From China to Maldives to building Bharat's image — BJP Vs Congress Lok Sabha manifesto on foreign policy: Explained

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have released their manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Both the national political parties extensively talked about their idea of foreign policies and national security in their manifesto.

While the BJP hopes to conduct policies to further India's ' interests "with the spirit of Vishwa Bandhu", the Congress promised to "pay greater attention to our immediate neighbours". Their manifestos addressed issues ranging from China border dispute to "engagement with Pakistan" to end cross-border terrorism. 

Meanwhile, the BJP, throughout its manifesto, mentioned

Here's what the BJP's and the Congress's manifesto says about the party's foreign policy:

What's the problem to be addressed: According to reports, China has significantly expanded its engagements in the Indian Ocean region over the past three decades. This has eventually raised fears among the US and Indian strategists that China's growing naval presence, together with its use of so-called “debt-trap diplomacy," might provide it with meaningful military advantages far from its shores, the by think tank Brookings Institution said.

BJP promises: The party promised to accelerate the development of robust infrastructure along the Indo-China border. It will also ensure "freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean".

"We will expand Bharat’s defence footprint across strategic locations and partner with friendly countries to protect Bharat’s and the Indian Ocean Region’s security interests.

Congress promises: The Congress' manifesto makes no mention of the "Indian Ocean Region’s security", it, however, promises to work to restore the status quo ante on India's borders with China.

The party also