India’s Neighbourhood policy challenges: Disruptive Pakistan and balancing US, China & South Asia

[@damiendehorn6350]

The lack of knowledge of these commentators is astounding. Bangladesh has never requested any defence equipment from india, it is india that has tried for decades to force Bangladesh to buy indian weapons. How often has india tried to get Bangladesh to buy its tejas and has been rejected? Sorry but Bangladesh will never buy weapons from its biggest threat just as india will never buy weapons from China.

[@xxyz2023]

India has a strategic interest in a united & stable bangladesh, given our longest shared border & the challenges posed by difficult terrain, marshes, & seasonal flooding. The security situation is further complicated by the presence of rohingya & bangladeshis seeking better economic opportunities in India.

[@xxyz2023]

Bangladesh is a nation that's heavily run by fear, which is driving its decisions. It's essential to recognize that sheikh hasina connections with Indian politicians don't necessarily imply that she's controlled by the Indian govt. Just because the Indian govt advises its neighboring countries & bangladesh's ex pm hasina has ties with Indian politicians, it doesn't mean her actions are dictated by the Indian govt.

[@xxyz2023]

In fact, hasina's govt has made several decisions that contradict India's interests, that means she had the ability to make independent choices. For example, she purchased military equipment, including warships, tanks, & submarines, from china. This move highlights her efforts to maintain its sovereignty & make decisions that align with its own interests, rather than being dictated by India.

[@xxyz2023]

Bangladeshis have a lot of trust issues with India's power. Indian govt has always wanted to foster positive ties with whichever political party holds power, rather than getting mixed in bangladesh's internal politics. India's policy is to remain calm, avoiding escalating the situation. This stance is a strategic approach by India to ensure stability in bangladesh. Ironically, bangladesh's response to India's neutral stance has been more emotional, taking India's actions personally.

[@xxyz2023]

No Indian govt will speak badly about any bangladesh's pm from any party because India wants good relationship with whoever is in power. But don't expect India to hand over political leaders to such irrational people. When talking about such complex issues, we understand it's natural for bangladeshis to make assumptions & jump to conclusions, but it's crucial for you to remember that just because two things are connected, it doesn't mean one causes the other. Bangladesh needs to understand reality, without too much assumptions & jumping to conclusions.

[@damiendehorn6350]

How can india insure Bangladesh's security when india is the ultimate threat to Bangladesh's security?

[@pratyush_asap]

The actual threat is they made you believe India is a threat. Ask your elders, whenever bangladesh is effected by natural disasters, who sent you aid? Who sent megatons of food, ambulances, disaster reliefs ? When Paxtan did operation Searchlight who saved you ?

[@xxyz2023]

Bangladesh's identity & psych, are rooted deeply with its unresolved history before 1971 took place, like the Battle of Plassey which have shaped their sentiments & outlook. The 1946 Direct Action day protests were led by the muslim league, which was the reason for partition of India. They are also grappling with the loss of its former dominance during their period of muslim rule which can evoke strong emotions, including resentment. These emotions have become ingrained, & are influencing bangladesh's relationship with India. You have to understand that fear often drives bangladesh's decision-making. China or the US may be funding the pak, which has successfully infiltrated bangladesh & are busy shaping narratives against India. These deep emotions in bangladesh can be used to shape bangladesh's relationship with India. It seems the criticism from bangladesh about India, is a way to redirect their internal frustrations. Bangladesh has been showing positive feelings & nostalgia for pak, despite its dark past, suggesting that external factors may be influencing these narratives. Pak wishes to recreated the east-west 2 front scenario for India. Bangladeshis have been misled to believe India has ulterior motives to reduce their nation into a vassal state, but their fear narrative is completely imaginary. Unfortunately the constant fear in the bangladeshi society, has led to current paranoid decision making. The reality is that bangladesh's geographical proximity & one-sided reliance is naturally towards India, from essential resources like healthcare, rice, & water, to electricity. Bangladesh is the only country that India has voluntarily given up territory to, & this was by India's nationalist govt. Bangladeshis do not fully appreciate India's gesture. Instead, it is entering into alliances (with adversaries of India) who have a track record of harming others & even more one-sided, bangladesh should find ways to address their concerns about their national interests through rational dialogue with India, rather than vomiting criticism.

