Subir Bhaumik (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199463800
- eISBN:
- 9780199086535
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199463800.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
The book revolves round the role played by Tripura in Indian foreign policy on East Pakistan, later Bangladesh. The ‘Agartala Doctrine’, that emerges from the policy of successive Tripura ...
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The book revolves round the role played by Tripura in Indian foreign policy on East Pakistan, later Bangladesh. The ‘Agartala Doctrine’, that emerges from the policy of successive Tripura governments, stresses on ‘appropiate response’ – friendly approach towards regimes which are friendly and tough response to those which are not. Tripura is also marked out for playing an active role within the parameters of national foreign policy and furthering national interests – unlike some states which oppose national foreign policy initiatives for short-term domestic considerations. Having developed the ‘Agartala doctrine, the book then seeks to lay bare the emerging realities – both challenges and opportunities -- for Indian states in the eastern neighbourhood, even as the Union government pushes its Look East initiative. Twelve contributors, representing a varied mix from India and neighbouring countries with proven expertise on the region, examine both problems within India’s Northeast and focus on Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to explore the dynamics involved in pushing ahead with the Look East initiative. An effort is also made by three contributors to examine the growing role of states and provinces in the national foreign policy of US, China and Russia . The implications of regional groups like BCIM and BIMSTEC are also examined by some contributors. The underlying argument is to advocate the policy of ‘appropriate response’ to the present foreign policy challenges and hold up the Tripura role as a model for other Indian states when they seek to influence national foreign policy.Less
The book revolves round the role played by Tripura in Indian foreign policy on East Pakistan, later Bangladesh. The ‘Agartala Doctrine’, that emerges from the policy of successive Tripura governments, stresses on ‘appropiate response’ – friendly approach towards regimes which are friendly and tough response to those which are not. Tripura is also marked out for playing an active role within the parameters of national foreign policy and furthering national interests – unlike some states which oppose national foreign policy initiatives for short-term domestic considerations. Having developed the ‘Agartala doctrine, the book then seeks to lay bare the emerging realities – both challenges and opportunities -- for Indian states in the eastern neighbourhood, even as the Union government pushes its Look East initiative. Twelve contributors, representing a varied mix from India and neighbouring countries with proven expertise on the region, examine both problems within India’s Northeast and focus on Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to explore the dynamics involved in pushing ahead with the Look East initiative. An effort is also made by three contributors to examine the growing role of states and provinces in the national foreign policy of US, China and Russia . The implications of regional groups like BCIM and BIMSTEC are also examined by some contributors. The underlying argument is to advocate the policy of ‘appropriate response’ to the present foreign policy challenges and hold up the Tripura role as a model for other Indian states when they seek to influence national foreign policy.
Farooq Sobhan
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199463800
- eISBN:
- 9780199086535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199463800.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
Bangladesh and the India’s North East are much more than next door neighbours. Being geographically contiguous, they are ‘natural markets’ for each other. India and Bangladesh are now working ...
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Bangladesh and the India’s North East are much more than next door neighbours. Being geographically contiguous, they are ‘natural markets’ for each other. India and Bangladesh are now working together to widen and strengthen their cooperation. In the field of security, they have made significant progress in recent years. Now they could build on that foundation of cooperation and remove the bottlenecks affecting improved trade and connectivity. While India can help develop Bangladesh’s export and investment climate, Bangladesh can let India use its infrastructure for surface and maritime connectivity to move men and material to the Northeast . Equally important is the need to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, develop and modernize the infrastructure along the border, and facilitate connectivity bilaterally and within the sub-region and beyond.Less
Bangladesh and the India’s North East are much more than next door neighbours. Being geographically contiguous, they are ‘natural markets’ for each other. India and Bangladesh are now working together to widen and strengthen their cooperation. In the field of security, they have made significant progress in recent years. Now they could build on that foundation of cooperation and remove the bottlenecks affecting improved trade and connectivity. While India can help develop Bangladesh’s export and investment climate, Bangladesh can let India use its infrastructure for surface and maritime connectivity to move men and material to the Northeast . Equally important is the need to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, develop and modernize the infrastructure along the border, and facilitate connectivity bilaterally and within the sub-region and beyond.
