How much do Indian states influence the country’s neighbourhood policy?

The recent elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have brought into sharp focus the intricate relationship between India's domestic politics and its foreign policy, particularly concerning its immediate neighbors. While New Delhi officially steers the ship of foreign affairs, the currents of regional political sentiment, amplified by state-level parties, undeniably shape India's engagement with countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

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The question is to what extent the states in India influence the foreign policy.

In West Bengal, the BJP's electoral success and its stance on illegal immigration from Bangladesh underscore the deep-seated concerns within border states. The media's focus on the election's impact on Bangladesh, even as Assam's own immigration discourse seemed sidelined, illustrates how state-specific political outcomes can ripple across borders. This dynamic is not new; historical events like the 1947 Partition continue to cast a long shadow, influencing political discourse and, consequently, bilateral relations.

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Foreign policy is indeed crafted by the central government in New Delhi.

Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, the fierce competition between regional powerhouses like the DMK and AIADMK to champion the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils demonstrates the potent influence of state politics on foreign policy. Their willingness to leverage support for central governments based on New Delhi's Sri Lanka policy, and their past actions regarding issues like the Katchatheevu island, highlight how regional aspirations can significantly impact national foreign policy decisions. This is a uniquely Indian phenomenon where regional identities and political imperatives often play a crucial role in shaping the nation's external relations, a nuance often missed in broader international coverage.

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States’ views are expressed by regional political parties within each state, whose views are a reflection of the people of that state.