawaz Sharif]], at [[Raiwind]], [[Pakistan]] <br />{{small|(2015, last formal dialogue)}}]]

Since the initiation of the peace process, several confidence-building measures (CBMs) between India and Pakistan have taken shape. The [[Samjhauta Express]] and [[Delhi–Lahore Bus]] service are two of these successful measures which have played a crucial role in expanding people-to-people contact between the two countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/2004/08/04/top13.htm |title=Pakistan, India inch closer to agreement: People-to-people contact -DAWN – Top Stories; 04 August, 2004 |publisher=DAWN |date=4 August 2004 |access-date=21 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216140030/http://www.dawn.com/2004/08/04/top13.htm |archive-date=16 December 2008}}</ref> The initiation of the [[Srinagar–Muzaffarabad Bus]] service in 2005 and the opening of a historic trade route across the Line of Control in 2008 further reflects increasing eagerness between the two sides to improve relations. Although bilateral trade between India and Pakistan was a modest US$1.7 billion in March 2007, it is expected to cross US$10 billion by 2010. After the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake]], India sent aid to affected areas in Pakistani Kashmir and Punjab as well as Indian Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/01/business/AS-FIN-India-Pakistan-Trade.php |title=Search – Global Edition – The New York Times |work=International Herald Tribune |date=29 March 2009 |access-date=21 November 2009}}</ref>

The [[2008 Mumbai attacks]] seriously undermined the relations between the two countries. India alleged Pakistan harbouring militants on their soil, while Pakistan vehemently denied such claims.

A new chapter started in India-Pakistan relations when a new [[National Democratic Alliance|NDA government]] took charge in Delhi after victory in the [[2014 Indian general election|2014 election]] and invited [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation|SAARC]] members' leaders to an oath-taking ceremony. Subsequently, the visit of the Indian prime minister on 25 December informally wished Pakistani Prime Minister [[Nawaz Sharif]] on his Birthday and participate in his daughter's wedding. It was hoped that the relationship between the neighbour will improve but an [[2016 Uri attack|attack]] on an Indian army camp by Pakistani infiltrators on 18 September 2016<ref>{{cite news|title=Militants attack Indian army base in Kashmir 'killing 17'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37399969|access-date=18 September 2016|publisher=BBC News|date=18 September 2016|archive-date=10 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410213545/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37399969|url-status=live}}</ref> and a subsequent [[2016 Indian Line of Control strike|surgical strike by India]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-surgical-strikes-across-loc-full-statement-by-dgmo-lt-gen-ranbir-singh/story-Q5yrp0gjvxKPGazDzAnVsM.html|title=India's surgical strikes across LoC: Full statement by DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh|work=Hindustan Times|date=29 September 2016|access-date=2 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002024056/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-surgical-strikes-across-loc-full-statement-by-dgmo-lt-gen-ranbir-singh/story-Q5yrp0gjvxKPGazDzAnVsM.html|archive-date=2 October 2016}}</ref> aggravated the already strained relationship between the nations.
[[File:International border at Wagah - evening flag lowering ceremony.jpg|thumb|The evening flag lowering ceremony at the [[India–Pakistan border|India-Pakistan International Border]] near [[Wagah]]. Taken from the Pakistani side.]]
A SAARC summit scheduled in Islamabad was called off because of a boycott by India and other SAARC members subsequently.<ref>{{cite web|date=28 September 2016|title=Saarc summit collapses after India and three other members pull out|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/saarc-summit-collapses-after-india-and-3-other-members-pull-out/story-kIMWfSqirGLzB6MEfuS3CN.html|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424085638/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/saarc-summit-collapses-after-india-and-3-other-members-pull-out/story-kIMWfSqirGLzB6MEfuS3CN.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The relationship took a further nosedive after another [[Pulwama attack|attack on CRPF in February 2019]] by a terrorist associated with the Pakistan-based terror organisation, [[Jaish-e-Mohammed]], when the terrorist rammed his vehicle packed with explosives against a bus carrying  [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF soldiers]] in Pulwama, Kashmir, killing 40.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/37-crpf-jawans-martyred-in-ied-blast-in-jks-pulwama/articleshow/67992189.cms|title=Pulwama terror attack today: 40 CRPF jawans martyred in IED blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama|website=The Times of India|date=16 February 2019|access-date=22 May 2020|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215181837/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/37-crpf-jawans-martyred-in-ied-blast-in-jks-pulwama/articleshow/67992189.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> India blamed Pakistan which was denied by the Pakistani establishment. India retaliated with [[2019 Balakot airstrike|an airstrike on Balakot]], a region claimed and controlled by Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chengappa|first=Raj|title=Balakot: How India planned IAF airstrike in Pakistan {{!}} An inside story|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20190325-balakot-airstrikes-pulwama-terror-attack-abhinandan-varthaman-narendra-modi-masood-azhar-1478511-2019-03-15|access-date=24 April 2021|website=India Today|date=15 March 2019 |language=en|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424134844/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20190325-balakot-airstrikes-pulwama-terror-attack-abhinandan-varthaman-narendra-modi-masood-azhar-1478511-2019-03-15|url-status=live}}</ref>

