India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently reiterated the adherence to the "Neighbourhood First" foreign policy which has characterized the Modi government from its inception in May 2014.

Speaking at the release of a new book entitled “The Modi Doctrine: New Paradigms in ‘India’s Foreign Policy”, she said that the very first diplomatic move made by the Modi government was on its inauguration day, by inviting leaders of neighbouring nations to join us on that occasion. “The underlying thought has since expanded into a ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy that stresses cooperation, connectivity and greater people to people contacts” she added.

“Among the issues that dominate global concerns today is the threat of terrorism,” Sushma Swaraj said while releasing the book, at the India International Centre.

The book was edited by Anirban Ganguly, Director of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, Vijay Chauthaiwale, in charge of department of foreign affairs in the BJP, and Uttam Kumar Sinha, a Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka(INSSSL) Asanga Abeyagoonasekera’s paper on "India and Sri Lanka: Right Leadership at the Right time" was also selected to be included in this new book.