[@ExploringAngel]

@@pratyush_asap Its Jamate Islami Bot. They are afraid of the lost of 1971.

[@Didmasela]

My view on Dr. WPS Sidhu's reccommendation that India should establish an alternative to China led Belt and Road Initiative: India cannot and can never establish an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative because of the following: 1- It does not have the financial capacity to finance a global infrastructure of the calibre of the Belt and Road Initiative; 2- India does not have the quantity and quality of state-owned infrastructure construction companies and their billion dollar equipments, transparency, and global network; 3-India does not have the soft power with which to win countries to join a smaller version of a Belt and Road Initiative.

[@tkkaul9042]

Excellent discussions giving insight into various aspects of our relations with neighbors..

[@Swasti_Rao]

Thanks . Appreciate the feedback

[@Solaafg]

This is what happens when the largest country is a religious fundamentalist state and instead of mutual cooperation always looks to exploit the other. That doesn’t build trust and good relation.

[@harshverma7258]

An incredibly insightful discussion on India’s neighborhood policy challenges! The Print and Swasti Rao did a phenomenal job breaking down the complexities of regional dynamics and strategic concerns. This is the kind of thoughtful analysis that truly adds value-kudos to the team for delivering such a high-quality session!

[@Swasti_Rao]

Thanks Harsh, appreciate the feedback !

[@karthiksudershan5373]

Congratulations to Dr. Swasti Rao on an excellent discussion. I think after a long time we got to see an interview where the host did not keep interrupting her guests and allowed the experts to speak at length and explain their points in detail. The recommendations of books and even Podcasts by the panelists were a welcome bonus. Many thanks to The Print and its team!

[@AnuragSinha7]

yeah, her guest Mahendra LAma said very intelligently that BDeshis do not have a problem with Indians but Indian government when Indians are being beaten up there after being asked for their religion' about BD Hindus lets not talk about them :D :D :D This is the level of their information and knowledge :D

[@Swasti_Rao]

Thanks Karthik, appreciate the feedback.

[@Solaafg]

China doesn’t interfere in strategic autonomy of other countries like india does.

[@pohkhui]

India neighbors are thinking, when India going to “sikkim” them. Bhutan is near 50% sikkimed.

[@TocaBoca156-n6n]

You spent 41 years to develop a jet fighter and are still hoping that it will be developed. What if you couldn't in the next 10 years? You won't have any option but to drop that project Simultaneously, you are hoping to gain access to Gulf and central Asian countries through Chabahar port; already 1 year has gone by. How long will it take you to realize that it is not going to happen either? Your guest has agreed that it is not only Pakistan but hypocracy at its best. He didn't name India for the failure of India to behave like a responsible state. Bullying never works, no matter how big country you are, You need to respect others

[@chanakyabharat756]

Great Episode Mam and thanks 🙏 for Bindhi taking pride in our culture.

[@Swasti_Rao]

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback

[@Xehr1]

Do yourself a favour and ask yourself why your neighbours love your arch rival more. Better yet, bring a Nepalese, Bhutanese, Bengali, Pakistani analyst on to your show and ask them. What behaviours from the Indian government have offended them so? It ain't just the money China's offering. The arrogance...

[@sanjayb5858]

As if there is no arrogance in Pakistan and Bangladesh 🤡 India still has a good relationship with Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka despite small disengagements.

[@hardeepchaudhary893]

The Partition of India created so many problems for India and South Asia.

[@Solaafg]

Unfortunately we Bangladeshi people understand the treachery of line of credit 😅 It’s a pea nut that has been released and it’s all for India’s transshipment 😅that money is a waste for Bangladesh. So no matter how many times you repeat that but that doesn’t convince anyone. 😅

[@sanjayb5858]

If "thankless" is a country, then it's Bangladesh

[@Solaafg]

@ Thank for giving you a business of 50 billion annually? We are neither dumb nor stupid. You believe your false narrative and Fuxk yourself only. Be humble and thankful so you could get that business. Or we surely have alternatives. Buyers don’t have problem Bcoz there are multiple options.

[@hardeepchaudhary893]

Indian nebourhood first policy is a good start.

