India's current neighborhood policy is at an impasse, hindered by suspicion of China and outdated patterns. The author advocates a crucial reset: India must engage each neighbor bilaterally, focusing on mutual benefits like energy, water, or market access, moving beyond geopolitical anxieties. Offering asymmetric concessions and relaxing punitive restrictions, India can leverage its economic strength for long-term influence. This pragmatic, future-oriented approach, prioritizing win-win deals over legacy issues, is essential for a more effective and influential regional engagement.