From big brother to elder brother

Curtains rolled down to end the 41-year old stalemate as the Indian Parliament unanimously passed the 100th Constitutional Amendment on May 7 to resolve the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA). The agreement aims to ensure proper demarcation of the border and an exchange of more than 160 enclaves between the two countries. By approving the implementation of the LBA, India has shed its "big brother" tag and acquired an "elder brother" status in South Asia as Veena Sikri, former diplomat rightly commented. I think it will be a game changer because it certainly wins perception battles and especially in South Asia where perceptions matter most.

The biggest feedback is the positive change in the psyche of the Bangladeshi people as they now know that Prime Minister Modi means business. There was a lot of skepticism when Modi was made prime minister. When something as complicated as the LBA can be solved then other contentious issues of connectivity, trade and security or economic investment, can also be tackled.

Narendra Modi has proven that the foreign policy of India is going to be the "road less taken" without taking into consideration the not–so-worthy demands of regional parties aimed merely at votes and not our national interest. This time the interest of the nation has won over politics.

 It's a game changer because this softening of India's leadership role shows that the country wants good relations with its neighbours and it is prepared to solve problems in the spirit of friendship and greater magnanimity. This message will certainly be taken on board by other neighbours when they look at solving problems with India and moving ahead in the same spirit. The deal would not only end a historical thorn in the bilateral side, it would also open a new era in the relationship. India often suffers from a "perception problem" in the eyes of its neighbours, which often view India with suspicion because of its size, economy and military might. It has also reinforced the policy of change and continuity of Indian foreign policy. The Agreement also served as an ice-breaking exercise after certain intemperate outpourings by the Prime Minister during his election campaigning led to misgivings in the minds of the people of Pakistan and Bangladesh. His diplomatic outreach is intended to allay regional fears that his rise to power would herald a new hawkishness in Indian foreign policy.  After BJP had ruffled feathers in Bangladesh, threatening to expel migrants from the northeast, for criticising Bangladesh for its treatment of the Hindu minority, and threatening Pakistan over the export of terror and disquieting statements over firing at the Line of Control (LoC), it seems that Modi wants to start his diplomacy on a clean slate, and without any baggage of the past.

The move has also given a fillip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "neighbourhood first" foreign policy and he has proven that he is a leader who walks the talk. He has wisely sent out the message that India, as a dominant and powerful nation, respects the sovereignty of other SAARC nations and looks forward to cordial and inclusive relationships with them. It augurs well to resolve pending tough negotiations on issues such as border disputes, cross-border infiltration, illegal migration and fostering of terror with our neighbours. After all, fortune favours the bold.

The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of International Affairs and Security Studies, Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice situated in Rajasthan, India.