Shashi Tharoor
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199463800
- eISBN:
- 9780199086535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199463800.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
India has joined several regional groupings in the East in an attempt to develop better relationships with its neighbours in the area. The background for such initiatives has been detailed. The ...
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India has joined several regional groupings in the East in an attempt to develop better relationships with its neighbours in the area. The background for such initiatives has been detailed. The policy dynamics now emerging are also analysed, specially how that impacts on India’s northeast. A strong argument for a more proactive foreign policy to leverage these regional groupings for furthering national interests and that of India’s northeast is made.Less
India has joined several regional groupings in the East in an attempt to develop better relationships with its neighbours in the area. The background for such initiatives has been detailed. The policy dynamics now emerging are also analysed, specially how that impacts on India’s northeast. A strong argument for a more proactive foreign policy to leverage these regional groupings for furthering national interests and that of India’s northeast is made.
Binoda Kumar Mishra
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199463800
- eISBN:
- 9780199086535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199463800.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
It is argued that India’s approach to its Northeast.and towards the BCIM-EC initiative is not practically grounded. The failure of Look East Policy in bringing development to the Northeast amply ...
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It is argued that India’s approach to its Northeast.and towards the BCIM-EC initiative is not practically grounded. The failure of Look East Policy in bringing development to the Northeast amply proves that Northeast is yet to be provided with a viable and economically complementary partner to interact with. In any logical analysis, China is only such suitable economic partner for Northeast India. An attempt is made to look at the India’s economic fears in opening out Northeast to the Chinese and specific concerns of India regarding engaging China, Myanmar and Bangladesh are also discussed. They are not necessarily economic. Considering the Sino-Indian strategic juxtaposition, India’s real and perceived apprehensions, and the prospects of BCIM-EC for the Northeast, an argument is made for graduated engagement. It makes a case for sector specific opening of India’s Northeast to Chinese investment.Less
It is argued that India’s approach to its Northeast.and towards the BCIM-EC initiative is not practically grounded. The failure of Look East Policy in bringing development to the Northeast amply proves that Northeast is yet to be provided with a viable and economically complementary partner to interact with. In any logical analysis, China is only such suitable economic partner for Northeast India. An attempt is made to look at the India’s economic fears in opening out Northeast to the Chinese and specific concerns of India regarding engaging China, Myanmar and Bangladesh are also discussed. They are not necessarily economic. Considering the Sino-Indian strategic juxtaposition, India’s real and perceived apprehensions, and the prospects of BCIM-EC for the Northeast, an argument is made for graduated engagement. It makes a case for sector specific opening of India’s Northeast to Chinese investment.
Patricia Uberoi
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199463800
- eISBN:
- 9780199086535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199463800.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
In May 2013, crowning the efforts of the Track II Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar (BCIM) Cooperation Forum, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the intention to ...
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In May 2013, crowning the efforts of the Track II Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar (BCIM) Cooperation Forum, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the intention to appoint a Joint Study Group to consider the feasibility of establishing a BCIM Economic Corridor connecting Kolkata and Kunming through Bangladesh, India’s North East, and northern Myanmar. The initiative has been widely welcomed as a means of carrying forward India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and stimulating development in the land-locked North East region. Acknowledging that the ‘corridor’ approach to sub-regional economic integration is as yet relatively untried in the South Asian context, this article seeks to draw on comparative experience to adduce some of the conceptual and practical challenges inherent in the BCIM Economic Corridor project as it presently stands, urging the development of a comprehensive master plan to effectively coordinate national development priorities with the wider objective of sub-regional economic integration.Less
In May 2013, crowning the efforts of the Track II Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar (BCIM) Cooperation Forum, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the intention to appoint a Joint Study Group to consider the feasibility of establishing a BCIM Economic Corridor connecting Kolkata and Kunming through Bangladesh, India’s North East, and northern Myanmar. The initiative has been widely welcomed as a means of carrying forward India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and stimulating development in the land-locked North East region. Acknowledging that the ‘corridor’ approach to sub-regional economic integration is as yet relatively untried in the South Asian context, this article seeks to draw on comparative experience to adduce some of the conceptual and practical challenges inherent in the BCIM Economic Corridor project as it presently stands, urging the development of a comprehensive master plan to effectively coordinate national development priorities with the wider objective of sub-regional economic integration.