A new chapter in peace was ignited when it was suddenly declared that a back-door peace settlement over ceasing the cross-border firing across LOC was signed between the armies of both sides, and a steady growth in the countries coming together was observed.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Secret India-Pakistan peace roadmap brokered by top UAE royals|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/secret-india-pakistan-peace-roadmap-brokered-by-top-uae-royals/articleshow/81625837.cms?from=mdr|access-date=24 April 2021|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424090654/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/secret-india-pakistan-peace-roadmap-brokered-by-top-uae-royals/articleshow/81625837.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>

;Sri Lanka
{{Main|India–Sri Lanka relations}}

Bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India have enjoyed historically a good relationship. The two countries share near-identical racial and cultural ties. According to traditional Sri Lankan chronicles ([[Dipavamsa]]), Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka in the 4th century BCE by Venerable [[Mahinda (buddhist monk)|Mahinda]], the son of Indian Emperor [[Ashoka]], during the reign of Sri Lanka's King [[Devanampiyatissa|Devanampiya Tissa]]. During this time, a sapling of the [[Bodhi Tree]] was brought to Sri Lanka and the first monasteries and Buddhist monuments were established.[[File:The former President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa meeting the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on September 12, 2018.JPG|thumb|The Former President of Sri Lanka, at [[7, Lok Kalyan Marg|Prime Minister's Residence]], [[New Delhi]] with [[PM Narendra Modi]] {{small|(2018)}}]]Nevertheless, relations [[Independence of Sri Lanka|post-independence]] were affected by the [[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]] and by the failure of [[Indian Peace Keeping Force|Indian intervention]] during the civil war as well as India's support for Tamil Tiger militants. India is Sri Lanka's only neighbour, separated by the [[Palk Strait]]; both nations occupy a strategic position in South Asia and have sought to build a common security umbrella in the Indian Ocean.<ref name="SRI">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/735963.stm India's Sri Lankan scars] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916164359/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/735963.stm |date=16 September 2018 }}. BBC News (4 May 2000). Retrieved 12 November 2011.</ref>

India-Sri Lanka relations have undergone a qualitative and quantitative transformation in the recent past. Political relations are close, trade and investments have increased dramatically, infrastructural linkages are constantly being augmented, defence collaboration has increased and there is a general, broad-based improvement across all sectors of bilateral cooperation. India was the first country to respond to Sri Lanka's request for assistance after the tsunami in December 2004. In July 2006, India evacuated 430 Sri Lankan nationals from Lebanon, first to Cyprus by Indian Navy ships and then to Delhi and Colombo by special Air India flights.

There exists a broad consensus within the Sri Lankan polity on the primacy of India in Sri Lanka's external relations matrix. Both the major political parties in Sri Lanka, the [[Sri Lanka Freedom Party]] and the [[United Nationalist Party]] have contributed to the rapid development of bilateral relations in the last ten years. Sri Lanka has supported India's candidature to the permanent membership of the UN Security Council.<ref>[http://mea.gov.in/foreignrelation/srilanka.htm Brief on India-Sri Lanka Relations], Ministry of External Affairs (BSM Division: Sri Lanka)</ref>

[[File:Map of India WV.svg|thumb|India and its neighbor countries.|left]]

;SAARC
Certain aspects of India's relations within the subcontinent are conducted through the [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation]] (SAARC). Its members other than India are [[Afghanistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Bhutan]], [[Maldives]], [[Nepal]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Sri Lanka]]. Established in 1985, SAARC encourages cooperation in agriculture, rural development, science and technology, culture, health, population control, narcotics control and anti-terrorism.

SAARC has intentionally stressed these "core issues" and avoided more divisive political issues, although the political dialogue is often conducted on the margins of SAARC meetings. In 1993, India and its SAARC partners signed an agreement to gradually lower tariffs within the region. Forward movement in SAARC has come to a standstill because of the tension between India and Pakistan, and the SAARC Summit originally scheduled for, but not held in, November 1999 has not been rescheduled. The Fourteenth SAARC Summit was held during 3–4 April 2007 in New Delhi. The 19th SAARC summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad [[19th SAARC summit|was cancelled]] due to terrorist acts, particularly the [[2016 Uri attack|Uri attack]].

[[File:Members of BIMSTEC.svg|thumb|Members of BIMSTEC.]]
;BIMSTEC
[[Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation]] is now an "organization of member states" that are littorals of the Bay of Bengal or adjacent to it. The BIMSTEC member states – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – are among the major South and Southeast Asia countries dependent on the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Mostofa |first=Shafi Md |title=BIMSTEC Gets a New Lease of Life |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/04/bimstec-gets-a-new-lease-of-life/ |publisher=The Diplomat |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604173042/https://thediplomat.com/2022/04/bimstec-gets-a-new-lease-of-life/ |url-status=live }}</ref> India and some other countries, frustrated by the obstacles in SAARC's efforts to promote regional cooperation, have been working to make BIMSTEC the premier vehicle in this regard.<ref>{{cite web |title=BIMSTEC gets a makeover as SAARC fails to show promise |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/bimstec-gets-a-makeover-as-saarc-fails-to-show-promise-382144 |work=The Tribune |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508174537/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/bimstec-gets-a-makeover-as-saarc-fails-to-show-promise-382144 |url-status=live }}</ref>