Continuity and Change in Narendra Modi's Neighbourhood Policy: From Normative Regionalism to Strategic Pragmatism

India's neighbourhood has historically constituted the core of its foreign policy imagination, shaped by geography, civilizational linkages, and security imperatives.From Jawaharlal Nehru's idealistic emphasis on peaceful coexistence to Manmohan Singh's cooperative engagement, India's regional diplomacy was largely driven by normative regionalism rooted in moral leadership and restraint.The coming to power of Narendra Modi in 2014 marked a significant reorientation through the articulation of the "Neighbourhood First Policy," which foregrounded security, connectivity, and strategic competition, particularly in response to China's growing influence in South Asia.This article examines the nature of continuity and change in India's neighbourhood policy by tracing its evolution from the post-independence period to the Modi era.It argues that while normative elements such as regional cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy continue to persist, Modi's approach reflects a shift toward strategic pragmatism characterized by interest-based diplomacy, assertive security postures, and geopolitical calculations.Drawing upon Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) and the concept of strategic pragmatism, the study employs qualitative discourse analysis of official statements and existing scholarly literature.The findings suggest that Modi's neighbourhood policy represents neither a radical rupture nor simple continuity but rather a recalibration shaped by contemporary geopolitical realities.The article concludes that the success of India's regional leadership will depend on its ability to balance strategic interests with inclusive and cooperative regional engagement.