Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – India and its Neighborhood- Relations, Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Context
India’s relations with its neighbors are undergoing a transformative phase, prompting a retrospective examination of the factors that have shaped its ties with the immediate neighborhood.
Legacy of I K Gujral
- Inder Kumar Gujral served as the 12th Prime Minister of India from April 1997 to May 1998.
- Gujral is notable for his significant contributions to Indian foreign policy during his tenure.
- The Gujral Doctrine Formulated by IK Gujral during his term as the Union Minister of External Affairs in the HD Deve Gowda Government.
- It is regarded as a milestone in India’s foreign policy.
- The Gujral Doctrine focused on reshaping India’s bilateral relations, particularly with its immediate neighbors, emphasizing a new approach.
- The doctrine advocated a positive and cooperative attitude toward smaller neighboring countries.
- It is widely welcomed by both India’s smaller neighbors and the international community.
What is the Gujral Doctrine?
- Principles of the Gujral Doctrine:
- The Gujral Doctrine comprises five guiding principles for India’s foreign relations with its immediate neighbors.
- These principles stem from the belief that India’s strength is intricately tied to the quality of its relations with neighboring countries.
- Emphasizes the paramount importance of maintaining friendly and cordial relations with neighboring countries.
- Principles in Detail:
- Unilateral Goodwill: India, with nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, prioritizes giving and accommodating without expecting reciprocity, fostering trust and good faith.
- Non-use of Territory: South Asian nations should refrain from allowing their territories to be used against the interests of other regional countries.
- Non-interference: Countries within the region must refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
- Respect for Sovereignty: All South Asian nations are urged to respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- Peaceful Dispute Resolution: The doctrine advocates for the resolution of disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations, promoting stability and cooperation in the region.
Significance and Achievements of Gujral Doctrine
- Resolution of Disputes:
- Bangladesh Water-Sharing Dispute: Gujral Doctrine’s application resulted in the swift resolution of a water-sharing dispute with Bangladesh within just three months in 1996-97.
- Nepal Hydel Power Treaty: Almost concurrently, a treaty with Nepal was initiated for harnessing the Mahakali river for hydel power generation.
- Regional Cooperation:
- Sri Lanka Development Cooperation: The doctrine facilitated agreements with Sri Lanka, promoting expanded development cooperation in the region.
- Composite Dialogue with Pakistan: The initiation of a composite dialogue with Pakistan, grounded in problem-solving and cooperation on agreed terms, despite lingering disputes (e.g., Kashmir, terrorism).
- Trust-Building Measures:
- Strengthening Regional Trust: Gujral’s foreign policy approach significantly enhanced trust and cooperation within India’s neighborhood.
- Bhutanese Water Flow Agreement: Successful efforts to secure Bhutanese consent for the canal project to augment the flow of water to the Ganga, demonstrating cooperative regional engagement.
- Continuity and Legacy:
- Successive Prime Ministers’ Adherence: Despite differing political ideologies, successive Prime Ministers continued to incorporate aspects of the Gujral Doctrine in their foreign policy approaches.
- Enduring Significance: The doctrine’s legacy is observed in its enduring influence on India’s regional diplomacy and the continued pursuit of cooperative engagement with neighboring countries.
Concerns and Challenges Regarding Gural Doctrine
- China’s Growing Influence:
- Expansion of China’s influence in the subcontinent through initiatives like the Belt and Road, challenging the Gujral Doctrine’s emphasis on improved connectivity amid heightened security concerns.
- Intra-Regional Integration:
- South Asia’s minimal regional integration, accounting for less than 5% of global trade, hinders effective implementation of the Gujral Doctrine.
- Limited regional cooperation impedes the establishment of seamless connectivity and collaborative relationships.
- Resource Disparity with China:
- India faces challenges in matching the scale of resources China deploys in the neighborhood, impacting the effectiveness of development cooperation as a tool of India’s foreign policy.
- Economic Slowdown Impact:
- Current economic slowdown in India reduces the willingness to further open the market to neighbors, weakening the economic pillar of the Gujral Doctrine.
- Security Threats Across Borders:
- India’s borders become conduits for security threats such as cross-border terrorism, contraband trade, and drug trafficking, challenging the doctrine’s aspiration for peaceful relations.
- Implementation Challenges and Flexibility:
- Admits challenges in implementing the principles, with the need for reassessment if neighboring countries deviate from the agreed principles.
- Resource Paucity for Development Cooperation:
- Gujral Doctrine’s reliance on development cooperation is weakened by the limited resources available, especially when compared to China’s expansive capabilities.
- Criticism of Gujral’s Approach:
- Criticism for failing to secure wholehearted support from the foreign affairs bureaucracy to fully implement the doctrine.
- Soft Approach towards Pakistan:
- Gujral criticized for being too lenient, especially towards Pakistan, potentially leaving India vulnerable to future security threats, including terror attacks.
- Perceived Isolation Strategy:
- Some in Pakistan perceive the doctrine as an Indian strategy to isolate Islamabad, contributing to skepticism and challenges in regional cooperation.
What Must be the Way Forward?
- Strategic Reassessment:
- In response to evolving geopolitical dynamics, India must conduct a thorough reassessment of its neighborhood policy, recognizing the increased complexity and potential threats.
- Transit Country Leadership:
- Position India as the preferred transit country for its neighbors by extending national treatment across its transport network and ports, fostering economic integration and regional collaboration.
- “Neighborhood First” through Sustained Engagement:
- Prioritize a “neighborhood first” approach by fostering sustained engagement at all political and people-to-people levels. Leverage deep cultural affinities unique to India’s relations with its neighbors.
- Continued Emphasis on Gujral Doctrine Principles:
- Build upon the diplomatic acumen of IK Gujral by continuing to emphasize the key principles of cooperation, non-reciprocity, and dialogue outlined in the Gujral Doctrine. Maintain a commitment to these principles in shaping India’s foreign policy decisions and relationships with neighboring countries.
- Economic Focus and Regional Cooperation:
- Deepen economic ties through focused efforts on trade, investment, and infrastructure development within the region.
- Promote regional cooperation through active participation in regional initiatives such as SAARC and BIMSTEC.
- Diplomacy for Conflict Resolution:
- Engage in regular dialogue and diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve disputes and build mutual understanding, fostering a climate of cooperation and stability.
- Responsible Neighbor Policy:
- Act as a responsible neighbor by avoiding interference in the internal affairs of other countries and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring nations.
Reference:
Strategic Analysis
Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies
Britannica
Practice Question
In the context of evolving economic dynamics, how does the Gujral Doctrine address the relevance of economic cooperation as a key component of fostering friendly relations in the neighborhood?