India, Oct. 13 -- India's neighbourhood has become a test of its diplomatic maturity. A decade after Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi unveiled the Neighbourhood First policy in 2014, India's economic and strategic stature has grown, but its ability to convert geographical proximity and historical ties into enduring goodwill remains uncertain.

Political upheavals in Bangladesh, changing equations in Nepal and the Maldives, China's expanding influence and Pakistan's international engagement expose the limits of assuming that regional predominance automatically commands loyalty. India must recognise that its neighbours seek strategic autonomy.

China has expanded its influence through infrastructure financing, trade, energy projects and po...