The Gujral Doctrine - Gokulam Seek IAS Academy (2024)

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?

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