China has changed the equation for India’s neighbours. New Delhi can’t neglect them anymore

Most countries worry the most about their neighbours. This is natural because neighbours are more likely to be able to harm you. Generally, countries farther away aren't as much of a worry because, even if there are disagreements, they may not have the wherewithal to attack directly simply because of distance. Though they can cause other harm—think of South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—these pale in comparison to direct attack and other forms of coercive tactics, including terrorism. Difficulties with smaller neighbours are not peculiar to India but afflict all large powers to varying…