The "Neighbourhood First" policy in India's foreign policy was emphasized and prioritized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This policy aims to strengthen and deepen ties with India's neighboring countries in South Asia, focusing on enhancing physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity, as well as boosting trade, commerce, and regional cooperation

. Modi's government made this policy a central part of its foreign strategy to nurture bilateral relationships, improve regional connectivity, and elevate India's position as a regional power. Modi himself articulated the importance of this approach, stating that a nation's destiny is linked to its neighborhood and placing the highest priority on advancing friendship and cooperation with neighbors

. The policy builds on earlier frameworks like the Gujral Doctrine and seeks to address challenges posed by regional security issues and the influence of other powers such as China. It also aligns with India's broader strategic ambitions in the Indian Ocean region and beyond

. In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the key figure who emphasized and prioritized the "Neighbourhood First" policy in India's foreign policy making.