---
title: "Neighbourhood First Policy: India's Doctrine"
description: "Neighbourhood First Policy is India's approach to strengthen ties with South Asian neighbors through aid and connectivity, crucial for regional stability."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/neighbourhood-first-policy"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Neighbourhood First is India's foreign-policy doctrine prioritising relations with its immediate South Asian and Indian Ocean neighbours through aid, connectivity, and asymmetric reciprocity.
- How does Neighbourhood First differ from the Gujral Doctrine?
- Is Pakistan included in Neighbourhood First?
- What instruments deliver Neighbourhood First in practice?
- How does it relate to the Act East Policy and SAGAR?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2022, India extended roughly USD 4 billion in credit lines, currency swaps, and fuel deferrals to Sri Lanka during its debt crisis, which the Ministry of External Affairs cited as Neighbourhood First in action.

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