Explain India’s major concerns in South Asia.

India's major concerns in South Asia revolve around ensuring regional stability, promoting economic development, and safeguarding its strategic interests in its immediate neighborhood. As the largest country in South Asia, India plays a central role in shaping the region's political, economic, and security dynamics. However, it faces various challenges and concerns that impact its relations with neighboring countries and influence its foreign policy priorities. Some of the key concerns for India in South Asia include:

1. Border Disputes and Territorial Integrity:
   India shares land and maritime borders with several South Asian countries, including Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Border disputes and territorial claims pose significant challenges to India's security and territorial integrity. The unresolved border issues with Pakistan (over Kashmir) and China (in the Himalayas) remain sources of tension and potential conflict. India's concerns about cross-border infiltration, terrorism, and insurgency further complicate its relations with neighboring countries.

2. Cross-Border Terrorism and Insurgency:
   India faces security threats from cross-border terrorism, insurgency, and extremist groups operating in neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh. The presence of terrorist organizations and militant groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and other regions pose significant security challenges for India. The 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack underscored India's concerns about state-sponsored terrorism and the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism in the region.

3. China's Growing Influence:
   India is wary of China's growing economic, political, and military influence in South Asia, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and infrastructure projects in neighboring countries. India views China's strategic investments, military presence, and port development initiatives, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, as potential threats to its regional interests and strategic dominance in the Indian Ocean region.

4. Economic Development and Connectivity:
   India seeks to promote economic development, trade, and connectivity in South Asia through initiatives such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). However, India's efforts to enhance regional integration and connectivity face challenges due to political differences, security concerns, and competing interests among South Asian countries. India's concerns about China's economic influence and infrastructure projects in the region also influence its approach to regional connectivity initiatives.

5. Political Instability and Democratic Governance:
   India is concerned about political instability, governance challenges, and democratic deficits in neighboring countries, which can impact regional stability and security. Issues such as political unrest, ethnic tensions, and human rights violations in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka raise concerns for India about the potential for spillover effects, refugee flows, and security threats across borders. India advocates for democratic norms, rule of law, and respect for human rights in South Asia, while also engaging with neighboring governments to address common challenges and promote stability.

6. Energy Security and Maritime Domain:
   India's energy security and maritime interests are closely linked to developments in the Indian Ocean region, where it seeks to maintain freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes of communication, and counter maritime threats such as piracy and illegal fishing. India is concerned about China's expanding naval presence and strategic encroachment in the Indian Ocean through initiatives such as the String of Pearls strategy and port development projects in countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan.

In conclusion, India's concerns in South Asia are shaped by a complex interplay of security threats, geopolitical competition, economic interests, and regional dynamics. Addressing these concerns requires a combination of diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, economic integration, and conflict resolution mechanisms to promote peace, stability, and development in the region. As the largest and most influential country in South Asia, India plays a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of the region and managing its complex geopolitical challenges.