The Center for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESSIF) organized an interactive program on June 19, 2024, featuring Shyam Sharan, former Indian Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to Nepal. Sharan highlighted the need for India's "Neighborhood First" policy to extend to grassroots levels, noting that despite its introduction in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has not fully penetrated local areas. He stressed that India should cultivate stronger relationships with its neighbors, particularly Nepal, to advance regional cooperation in climate change, trade, and energy.

Sharan also affirmed that regardless of government changes, India's core foreign policy will remain consistent. He emphasized that shifts in leadership style do not equate to alterations in foreign policy, and future coalition governments will likely maintain the existing approach.