To enhance its influence in South Asia and counter China’s growing reach, India must engage in a multifaceted strategy aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties within the region. Establishing a framework for regional cooperation through platforms like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) should be prioritized. India can take the lead in proposing initiatives that focus on economic collaboration, infrastructure development, and disaster management, which resonate with the needs of neighboring countries.

Additionally, bolstering cultural exchanges can foster goodwill and mutual understanding. By increasing scholarships for South Asian students, facilitating art and literature festivals, and promoting tourism, India can create stronger interpersonal connections across borders. On the economic front, an emphasis on enhancing trade relations through favorable agreements and joint ventures in key sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy will help recapture the narratives of financial leadership in the region. To track progress and foster openness,India could utilize the following table:

InitiativeObjectiveExpected Outcome
Regional Cooperation FrameworkEnhance diplomatic tiesStronger unity against external pressures
Cultural Exchange ProgramsFoster mutual understandingIncreased goodwill among nations
Trade AgreementsBoost economic collaborationImproved trade volumes and economic growth