Abstract
This article looks at India’s “extended neighborhood” concept, a formulation that has come into India’s official vocabulary during the past decade to describe India’s aspirations outside its “immediate neighborhood” of South Asia. This concept is considered in theoretical terms with regard to its economic, energy, security & military associations for India. The way in which India’s sense of its “extended neighborhood” has itself been further extended is also noted; as are its competitive undertones with China. The concept is then considered in practical terms; through looking at its implementation by India southwards in the Indian Ocean, eastwards to Southeast Asia & beyond, northwards into Central Asia, & westwards into the Gulf & beyond. In retrospect, the “extended neighborhood” concept fits into India’s sense of foreign policy concentric circles, serving as a bridge between India’s local role in South Asia & its global role as an aspiring Great Power.
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