Day 69 – Q 2. What is Gujral Doctrine? With Pakistan and China increasing their economic and defence cooperation, how relevant is Gujral doctrine in current scenario?
2. What is Gujral Doctrine? With Pakistan and China increasing their economic and defence cooperation, how relevant is Gujral doctrine in current scenario?
Introduction:
The Gujral Doctrine is a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours, notably Pakistan, as spelt out by former PM I.K. Gujral. The policy seeks friendship on the basis of sovereign equality and non-interference, with ‘non-reciprocal magnanimity’ towards the smaller countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Body:
Main components:
- India should establish faithful relationship with her neighbouring countries
- No South Asian country should allow its territory to be used against the interest of another country of the region.
- No country should interfere in one another’s internal matters.
- All South Asian nations will resolve the dispute through peaceful bilateral negotiations.
- All the South Asian countries will respect each other’s sovereignty and integrity.
Pakistan and China are increasing their economic and defense cooperation through CPEC, Gwadhar port, purchase of defense equipment from China, economic aid from China to Pakistan etc.
Relevance of Gujral doctrine in this case:
- Increase Pakistan-China cooperation can be detrimental to the Indian interests in the region and India should thus start improving its relations with other neighbors.
- Relations with Pakistan and China should also be improved through bilateral negotiations.
- Ensure non-interference in India’s internal matters especially in Kashmir after an increased Pak-Chinese presence in the region.
- Resolving border disputes with both countries in a peaceful manner while not allowing those to hurt India’s sovereignty as happened in case of Doklam standoff.
- Entering into stronger ties with border states so that their territories can not be used against Indian interest e.g. Bhutan and Nepal.
Conclusion:
Gujral doctrine keeps the best interest of the nation ahead while also ensuring a peaceful coexistence with other smaller nations. With changing politic-economic scenario the importance of the doctrine has further increased in the region to maintain harmonious relations.
Best answer: P29
Abhya Singh
