AR

Ananya RanaAIR 60· 2025

Question 19GS2GS2

India's timely response during the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives reflects its "Neighbourhood First" policy in action. Examine how Indian aid has impacted bilateral ties with these nations. What steps can further be taken to promote sustainable economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words)

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Introduction

India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy combined with policy of 'non-realocacy' have helped in averting economic crises in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

20 words

Main Body

India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy combined with policy of 'non-realocacy' have helped in averting economic crises in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

India's actions diagram showing map with India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives:

1Extending line of credit for Sri Lanka and Maldives
2Nudging IMF to extend loans to Sri Lanka

Impact of these actions on bilateral ties:

(E) Maldives

1Change in stance from India Out Campaign to inviting PM Modi on Independence Day celebration.
2Creating good will among people enhancing P2P ties.
3Promoting India's image as facilitator as against exploiters (China).

(II) Sri Lanka

1Granting projects to Indian companies for development of oil fields.
2Earning trust of people.
3Enhancing cultural ties via Buddhism.
4Presenting India as 'first responder' in cases - when China refused to moratorium on debt eff
1Reducing time of implementation of projects to upheld credibility.
2Strengthen image of 'cooperation rather than 'coercion'.

Further steps needed for sustainable economic cooperation diagram showing central box with branches:

1Promotion of signing of regional Trade Agreement
2Creation of Fund of funds among littoral States
3Enhancement of diplomatic and Track 2 diplomacy for economic strengthening
5Enhance diplomatic and Track 2 diplomacy for economic strengthening

India's position in Indian Ocean as a stationed ship calls for more credible steps to reduce chinese growing influence.

224 words5 paragraphs

Conclusion

India's position in Indian Ocean as a stationed ship calls for more credible steps to reduce chinese growing influence.

19 words

Diagram

Diagram showing further steps needed for sustainable economic cooperation with central box branching to: (1) Promotion of signing of regional Trade Agreement, (2) Creation of Fund of funds among littoral States, (3) Enhancement of diplomatic and Track 2 diplomacy for economic strengthening

  • Clear geographical focus
  • Identifies specific policy framework (Neighbourhood First)
  • Mentions concrete measures like line of credit
  • Compares India's approach with China's
  • Distinguishes between two neighbor countries with specific measures
  • Addresses people-to-people dimension
  • Proposes concrete institutional mechanisms
  • Mentions Track 2 diplomacy as soft power tool
  • Positions India as ocean guardian

Open original scan

Page 50

Topper

Ananya Rana

AIR 602025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

India and its Neighborhood - Relations

India-Maldives Relations

India's neighborhood first policy and economic cooperation

Writing Stats

263

Total words

5

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone