CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The 11th death anniversary of IK Gujral, India's 12th Prime Minister, is November 30. Despite his brief term of less than a year, Gujral left an indelible mark, particularly through the Gujral Doctrine, his unique foreign policy strategy.
Gujral's Doctrine
Gujral served as External Affairs Minister twice before becoming Prime Minister, during which time he developed the Gujral Doctrine. This foreign policy strategy, which was described in a speech at Chatham House in London in September 1996, was based on five fundamental principles:
Non-Reciprocity with Neighbors: India, notably with neighbors such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, sought to offer in good faith and trust rather than demand reciprocity.
Non-Use of Territory Against Neighbors: No South Asian country would permit the use of its territory against the interests of another country in the region.
Non-Interference in internal Affairs: South Asian countries would not interfere in each other's domestic issues.
Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty Must Be Respected: All South Asian countries must respect each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Peaceful Dispute Resolution: South Asian countries' disputes would be resolved by peaceful bilateral agreements.
Gujral, notably, mentioned countries from which India would not expect reciprocity, excluding Pakistan.
Gujral Doctrine's Successes
Gujral's strategy developed confidence and collaboration with India's surrounding countries, leading to major successes-
In 1996, India and Bangladesh signed a 30-year treaty.
Bhutanese want a canal to increase water flow to the Ganga.
Willingness to amend the contentious Mahakali treaty with Nepal.
Despite ideological disagreements, Gujral's successors, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Manmohan Singh, maintained this approach.
Maintaining Contact with Pakistan
Gujral's efforts to reduce travel restrictions and allow conversation between the two countries demonstrated his desire to preserve dialogue with Pakistan.
Gujral stated his desire for continual discussions in a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, referencing Urdu writer Ali Sardar Jafri: "Guftagu bandh na ho, baat se baat chale" (may the conversation never cease, may one conversation lead to another).
Criticisms Of The Doctrine
While the Gujral Doctrine was successful, it was met with criticism, particularly for perceived friendliness toward Pakistan. Some argue that it has left India exposed to future dangers such as terrorism. The Doctrine was viewed as an attempt to isolate Islamabad in Pakistan.
The Man In Charge Of The Doctrine
Gujral's upbringing as the son of freedom fighters in undivided Punjab affected his political outlook. He was known for his civility while standing firm against press stifling during the Emergency.
Gujral's remark on Britain being a "third-rate power nursing delusions of the grandeur of its past" reflects his forthright personality. His death prompted observations on the Doctrine's worth, underlining the value of conserving traditions and ancient lineages.
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