November 30 marks the 11th death anniversary of Inder Kumar Gujral (I.K. Gujral)
He is the only Indian PM with a foreign policy (Gujral doctrine) approach identified with his name
He was born in Jhelum and came to India after the partition and emerged from the freedom struggle, known for his politeness but firm stance
This doctrine was crafted during his second tenure as External Affair Minister, it had five key principles
It was based on the understanding that India's size and population make it a major player in Southeast Asia
He emphasized a non-domineering attitude, dialogue, and avoiding unnecessary provocations
Five basic principles of Gujral doctrine included Non-Reciprocity, Non-Interference, Respect for Sovereignty, Dispute Resolution, and Mutual Trust
His approach led to notable successes, e.g., 30-year treaty with Bangladesh and Bhutan's consent for water augmentation, showcasing regional cooperation
His doctrine faced criticism for going too soft on Pakistan