HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 22: Model Answer

Question: Discuss the relevance of the Gujral Doctrine for India with regard to its relations with its immediate neighbours in the present times. (8 Marks)

Answer: 

The Gujral doctrine is an accommodative neighbourhood policy based on five basic principles:

• With neighbours like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, India does not ask for reciprocity but gives all that it can in good faith and trust.
• No South Asian country will allow its territory to be used against the interest of another country of the region.
• None will interfere in the internal affairs of another.
• All South Asian countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
• Settling all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations.

Relevance of the Gujral Doctrine in present circumstances:

• It has been observed that Sri Lanka has been debt-trapped by China to exploit its territory for creation of the ‘String of Pearls’. Therefore, India must apply the principle of non-reciprocity and assist Sri Lanka, a strategic maritime neighbour, in its economic crisis.
• As there has been a regime change in Afghanistan, India needs to change its stand on Taliban, so that its territory is not used against India. Past reports have shown a link between Taliban and Pakistan’s ISI, as well as terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e- Mohammed.
• The handling of Teesta and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants’ issues has portrayed India in a negative light. As Bangladesh is an important part of SAARC, BIMSTEC and IORA and both China and Pakistan are vying for its attention, India needs to strengthen its relationship again with Bangladesh, as done through providing it with its COVID vaccine.
• The policy of non-interference would help improve perception of India in the following situations:

o The security of Bhutan’s western border such as Chumbi Valley and Doklam plateau is strategic for the security of India’s Siliguri corridor. Though India is a net security provider of Bhutan, there is a rising perception of India’s attitude as an ‘elder sibling’ in the area.

o Nepal has also made multiple allegations of ‘big brotherly’ attitude of India over its smaller neighbours and interfering in their internal matters such as the citizenship issue of Madhesi in Nepal.

• Politicians are divided over ‘India First’ and ‘India Out’ in Maldives. A good relation with Maldives is essential as the country is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, where China is continuously trying to capture choke points.
• The doctrine also talks about resolution of conflict through bilateral negotiations and non- interference in internal matters, which is targeted towards Pakistan and has direct relations to the Kashmir issue.

The Gujral Doctrine played the cardinal role of clearly defining for India the importance of friendly relations with its neighbours. The advantages of the Gujral Doctrine were clearly felt in the aftermath of the nuclear tests by India, and the international reaction to it contrasted with the reaction of the South Asian neighbours. For a peaceful, stable and constructive environment in India’s neighbourhood, the Gujral doctrine is as relevant today as it was in the 1990s.