Question

Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Gujaral doctrine?

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• A. 2 only
• B. Both 1 and 2
• C. 1 only
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D None of the above

Explanation:

Former Prime Minister, Late I.K. Gujral propounded the Gujral Doctrine when he was the Union Minister of External Affairs in 1996-1997 in the H.D. Deve Gowda Government. The Gujral doctrine was a five-point roadmap that sought to build trust between India and neighbours, of the solution to bilateral issues through bilateral talks, and to remove immediate quid pro quos in the diplomatic relationship between India and her neighbours. The ‘Doctrine’ emphasised the importance of unilateral accommodation for friendly and warm relations with India’s neighbours.

The five principles are:

1. With neighbours such as Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, India does not seek reciprocity but offers and accommodates what it can in good faith and trust.
2. No South Asian country should permit its territory to be used against the interest of another south Asian nation.
3. Countries should not interfere in the internal affairs of one another.
4. All South Asian countries should respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
5. They should settle all their disputes by peaceful bilateral negotiations. The essence of the Gujral Doctrine has been that being the largest country in South Asia, India can extend unilateral concessions to neighbours in the sub-continent.