Regional Security and Peace Building in South Asia: India’s Role in Shaping a Cooperative Security Architecture

Abstract

South Asia has historically been a region marked by political volatility, interstate rivalries, and emerging security challenges. India, as the largest and most influential power in the region, plays a pivotal role in shaping cooperative security mechanisms aimed at regional peace and stability. This paper examines India’s strategic initiatives, including its engagement in multilateral forums such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), and its bilateral security frameworks with neighboring countries. The study explores India’s approach to conflict resolution, counterterrorism cooperation, and disaster management, emphasizing its attempts to balance national security priorities with regional stability. Through a qualitative analysis of policy documents, official statements, and existing literature, the paper highlights India’s potential to act as a stabilizing force while acknowledging the structural constraints, such as historical disputes, asymmetrical power dynamics, and domestic political pressures. The findings suggest that India’s proactive diplomacy, combined with institutionalized regional mechanisms, can contribute significantly to a cooperative security architecture in South Asia.

Keywords: South Asia, India, Regional Security, Peacebuilding, Cooperative Security Architecture, SAARC