After his visit to Sri Lanka, the DMK in Chennai floated the question: What has the government of India done for the neighbouring countries under PM Modi's leadership?

Stalin skipped PM Narendra Modi's event in Rameshwaram to attend an official event in Nilgiris. Stalin has been pioneering protests against delimitation. That is politics.

A study revealed that the Modi government has done as follows for neighbours,showcasing India’s role as a development partner.

Consider facts:

Sri Lanka
Under the Indian Housing Project (Phase III), India has built around 4,000 houses for plantation workers in central and Uva Provinces. 

During Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, India extended a $1 Billion Credit Line (March 2022) to support the import of essential food, medicine, and other necessities.

India and Sri Lanka share strong cultural ties. The foundation stone for the Jaffna Cultural Center was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Jaffna in March 2015. The facility was subsequently inaugurated in March 2022 and dedicated to the people of Sri Lanka in February 2023.

Nepal

In the energy sector, India and Nepal have strengthened cross-border energy cooperation. The Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline (MAPL), inaugurated in 2019, became South Asia’s first cross-border petroleum pipeline, bringing economic benefits to Nepal.

An MoU signed in June 2023 paved the way for new petroleum infrastructure, including the Siliguri-Jhapa Pipeline and two greenfield terminals at Chitwan and Jhapa.  

In infrastructure development, India has played a crucial role in modernizing Nepal’s transport network. The Jayanagar-Kurtha-Bardibas Rail Link was inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of both countries in April 2022, marking a milestone in regional connectivity.

Another key railway project, the Jogbani-Biratnagar Rail Link, saw its cross-border section inaugurated in June 2023 for freight operations. India is also supporting the Raxaul-Kathmandu railway link, with its Final Location Survey Report under finalization.  

To boost trade, India has developed Integrated Check Posts (ICP) at Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, and Birgunj.  In June 2023, the Prime Ministers of both nations jointly inaugurated the Nepalgunj ICP and laid the foundation stone for the Bhairahawa ICP.

Following the earthquake of April 2015, the Government of India committed US$ 1 billion, comprising US$ 250 million as a grant and US$ 750 million as a Line of Credit, for post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.

The Solu Corridor 132kV Transmission Line(April 2022) has enhanced Nepal’s electricity connectivity by linking remote regions to the national grid. Similarly, the Modi-Lekhnath Transmission Line (August 2023), a 42 km-long power project, has improved electricity supply.

Additionally, India's assistance in supplying 200 Kidney Dialysis Machines and 50 Reverse Osmosis Systems has strengthened Nepal’s healthcare infrastructure.

Bangladesh

India has always been a trusted development partner to Bangladesh. The Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link Project (₹270.2 crore), inaugurated by PM Modi in 2023, has strengthened regional transport infrastructure.

The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project(November 2023), inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and then Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, is one of Bangladesh’s largest power plants, significantly boosting electricity generation. Another major initiative, the Khulna-Mongla Rail Line Project (November 2023), has enhanced cargo transit and connectivity.

To ensure energy security, the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (₹285.24 crore) was inaugurated by PM Modi and his then Bangladeshi counterpart in 2023. India has also supported emergency healthcare by providing 109 Basic Life Support Ambulancesto Bangladesh.

Afghanistan

India has remained committed to Afghanistan’s development. The Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) (2016), inaugurated by PM Modi in 2016, provides crucial irrigation and power supply.

India constructed the Afghan Parliament Building, which was inaugurated by PM Modi in 2015 as a symbol of support for Afghan democracy. 

To aid in food security, India supplied 2.45 lakh MT of Wheat during critical times.

Myanmar

India’s connectivity initiatives in Myanmar have enhanced trade and commerce. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project(₹982.99 crore) is a significant step in this direction.

India has also invested in education and research by supporting the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology (MIIT) in Yangonand the Advanced Centre of Agriculture Research and Education (ACARE) at Nay Pyi Taw.

During the recent earthquake in Myanmar which jolted the whole nation, India was among the first responders to send over 50 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material under the Operation Brahma.

Bhutan

India’s partnership with Bhutan has focused on healthcare and energy. The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital (₹141 crore), inaugurated by PM Modi in 2024, provides specialized healthcare services.

The Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project(₹5,033.56 crore), inaugurated by PM Modi in 2019, is a landmark initiative that has strengthened Bhutan’s renewable energy sector and supported economic growth.

Maldives

India has played a vital role in supporting the Maldives' infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and security. The Water and Sanitation Project (₹107.34 crore), inaugurated in August 2024, has significantly improved water and sewerage facilities across 34 islands. This project directly benefits 28,000 Maldivians, enhancing public health and environmental protection.

The Addu City Development Project (₹160.24 crore), inaugurated in August 2024, focused on land reclamation and shore protection. A total of 190 hectares were reclaimed from the sea, creating the longest man-made beach in the Maldives and enabling housing allocation for the first time in 15 years. This project also included the world’s second-largest coral relocation exercise, ensuring environmental conservation while improving road connectivity and sanitation in Addu City, the country’s second-most populous city.

India has also contributed to capacity-building and security through the Construction of the Composite Training Centre (CTC) (₹52.42 crore), which has enhanced the Maldives' security and training infrastructure. Additionally, defense supplies, including Dornier aircraft and Dhruv helicopters(February 2023), have strengthened the country’s rapid response capabilities in emergency situations.

Commitment to a Shared Future

Since 2014, India has emerged as a strong and reliable development partner in its neighborhood. Guided by the principles of ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, India continues to reinforce its role as a key driver of regional growth and stability. These projects stand as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering goodwill and prosperity in the region, ensuring a brighter and more connected future for all.