Unit 3: India and its Neighbors
Table of Contents
1. Neighborhood First Policy & Gujral Doctrine
India’s policy toward its neighbors is driven by the realization that "one cannot change one's neighbors." The Neighborhood First Policy aims to create a zone of prosperity and security in South Asia.
The Gujral Doctrine (1996)
Named after I.K. Gujral, this doctrine is a set of five principles to guide India’s relations with its smaller neighbors:
- Non-reciprocity: India gives more than it takes from neighbors like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, without asking for anything in return.
- No interference: Mutual respect for internal affairs.
- Territorial Integrity: No South Asian country should allow its territory to be used against another.
- Bilateralism: Disputes should be settled through peaceful bilateral negotiations.
2. India and Pakistan: Conflict and Peace Efforts
The relationship is defined by the legacy of Partition and remains the most complex in South Asia.
Major Issues
- Kashmir Dispute: The core territorial conflict leading to wars in 1947, 1965, and 1999 (Kargil).
- Cross-Border Terrorism: India’s stance is "Terror and Talks cannot go together." Major triggers include the 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai attacks, and 2019 Pulwama attack.
- Siachen and Sir Creek: Disputed boundaries in the high-altitude glacier and marshy creek respectively.
Peace Initiatives
- Simla Agreement (1972): Agreed to settle all disputes bilaterally.
- Lahore Declaration (1999): A major peace push by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, overshadowed by the Kargil war.
- Indus Waters Treaty (1960): A rare, successful example of cooperation over shared river waters, mediated by the World Bank.
3. India and China: Competition and Cooperation
The relationship is often described as "Congagement" (Conflict + Engagement). While trade is booming, territorial and strategic issues remain.
Key Areas of Friction
- Border Dispute (LAC): The 3,488 km Line of Actual Control is not clearly marked, leading to standoffs like Doklam (2017) and Galwan Valley (2020).
- String of Pearls: India’s concern over China’s maritime infrastructure surrounding India in the Indian Ocean.
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India opposes the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Cooperation
Both nations cooperate in multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), and G20 on issues of global trade and climate change.
4. Regional Cooperation: SAARC and BIMSTEC
India uses regional platforms to promote integration, but success has been mixed.
| Aspect | SAARC | BIMSTEC |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | South Asia (8 members) | Bay of Bengal Region (7 members) |
| Status | Currently stalled due to India-Pak tensions. | Gaining importance as an alternative. |
| Members | AFG, BAN, BHU, IND, MAL, NEP, PAK, SL. | BAN, BHU, IND, MYA, NEP, SL, THA. |
5. Exam Focus: Tips and FAQs
Exam Tips
- Big Brother Syndrome: Use this term to describe the fear smaller neighbors have regarding India’s dominant size and economy.
- Indus Waters Treaty: Mention this as proof that India and Pakistan can cooperate even during war.
- 1971 Significance: For neighbors like Bangladesh, 1971 is the most important date as it marks India’s role in their liberation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'String of Pearls'?
A: It is a geopolitical theory regarding the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities along its sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean.
Q: Why has SAARC failed to achieve its potential?
A: Primarily due to the lack of trust and the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan, which prevents consensus on major economic projects.
End of Unit 3 Notes | Prepared for DSC 353 | Knowlet