[@xxyz2023]

Pak society is facing a lot of serious issues like full political instability, full religious extremism, & baloch and afghanistan conflicts; but pak army is powerful inside pak, & so it dominates everything on a national scale & exploits their nation for their army general's own personal gain. Pak military is undergoing quick modernization, thanks to funding supported by china & US (through world bank). The pak military modernization is supported by china, which is why 60-70% of pak modern attack platforms are chinese. Their navy is utilizing china's satellites for space-related activities, such as tracking long-range missiles. Pak modernization effort includes acquiring advanced 5th-generation fighter jets, and european & chinese warships. China is developing a new road link between china & pak through the mustagh pass near Ladakh. Pak also has strong relationships with turkey, which is likely to enhance their military capabilities modernization.

[@ishtiaquealamin6147]

What about manipur?

[@uk2261]

​@@ishtiaquealamin6147in manipur gober bhakt sanghi sanskaris spreading ahimsa 😂😂😂

[@xxyz2023]

So I noticed that you only asked "What about Manipur?" but didn't actually ask a question. Could you clarify your query eh? The situation in Manipur is that there is ethnic tension between the two Manipuri groups, but the Indian Army has not engaged in combat, nor do we face a separatist movement in Manipur. India's military has a high standard for being disciplined in working under the oversight of India's elected civilian govt & parliamentary scrutiny. While Pakistan's army has always held tight control over the pakistani politicians.

[@sibusisotshabalala3662]

What country would leave China for India 🤦india can not offer anything, indias entire economy is dependent on Chinese raw material, Chinese electronics/tech and entire Indian pharmaceutical is dependent on Chinese activie pharmaceutical ingredients 😭 not forgetting that India has 100 + billion trade defecit with China😭"Chinese GDP is much larger than India's GDP. In 2024, China's GDP was $18,532.63 billion, while India's GDP was $3,937.01 billion. China's GDP per capita was also higher than India's, at $25,015 compared to India's $10,123.China's GDP has grown much faster than India's since 1980.China's per capita GDP has also grown much faster than India's since 1980. Population, China's consumption basket is more representative of a developed market, while India's is more representative of an underdeveloped or developing market. Historical GDP In 1980, China's GDP was $303 billion, while India's was $186 billion. In 1990, India was richer than China, but China was slightly ahead in PPP terms. In 2024, China's GDP was 4.7 times higher than India's"indias entire military is heavily dependent on buying or begging for inferior technology transfer because no 1 will aver share with you their most advanced tech🤦Indians military planes crash every week while China builds 5th and 6th generation planes So my friend the is no country that would leave belt and road for India 💯🙏even India can not leave China because you have been preaching made in India but every year imports from china increase🤣Indians tarrifs on Chinese goods is a sneaky way for Indian government to subsidies its economy through Chinese success by taxing it's own citizens under the guise of anti-China genius 🤣😂👍🎉

[@gurjotkahlon1556]

Nice detailed explanation of the challenges India faces. Ex Prime Minister Manmohan Singh put India on the right track in 1990s but India lost everything along the way to today 2025. Indian politicians are handing over everything to a handful of industrialists who in the process become Asia richest persons and support these politicians during elections. But India is left behind in all major and upcoming area like electric vehicles, aircraft, AI, semiconductor, electronics, pharmaceuticals etc. A large portion of the Indian population is poverty stricken even 70 years after independence. Unless the right people do not come to take charge of the country nothing is going to change. No one can blame our neighbors for their decision to go with China.

[@hardeepchaudhary893]

SARC nations should join India and become one.

[@damiendehorn6350]

Hell no, Bangladesh is a sovereign nation and we don't want to do anything with hindu fascist india.

[@NJ-vv8dl]

khalisatani karna kya chahta hai tu

[@hardeepchaudhary893]

@NJ-vv8dl Mind your tongue. I don't support Khalistan.

[@NJ-vv8dl]

@@hardeepchaudhary893 toh phir vote kyu diya

[@TocaBoca156-n6n]

SAARC couldn't take off only because there was a country called India that has had hegemonic desires since its independence from the British. Our trade couldn't take off because India has non-tariff protection policies.

[@sks2729]

I admire Beauty and Brain together in Swati Rao which is rare. India doesn't have the kind of capacity which China has so when Indian economy reaches at that level then Indian involvement will become more pronounced and big like China.

