What is Gujral Doctrine ?

The Gujral Doctrine, named after India's former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. He was an Indian diplomat , political and freedom activist who served as the 12th Prime Minister of India, from April 1997 to March 1998, outlines a five-point approach to India's foreign policy towards its South Asian neighbours.

The Gujral Doctrine is a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours. These five principles arise from the belief that India’s stature and strength cannot be isolated from the quality of its relations with its neighbours. It, thus, recognises the supreme importance of friendly, cordial relations with neighbours.

▪ These principles are:

• With neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, India does not ask for reciprocity but gives and accommodates what it can in good faith and trust;
• 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 the internal affairs of another;
• All South Asian countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty;
• They should settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations.

 ●     Implementation and Significance:

The Gujral Doctrine was outlined in a 1996 speech by Gujral and aimed to improve India's relations with its neighbours, which had faced challenges in the previous years. It emphasized building trust and cooperation through unilateral gestures and respecting the autonomy of smaller nations. While not formally adopted as official policy, the principles influenced India's approach to South Asia, leading to positive developments in relations with countries like Bangladesh and Nepal .

The doctrine continues to be discussed and referenced as a relevant framework for peaceful and mutually beneficial relationships in South Asia.

Written by:

Kunal Adhikary

Kunal is a student of Sixth Semester studying Political Science (Hons.) at Maynaguri College. 

Source: 

1. Foreign Policy of India by  V.N. Khanna.

2. “Gujral Doctrine of foreign policy “, Drishti IAS.         

Link: - https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gujral-doctrine-of-foreign-policy%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0

Photo credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/C2933ew988kqYn3L8