MASTER OF POLITICAL SCIENCE | FIRST YEAR | INDIA AND THE WORLD | MPSE-001
- ANSWER :
India has formulated several significant foreign policy doctrines and approaches when it comes to its neighboring countries. These doctrines reflect India’s strategic interests, its desire for regional stability, and its commitment to peaceful coexistence. Here are some of India’s major doctrines dealing with neighboring countries:.
1. The Gujral Doctrine:
The Gujral Doctrine is named after India’s former Prime Minister, Inder Kumar Gujral, who introduced this approach during his tenure in the 1990s. It was formulated with the aim of improving relations with India’s neighboring countries, particularly the smaller South Asian nations.
This doctrine was a response to the changing geopolitical landscape in South Asia following the end of the Cold War. It recognized the importance of goodwill and trust-building in the region.
Key principles of the Gujral Doctrine included:
– Non-Reciprocity: India would extend assistance to its neighbors without expecting immediate reciprocity.
– **Resolving Disputes Peacefully**: Disputes and conflicts with neighboring countries should be resolved through peaceful negotiations and dialogue.
– Non-Interference: India pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of its neighboring countries.
– Mutual Trust: The doctrine aimed to build mutual trust and confidence among South Asian nations.
The Gujral Doctrine had several positive outcomes. It led to improved relations with neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. Confidence-building measures were undertaken, including trade agreements and cultural exchanges. However, its effectiveness varied from country to country, and it faced challenges in dealing with countries like Pakistan, which have complex and contentious relationships with India.
2. The Panchsheel Principles:
The Panchsheel Principles, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, were jointly formulated by India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and China’s Premier Zhou Enlai in the 1950s. These principles were a significant aspect of India’s foreign policy during the Cold War era and continue to influence India’s approach to its neighbors.
The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence include:
– Mutual Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Nations should respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
– Non-Aggression: Countries should not engage in aggressive actions against each other.
– Non-Interference in Internal Affairs: Nations should refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
– Equality and Mutual Benefit: Countries should engage in relations that are based on equality and mutual benefit.
– Peaceful Coexistence: Nations should strive to peacefully coexist and resolve disputes through dialogue.
The Panchsheel Principles were initially intended to govern Sino-Indian relations, but they have since become a foundational component of India’s approach to its neighbors in South Asia and beyond. India’s commitment to these principles is evident in its foreign policy, emphasizing peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and conflict resolution through diplomacy.
While the Panchsheel Principles have contributed to India’s diplomatic approach, they have also faced challenges, especially in the context of territorial disputes with China and border tensions in the Himalayan region. Nevertheless, they remain a symbol of India’s commitment to peaceful relations.
3. The Neighbourhood First Policy:
The Neighbourhood First Policy, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, underscores India’s commitment to prioritizing its immediate neighbors in South Asia. This policy represents a renewed focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries and promoting regional stability.
Key aspects of the Neighbourhood First Policy include:
– Enhanced Connectivity: India aims to improve physical and digital connectivity with neighboring countries through infrastructure development and trade facilitation.
– Economic Cooperation: The policy emphasizes economic partnerships, including trade agreements and investment initiatives.
– People-to-People Ties: Cultural exchanges, educational programs, and tourism initiatives are promoted to foster people-to-people connections.
– Security and Stability: India seeks to address regional security challenges and promote stability in the neighborhood.
The Neighbourhood First Policy recognizes that a stable and prosperous neighborhood is in India’s best interest. It aims to counter external influences in the region and strengthen India’s role as a regional leader. This policy has led to various initiatives, such as the South Asian Satellite project and efforts to improve connectivity through road and rail links.
However, the effectiveness of the Neighbourhood First Policy has been tested by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly with Pakistan. Despite efforts to enhance relations, historical issues and security concerns continue to pose challenges to India’s relations with some neighbors.