[@Swasti_Rao]

Thanks

[@hardeepchaudhary893]

SARC is a good organization that should be explored more.

[@einstein6239]

How can we take you seriously, when the map of India is incorrect

[@himaliwadhwa5871]

Good discussion on how India's strategic priorities should potentially change but comparing China and India on defence and economic capabilities isn't appropriate..China had 2 decades of growth where corrupt and stupid governments before the BJP were letting India be looted. And on the point of wider cooperation with Pakistan..Everytime they were supported, they would use our money for terrorism in India...Sometimes you need to break down disruptive powers before meaningful discussion.. Also Bangladesh is a loose-loose battle for India AND China...The discussion would make sense if these realities and complexities were included in the Analysis

[@pratikgore6536]

Yes BJP is totally not corrupt 😂😂😂😂😂

[@himaliwadhwa5871]

@@pratikgore6536 I added they were corrupt and stupid .. no govt is without corruption but are you strengthening the country or weakening it in the process of governance is topic of discussion! I do support BJP on geopolitics and am absolutely against it on the economics and taxation! No need to jump on party politics.. happy to indulge in intelligent discussion!

[@jattmoosewala83]

India cant counter china without making peace with pakistan, love it or hate it. India need to connect itself with central asia, russia, eastren europe , arab africa through road andd rail network. For that amritsar-lahor connection to be built.

[@cheapthrills9035]

Get lost

[@sibusisotshabalala3662]

Which stupid country would leave China for India 🤦india can not offer anything, indias entire economy is dependent on Chinese raw material, Chinese electronics/tech and entire Indian pharmaceutical is dependent on Chinese activie pharmaceutical ingredients 😭 not forgetting that India has 100 + billion trade defecit 😭" GDP is much larger than India's GDP. In 2024, China's GDP was $18,532.63 billion, while India's GDP was $3,937.01 billion. China's GDP per capita was also higher than India's, at $25,015 compared to India's $10,123. Explanation GDP growth: China's GDP has grown much faster than India's since 1980. Per capita GDP: China's per capita GDP has also grown much faster than India's since 1980. Population: China and India have large populations, but implemented different population control policies in the 1980s-2020s. Consumption: China's consumption basket is more representative of a developed market, while India's is more representative of an underdeveloped or developing market. Historical GDP In 1980, China's GDP was $303 billion, while India's was $186 billion. In 1990, India was richer than China, but China was slightly ahead in PPP terms. In 2024, China's GDP was 4.7 times higher than India's"info can be googled that's what I did 👍indias entire military dependent on buying or begging for inferior technology transfer because no 1 will aver share with you their most advanced tech🤦Indians military planes crash every week,So my friend the is no country that would leave belt and road for India 💯🙏

[@sibusisotshabalala3662]

What country would leave China for India 🤦india can not offer anything, indias entire economy is dependent on Chinese raw material, Chinese electronics/tech and entire Indian pharmaceutical is dependent on Chinese activie pharmaceutical ingredients 😭 not forgetting that India has 100 + billion trade defecit with China😭"Chinese GDP is much larger than India's GDP. In 2024, China's GDP was $18,532.63 billion, while India's GDP was $3,937.01 billion. China's GDP per capita was also higher than India's, at $25,015 compared to India's $10,123.China's GDP has grown much faster than India's since 1980.China's per capita GDP has also grown much faster than India's since 1980. Population, China's consumption basket is more representative of a developed market, while India's is more representative of an underdeveloped or developing market. Historical GDP In 1980, China's GDP was $303 billion, while India's was $186 billion. In 1990, India was richer than China, but China was slightly ahead in PPP terms. In 2024, China's GDP was 4.7 times higher than India's"indias entire military is heavily dependent on buying or begging for inferior technology transfer because no 1 will aver share with you their most advanced tech🤦Indians military planes crash every week while China builds 5th and 6th generation planes So my friend the is no country that would leave belt and road for India 💯🙏

[@xxyz2023]

India has built a good connection to central asia, through the Chabahar port to bypass any requirement for pak.

[@jattmoosewala83]

@@xxyz2023 too much of loading unloading would make transportation cost high which is lower in case of land transport for china. Indian goods cant compete or we can only export cheap goods like food and raw meterial.

