The Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP) is a core diplomatic concept in India's foreign policy, designed to prioritize and strengthen relations with its immediate neighbours, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The concept was initially conceived in 2008, but its focus and implementation were significantly intensified post-2014 to ensure peace and stability in South Asia and counter the growing influence of external powers like China. The policy works through a consultative, non-reciprocal, and outcome-oriented approach, positioning India as a reliable development partner. Its mechanism is guided by the 5S framework: Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Shanti (peace), Samriddhi (prosperity), and Sanskriti (culture).
Key provisions include enhanced economic cooperation, development assistance, and connectivity projects across physical, digital, and energy sectors. For instance, India's Lines of Credit (LOC) to its neighbours increased from $3.3 billion in 2014 to $14.7 billion in 2020. The NFP connects directly to regional frameworks like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). It is also strategically linked with the Act East Policy, with the development of the North-Eastern Region being integral to both.
While the core policy remains, its implementation has recently shifted towards a "differentiated and context-specific" approach, adapting to complex regional shifts and internal political changes in neighbouring nations, rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy. This refinement focuses on the timely delivery of infrastructure projects and tailored diplomatic engagement.