IR basic questions.pdf - IAS HUNTERS INTERNATIONAL...

IAS HUNTERS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
BASIC QUESTIONS
VOLUME-1

IAS HUNTERS
What is ‘Agartala Doctrine’? Why has it been ignored in India’s foreign
policy?
The so-called Agartala Doctrine is a distillation of the principles derived from
the policies and postures adopted by successive governments in Tripura vis-à-
vis East Pakistan and later Bangladesh. The same has been recommended for
the Union government’s consideration. According to its advocates, the doctrine
would not only help state governments in safeguarding the interests of their
own people but also work towards strengthening the Union government’s
neighbourhood policy.
The three most basic components of the doctrine are: a) states should have a
greater say in foreign policy matters involving neighbours so that their core
interests are protected b) states should act as responsible stake holders and not
as spoilers seeking narrow domestic electoral gains, and c) states should take
the initiative to improve relations with neighbouring countries while keeping in
mind the broader national interest.
The conception of the doctrine, which emerged from the deliberations at the
first Tripura Conclave held in Agartala in July 2014, has been dealt in detail in
an eponymous volume edited by the veteran journalist Subir Bhaumik. In
essence, this doctrine highlights Tripura’s seemingly “appropriate, proactive
and befitting response” to challenges arising from East Pakistan/Bangladesh
with a view to protect its own core security and economic interests.
Bhaumik’s volume recounts a number of episodes to demonstrate how the
doctrine has been at play. For example, when East Pakistan and later
Bangladesh started sheltering Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) active in the
Northeast, the response of successive governments in Tripura ranged from
supporting the cause of Bengali liberation from the Pakistani rule, by extending
support to Shanti Bahini-Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS),
to authorising offensive action against elements of the All Tripura Tiger Force
(ATTF) and the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) operating from
the Bangladeshi territory.
However, in a contrasting scenario, when the Sheikh Hasina Government
decided to move against IIGs in 2008, and also granted permission for
transhipment of heavy equipment for the Palatana Power Plant as well as food
grains via its territory to Tripura, the Manik Sarkar Government not only
felicitated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but also requested the Union
government to provide 100-150 MW electricity from Palatana to Bangladesh.
In addition to advocating friendly relations with Bangladesh, his government
also proposed a liberal visa regime for the Bangladeshi nationals.

IAS HUNTERS
Even though the architects of the so-called Agartala Doctrine envisage a
proactive role for states in India’s relations with its neighbours, it is imperative
to note that when it comes to matters pertaining foreign policy the role and
authority of the Union government remains paramount. States can, at best, play
a cooperative/supportive role. Be that as it may, the Union government