4. The Act East Policy:
Originally known as the Look East Policy, India’s Act East Policy was upgraded to reflect a more proactive approach toward Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. This policy recognizes the strategic importance of India’s eastern neighbors and aims to deepen economic and strategic ties with them.
Key features of the Act East Policy include:
– ASEAN Engagement: Strengthening relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a central element of the policy.
– Economic Integration: The policy focuses on enhancing trade, investment, and economic integration with East Asian countries.
– Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Promoting cultural and educational ties to foster greater understanding and cooperation.
– Security Partnerships: Developing security partnerships to address common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Act East Policy is aligned with India’s broader foreign policy goals, such as countering China’s influence in the region and expanding India’s economic footprint. It also aligns with India’s participation in initiatives like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), which includes the United States, Japan, and Australia.
By actively engaging with its eastern neighbors, India aims to become a more influential player in regional affairs and contribute to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
5. The Special Relationship with Bhutan and Nepal:
India has historically maintained a unique and close relationship with Bhutan and Nepal, two landlocked countries nestled in the Himalayas. These relationships are governed by treaties and agreements that emphasize mutual respect and support for each other’s sovereignty.
– Treaty of Friendship with Bhutan: The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between India and Bhutan is a cornerstone of their relationship. It stipulates that Bhutan will be guided by India in its external affairs while maintaining autonomy in internal matters. This treaty has fostered a strong bond of trust and cooperation between the two nations.
– Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship: The Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed in 1950 between India and Nepal is another significant agreement. It governs aspects of security and economic cooperation and grants certain privileges to citizens of both countries to reside, work, and own property in each other’s territory.
These treaties have ensured a special and enduring relationship with Bhutan and Nepal, marked by cooperation in various sectors, including security, trade, and development. However, they have also been subject to periodic reviews and negotiations to address evolving concerns and maintain their relevance.
6. The Look West Policy:
While India’s primary focus has historically been on its eastern and northern neighbors, it has also developed the Look West Policy to engage with countries in the Middle East. This policy recognizes the strategic importance of the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf in terms of energy security, trade, and diplomatic ties.
Key elements of the Look West Policy include:
– Energy Security: The policy aims to secure India’s energy needs by fostering partnerships with
major oil-producing nations in the Middle East.
– Diaspora Engagement: India has a significant diaspora in the Middle East, and the policy seeks to strengthen ties with this community.
– **Counterterrorism and Security Cooperation**: Given the region’s geopolitical complexities, India also engages in security and counterterrorism cooperation with Middle Eastern nations.
The Look West Policy reflects India’s expanding global interests and its recognition of the Middle East’s role in global geopolitics. It seeks to balance India’s relationships in both the eastern and western neighborhoods.
7. The Maritime Neighbourhood Policy:
In recent years, India has paid increasing attention to its maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean region. The Maritime Neighbourhood Policy emphasizes the importance of maritime security, trade, and cooperation with countries along the Indian Ocean littoral.
Key aspects of this policy include:
– Maritime Security: India collaborates with Indian Ocean littoral states to enhance maritime security, counter piracy, and address transnational challenges.
– Economic Partnerships: Promoting economic cooperation and trade through maritime routes and ports in the Indian Ocean.
– Diplomatic Engagements: India engages in diplomatic dialogues and partnerships with Indian Ocean states to strengthen regional stability.
The Indian Ocean region is of vital strategic importance to India due to its energy transit routes, trade links, and security concerns. The Maritime Neighbourhood Policy reflects India’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in this critical area.
In conclusion, India’s foreign policy doctrines and approaches to its neighboring countries are multifaceted and dynamic. They are shaped by historical, geopolitical, and economic considerations. These policies emphasize principles such as peaceful coexistence, non-interference, and mutual respect, while also reflecting India’s evolving role as a regional and global player.
These doctrines and policies are not static; they adapt to changing circumstances, new challenges, and evolving regional dynamics. India’s foreign policy continues to be influenced by a balance between its national interests and its commitment to fostering positive relations and regional stability with its neighbors.
