The Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP) is a strategic foreign policy concept that guides India's approach to managing relations with its immediate neighbours. The policy was conceived in 2008, but its focus intensified and it became a cornerstone of India's foreign policy after 2014. The NFP was created to address the strategic importance of stable and friendly relations with neighbours, foster regional stability, and counter the growing influence of external powers, particularly China, in South Asia.
The policy's mechanism involves prioritizing diplomatic engagement, economic collaboration, and regional stability with countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Key provisions include enhanced Economic Cooperation through trade and financial assistance, such as Lines of Credit for infrastructure projects, and Connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. It also focuses on Security Cooperation, including joint military exercises like Mitra Shakti with Sri Lanka, and providing humanitarian and disaster relief. The policy is often guided by the principles of non-reciprocity and a consultative, outcome-oriented approach.
The NFP connects to the earlier Gujral Doctrine (1997-1998), which also emphasized goodwill and non-reciprocity towards smaller neighbours. It also has a strong synergy with the Act East Policy, as the economic development of India's North-Eastern states is integral to the success of both. Recently, the policy has seen a shift in focus during the Modi administration's second term to include more countries in BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). While the core commitment to prioritizing neighbours remains the same, the policy has been challenged by the rise of multi-alignment among South Asian states, which now seek alternative funding and strategic options beyond India.