[@SubhasChandrawan]

Sir we Bharat very very good friends our neighbours and they good to us sir. Except Pak of course, we hating. Also China we hating. Also Maldives, Myanmar , Bangladesh , Sri Lanka Nepal we hating all. Jai Hind!

[@xxyz2023]

Do we have problem with maldives, myanmar & sri lanka???

[@xxyz2023]

We have a deep people to people connections with nepal, despite political differences. Nepal army & Indian army are two peas together. Using good diplomatic efforts, India is also building stronger relationships with maldives & sri lanka, ensuring that china cannot exploit these nations for its naval interests against India.

[@xxyz2023]

Maldives and sri lankan leaders came to thank Indian pm for his support to help them when no others came forward

[@sanjayb5858]

At present, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are in good terms with India.

[@Star-ds4sd]

How is China Financing Infrastructure Prpjects in South East Asia Through " Charity or Debt Finance ( eg Kenya , Srilanka , Bangladesh )

[@suvosingho-pp9xf]

One opinion please block the ccp bots

[@loneranger114]

Then who block Curry Bots

[@suvosingho-pp9xf]

@@loneranger114 Another one😅😅

[@suvosingho-pp9xf]

@@loneranger114 does ccp pay their bots for comments?

[@thecomment9489]

​@@suvosingho-pp9xfMay be they do. They have five times larger GDP? Meanwhile, what's the AQI today in your area? 🙄🙄

[@suvosingho-pp9xf]

@@thecomment9489 I actually live in tier 2 city the weather and air quality both are good

[@Solaafg]

There was no clear regional leader in Europe or South East Asia for making the economic cooperation work. They all worked on the basis of mutual cooperation and respect and they respected their commitments. So SAARC could and was making good contribution. But india wants to be the dictator in the forum which isn’t acceptable so it collapsed. With this attitude of india there can be no regional cooperation. Look as the organisations india is in, it’s always the spoiler in BRICS or SCO. India isn’t able to cooperate and build a relation based on trust & respect.

[@zengpang3177]

If every country behave like India to create an alternertive of One belts and one road. There wouldn't be the one belt and one road initiative in the first place. Somalia, Bhutan and Syria would all create an alternative. Stop behaving like on par with China! China has trade surplus, that is why she creates one belt one road to invest on other countries. India has none of these things. What India need is to solve hunger index problem in India.

[@desmondho9567]

Good India use China Air power as a yardstick. 1) Manufacturing eco system. 2) Hightech material development. 3) Infrastructure development. 4) Political will, different ruling government have different priorities. 5) Corruption and caste system still have deep rooted problem. 6) Racial and religions disharmony. 7) Education, and basics necessities needed to facilitate human development. Rich and poor disparity. 8) News media and social media in India has been overly brainwashing it's people to focus too much on dispute with Pakistan and China. Of course USA and Canada are opportunist using India as proxy against China, because India is a willing puppies of the Imperial Masters. India should learn from Russia China border settlement. And both are now working very closely to fight or counter Western hegemonic power and coercion. India half hearted participation in BRICS tells the whole story of your development and progress. Both Russia and China has been biting their teeth and buy time to develop to their strength and power. Look at Russia hypertension missiles and its own economy resilience against the Western countries. Look at how China has developed its country internally in all aspects of human development, education, poverty elimination and manufacturing and hightech development. India has so much talent and smart people but they chose to leave and work for other countries. Why India can't retain them. Ask these questions again and again.?

[@pankajgrover2427]

Political realism would require USA and China to pressurise Pakistan to stop abating terrorist activities to de-stabilise its neighbourhood. We read so much about radicalisation of Pre WWII Europe and Nazism. Pakistan is at the forefront of propagating radical Islam. It will be impossible for any self-respecting nation to evolve any mechanism of regional economic cooperation and any other Cooperation drawing synergy from UN peace operations.

