India intensifies regional outreach after BRICS summit with neighbourhood visits

India is stepping up its diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries in the aftermath of the BRICS summit, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visiting Bhutan as part of a coordinated outreach programme across South and Southeast Asia. The move reflects New Delhi's effort to strengthen ties with the region during a period when focus on multilateral forums such as BRICS has been prominent on India's foreign policy agenda.

The diplomatic offensive comes as Nepal's Finance Minister is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on September 17, signalling intensified economic and financial cooperation between the two countries. The visit underscores India's commitment to bilateral engagement with key regional partners beyond major multilateral platforms.

New Delhi's renewed focus on neighbourhood diplomacy reflects a broader strategy to maintain strong bilateral relationships while India navigates its position within larger groupings such as BRICS. The timing of these engagements suggests a deliberate effort to ensure that smaller South Asian nations remain engaged with India's foreign policy priorities and development initiatives.

These visits come as India continues to balance its commitments across multiple diplomatic forums, from regional bilateral relationships to larger multilateral blocs. The emphasis on direct ministerial-level visits underscores the importance New Delhi places on sustained engagement with immediate neighbours, particularly in economic and developmental partnerships.