India’s Neighbours: Past Conflicts, Present Ties, Future Paths

Chapter 2 of the India in Focus Series on India’s Journey

This is the second chapter in our ongoing discussion series on India’s path from independence to the present day. In Chapter 1, we explored India’s Growth Story — the events, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the nation’s economic and social rise.
Now, in Chapter 2, we turn our focus outward — to India’s relationships with its neighbours. From cultural connections to border conflicts, from the upheaval of partition to the strategic balancing of today, these relationships have defined much of India’s regional and global position.
Upcoming chapters in this series will explore:

• India’s historical phases (1947–1991, 1991–2014, 2014–2024) – Growth, errors, and key learnings.
• India’s position in the world – Power projection and global influence.
• Breaking the world order – India’s role in reshaping global alliances.

Understanding India’s complex history and evolving relationships with Pakistan, China, and South Asia.

Are India’s neighbours allies, rivals, or both? From shared cultural heritage to decades of border tensions, India’s ties with Pakistan, China, and other neighbours have swung between cooperation and conflict. With rising Chinese influence and India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, what future does this region hold?
About Thinkers Forum:
Thinkers Forum is a community for respectful, open dialogues on complex historical, political, and cultural issues shaping our world.
We’ll explore:

• How did shared history and cultural ties still led to partition and shaping India’s relations with its neighbours?
• What conflicts and alliances defined India’s regional dynamics in the 20th century?
• How has the 21st century changed regional stability and power equations?
• What challenges currently drive India’s relations with Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and others?
• Can India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy balance cooperation and competition?
• How did India became face of Global south and secured a strong voice in Global arena?
• What future trajectories might redefine India’s place in South Asia and Global south?

What this is:
A 1.5–2 hour interactive discussion on Google Meet, where participants critically examine India’s past and present ties with its neighbours and explore what the future may hold. This is not a webinar or lecture — it’s an open dialogue where every perspective is valued.
Who should attend:

• Individuals curious about India’s foreign policy and regional relations
• Students, researchers, and professionals in history, politics, or international studies
• People exploring South Asian geopolitics and cultural connections
• Anyone seeking thought‑provoking discussions on global affairs
• Citizens interested in India’s role in shaping regional stability

Why attend:
Join this session to build on the insights from Chapter 1, deepen your understanding of India’s external relationships, and prepare for upcoming discussions exploring India’s historical phases and its place in the evolving global order.