[@ferozkhansahab917]

Bullying thy neighbour even with Maldives didn't work with which neighbour we have v.good relations if minister call neighbour a termites that is headlines there, big belly guj bhai won't work Missing Panditji

[@Ajhng]

Pls call Shobha Surendranagar from kerala bjp.Very less is talked about kerala and bjp leaders are never given prime time on traditional media.Would love to see bansuri swaraj ,ujjwal nikam,vinoj selvam,purandeshwari daggubati on your show too.Even rakh Patra the survivor of sandeshkhaliand bjp candidate from west Bengal And Pls invite the great palki sharma also on show ,shashi shekhar who unravel the realities of western media and also people who despite being india spare no efforts to demean india on global stage.Also call gaurav rastogi who runs hindu spiritual centre in usa where traditionally chaplains are existing for all religions but hindus .He has appeared on pgurus on channel.Even tripudamqn singh whose book on sixteen stormy days is reality of leftists and congress exposed.Also pls call Sheela bhatt who has interviews with most underworld gangsters and talks about an India beyond Delhi.Prakhar srivastva who has exposed Congress and it's leaders including Nehru is a great journalist and talks very frankly.Ex IPS Meeran Chadha is a great person who exposes policing in India and laxity of administration lapses

[@hardeepchaudhary893]

India and Pakistan should improve their diplomatic relations so we can move towards reunion.

[@AnuragSinha7]

want land not people.

[@TocaBoca156-n6n]

India will come to senses if its PM comes to senses. He is currently busy digging mosques to look for idles. It is currently busy renaming the centuries-old buildings and roads to Hindu mythical heroes. Heroes who lost their wars at their time but are celebrated by rewriting histories.

[@surendarav8406]

So tiring to see agenda driven prints vlogs.

[@AliAhmed-ku3wz]

Long live Pakistan 🇵🇰❤️ 💪

[@anikbarua5483]

Currently in Bangladesh BNP is not in power. The government that is in power in Bangladesh is backed by Bangladesh Army led by Jammat ei Islami Bangladesh and current Biden administration of USA. India can manage BNP but can't Manage Jammat ei Islami They were an anti India party before the liberation war in 1971.

[@damiendehorn6350]

Manage BNP?🤣😆😂

[@anikbarua5483]

@damiendehorn6350 Bro I just mean that you can get something from them or work with them but with Jammat ei Islami it's not possible.

[@hemikovsky]

India is still sucking its thumb! period. Small Neighbours are happily showing the finger 😂

[@chanakyabharat756]

Haha yeah and they suck your thumb

[@raviinder6406]

India is now in " Janeu " Labyrinth ... no way out .....😤😤

[@uk2261]

5000 years old bharat mummy ki democracy worrying about 500 years old American mata ki democracy 😅😅

[@chanakyabharat756]

Haha junk

[@uk2261]

​@@chanakyabharat756nahi saar 😂😂

[@chanakyabharat756]

@@uk2261 ok miyaaaa

[@uk2261]

​@@chanakyabharat756mee poojari saar

[@thecomment9489]

😂😂😂

[@Ajhng]

For history pls call surya roy sir and praveen mohan they are amazing and talk about dharmic revival. Besides the veducation founder can also be great guest at your amazing podcast who is working to re establish gurukul school.Also Sahana singh who is based in usa to talk about ancient indian education.Venkatesh rangan sir is a great historian too who has published three books and worked upon ancient indian conquests and our great civilization.Raghava krishna ,the founder of brhat is doing great work.Also rajeev malhotra of USA who wrote the book Snakes of Ganga Also ,Capt praveen chaturvedi who made sahib movie is great person who advocates for our santana cause and tells how it has been systematically destroyed.Shaleen wadhwani is a great art educator,curator and talks greatly on how British looted of our riches and how it can be repatriated Also vedveer arya who talks about correct chronology of Indian history.Abhijit jog who is an author also challenges the leftists ideology snd fake history still taught in india.Jay vardhan singh a phd scholar from jnu is also a great history buff

[@ThePolymerisst]

Both of them sound like "Aman ki asha" types. No thanks. SAARC is a joke and will remain one.

[@superpooper_2030]

India must jails all corrupted media who received corrupted money from 5 eyes before normalize relationship with all neighbors. Need to enforce compulsory one language and one nation. Stop teaching English and only teach Hindi and mother tounge as secondary language. Reform law and power powerful central government.

[@GourBera-vx3ph]

This discussion make no sense to me unless you question the decision makers. I doughnut you guys didn’t even know them or don’t want to name. Just waste of everyone’s time and effort

[@kutubuddinbakhtiar5105]

You are showing wrong map on the beckground.

[@kutubuddinbakhtiar5105]

Problem is that, India overestimate itself. They see everything like bollyood movies.