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India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring countries through a consultative, non-reciprocal, and results-oriented approach. Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, emphasized in a statement to the Lok Sabha that India’s neighborhood policy is guided by the core principles of Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Shanti (peace), and Samriddhi (prosperity). These principles shape India’s engagements, ensuring that partnerships are built on mutual trust and shared progress. India’s development assistance and capacity-building initiatives are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of neighboring nations, supporting their long-term economic growth. The minister highlighted that India’s contributions range from large-scale infrastructure projects to community-driven development, including financial, technical, and humanitarian aid. This multifaceted approach underscores India’s role as a reliable partner in fostering regional stability and prosperity. In Nepal, India’s cooperation focuses on enhancing connectivity, economic collaboration, and energy and digital infrastructure, alongside cultural exchanges. A key component of this partnership is the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), which have delivered critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation facilities. While the initiative faced some challenges last year, it has since moved forward smoothly. Originally launched in 2003 as a modest program, HICDP was expanded and rebranded in 2024 to maximize its developmental impact. With the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remaining inactive, India has prioritized the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as a more dynamic platform for regional collaboration. Margherita described BIMSTEC as a strategic convergence of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, Act East policy, and the SAGAR vision, which emphasizes security and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific. Through BIMSTEC, India is deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, security, connectivity, and digital innovation, while also promoting partnerships in health, education, and people-to-people ties.  The upcoming BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for April 3-4 in Thailand, is expected to produce a vision statement outlining future regional cooperation. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has already left for Thailand to attend the summit, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also set to participate. Margherita reiterated that India’s Neighborhood First policy is widely appreciated by partner countries, ensuring the continuity of assistance programs even amid political changes. She stressed that India’s relationships with its neighbors stand independently of their ties with other nations, reflecting the depth and resilience of these bilateral connections.   On national security, the minister affirmed that India remains vigilant, closely monitoring regional developments to safeguard its interests. He expressed confidence in the enduring strength of India’s partnerships and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing mutual benefits while protecting its strategic priorities in the region.