IK Gujral and the Gujral Doctrine: What You Should Know

Daily Current Affairs : 1-December-2023

November 30th marks the 11th death anniversary of IK Gujral, the 12th Prime Minister of India. Despite his short tenure, Gujral’s unique contribution to Indian foreign policy, known as the Gujral Doctrine, remains significant.

The Gujral Doctrine: A Foreign Policy Legacy:

Gujral’s tenure, though brief, is distinguished by the introduction of the Gujral Doctrine, a foreign policy approach centered around India’s non-domineering stance towards its smaller neighbors in South East Asia.

Key Principles of the Gujral Doctrine:

Gujral’s doctrine is built on five fundamental principles:

1. Principle of Non-reciprocity:
   • India does not seek reciprocity with neighbors like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
   • A commitment to providing assistance in good faith without expecting equivalent gestures.
2. Mutual Non-aggression:
   • South Asian countries commit to refraining from using their territory against the interests of regional neighbors.
3. Non-Interference:
   • Nations pledge not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs.
4. Mutual Respect for Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty:
   • All South Asian countries agree to respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
5. Peaceful Co-existence:
   • Disputes between countries will be resolved through peaceful bilateral negotiations.

Gujral’s Approach Towards Pakistan:

While not explicitly naming Pakistan, Gujral extended similar principles in his dealings with the neighboring country, easing travel restrictions and emphasizing dialogue to promote cooperation.

Successes of the Gujral Doctrine:

Gujral’s foreign policy approach yielded positive outcomes:

1. Trust and Cooperation:
   • Strengthened trust and cooperation within India’s neighborhood.
2. Non-reciprocal Accommodation:
   • Facilitated a 30-year treaty between India and Bangladesh in 1996.
   • Demonstrated a commitment to non-reciprocity in negotiations, as seen in the water treaty with Bangladesh.
3. Followed by Successors:
   • Gujral’s successors, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Manmohan Singh, continued to follow the Gujral Doctrine, transcending ideological differences.

Criticism of the Gujral Doctrine:

Despite its successes, the Gujral Doctrine faced criticism:

1. Soft Approach Towards Pakistan:
   • Gujral was criticized for being too soft on Pakistan, potentially leaving India vulnerable to future threats, including terrorism.
2. Perceived Isolation of Pakistan:
   • Some within Pakistan viewed the Doctrine as India’s attempt to cozy up to other neighbors, isolating Islamabad diplomatically.

Important Points:

• The Gujral Doctrine: A Foreign Policy Legacy:
  • Non-domineering stance towards smaller South East Asian neighbors.
  • Unique approach identified as the Gujral Doctrine.
• Key Principles of the Gujral Doctrine:
  • Principle of Non-reciprocity:
    • India aids neighbors without expecting reciprocity.
  • Mutual Non-aggression:
    • Commitment to not use territory against regional interests.
  • Non-Interference:
    • Pledge to avoid internal affairs meddling.
  • Mutual Respect for Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty:
    • All South Asian countries respect each other’s sovereignty.
  • Peaceful Co-existence:
    • Disputes resolved through peaceful bilateral negotiations.
• Gujral’s Approach Towards Pakistan:
  • Adopted similar principles, easing travel restrictions.
  • Emphasis on dialogue for cooperation.
• Successes of the Gujral Doctrine:
  • Strengthened trust and cooperation in India’s neighborhood.
  • Facilitated a 30-year treaty with Bangladesh in 1996.
  • Non-reciprocal accommodation demonstrated in water treaty with Bangladesh.
  • Bhutanese consent for canal project showcased Gujral’s diplomatic finesse.
  • Successors, from Vajpayee to Singh, continued the Gujral Doctrine.
• Criticism of the Gujral Doctrine:
  • Perceived as too soft on Pakistan, leaving India vulnerable to future threats.
  • Some in Pakistan saw it as an attempt to isolate Islamabad diplomatically.

Why In News

November 30 marks the 11th death anniversary of IK Gujaral, the 12th Prime Minister of India, whose legacy continues to inspire and shape the nation’s political landscape even years after his passing.

MCQs about IK Gujral and the Gujral Doctrine

1. Which principle of the Gujral Doctrine emphasizes resolving disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations?
   A. Principle of Non-reciprocity
   B. Mutual Non-aggression
   C. Non-Interference
   D. Peaceful Co-existence
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: D. Peaceful Co-existence
   Explanation: The principle of Peaceful Co-existence in the Gujral Doctrine highlights the commitment to settling disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations.
   
2. What was one success of the Gujral Doctrine?
   A. Military alliance with neighboring countries
   B. 30-year treaty with Bangladesh
   C. Isolation of Pakistan
   D. Territorial expansion
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. 30-year treaty with Bangladesh
   Explanation: One of the successes of the Gujral Doctrine mentioned in the essay is the facilitation of a 30-year treaty between India and Bangladesh in 1996.
   
3. What criticism did the Gujral Doctrine face?
   A. Excessive military intervention
   B. Economic mismanagement
   C. Too soft on Pakistan, leaving India vulnerable
   D. Isolation of India from its neighbors
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. Too soft on Pakistan, leaving India vulnerable
   Explanation: The Gujral Doctrine faced criticism for being perceived as too soft on Pakistan, potentially leaving India vulnerable to future threats, including terrorism.
   

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