The Agartala Doctrine ─ A Proactive Northeast in Indian Foreign Policy

The border states of India, especially in the Northeast, are now considered crucial to the conduct of Indias foreign policy in the region. There is an urgent need for a robust national doctrine that could guide them in tackling pressing issues concerning them and also helping them boost their economy by accessing opportunities beyond borders. Much as it is important to check cross-border infiltration of illegal migrants and terrorists, a defensive security mindset may prevent states from leveraging the neighbourhood for economic opportunities.

This volume constructs such a framework by exemplifying Tripuras not-so-well-known influence on Indias policy towards East Pakistan and then Bangladesh for more than half a centurythe so-called Agartala doctrine. The contributions to this volume detail the regional environment in Indias eastern and northeastern neighbourhood, where its Look East policy is unfolding. The collection provides definite pointers to challenges and opportunities that can be explored for Indias economic growth, strategic advantage, and cultural influence in a comparative view of similar experiences from China, Russia, and USA.

Bringing together a rich mix of perspectives from academics and practitioners from South Asia, this book is a valuable window for all those interested in understanding Indias foreign policy in this region.

Subir Bhaumik, Veteran BBC journalist and author

Subir Bhaumik, a veteran BBC journalist and author, is now a senior fellow with the Kolkata-based Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (CSIRD) and a senior editor with the Dhaka-based bdnews24.com