The "Neighbourhood First" policy in India's foreign policy was emphasized and prioritized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This policy, launched with his government starting in 2014, focuses on strengthening ties with India's immediate neighbors in South Asia, enhancing connectivity, trade, and diplomatic relations. Modi's government made this approach a cornerstone of its foreign policy, marked notably by inviting South Asian leaders to his swearing-in ceremony in May 2014, signaling the importance given to neighboring countries. Modi also undertook several visits to neighboring countries early in his tenure to reinforce this priority

. The policy aims to build mutual trust and cooperation in economic, political, and security domains, positioning India as a regional leader and fostering regional stability and prosperity. It also integrates with other strategic policies like the Act East Policy and Look West Policy, reflecting a broader regional ambition

. Thus, Narendra Modi is the key figure who emphasized and prioritized the "Neighbourhood First" approach in India's foreign policy making.