UNIT 5 INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS

Structure
Objectives
Introduction
Pakistan: India's most important neighbour
India and Sri Lanka
India and Nepal
India and Bangladesh
Let Us Sum Up
Some Useful Books
Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

OBJECTIVES
The objective of this unit is to critically analyse the relations of India with its South
Asian neighbours viz Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The relationship has
been examined from different perspectives covering the political, economic and other
bilateral issues. After going tl~roughth is unit, you should be able to:
0 Critically analyse India's policy towards its neighbours; and
Identify the main issues that strain India's bilateral relations with its neighbours.
 
5.1 INTRODUCTION

The present states-system of South Asia emerged in the wake of the withdrawal of
the British Raj from the India sub-continent. These states are all geographically
proximate - most of them are part of a distinct geographical entity, the sub-continent
oflndia. Even the Maldives and Sri Lanka, which are separated from the sub-continent
by stretches of sea, are linked through other factors - common civilization heritage,
ethnicity, religious and linguistic affinities and existence ofcloser and enduring interaction
determined::by the fact of geographical proximity as well as by juxtaposition to the
regional pole, India.
However, an important feature oftheir interaction has been the asymmetry of India in
relation to her neighbours as well as her dominance and centrality in that states-system.
It is not merely that India is bigger and more populous than its neighbours. It is not
merely that tecl~nologicallya nd militarily India's achievements surpass that of others,
Pakistan included. But it is also a characteristic of the regional interaction that it is
marked more by India's bilateral relations with her neighbours than by the generality
of relations inter se.
Another important feature has been regional conflicts and tensions. A generic cause
has been this asymmetry, and this has been compounded by a divergence of basic
strategic perception. India has inherited the British Raj's strategic perception of a
sub-continental defence system based upon a view of the close proximity ofthe region.
But all her neighbours subscribe to the theory of 'threat perception' of India and see
her as an entity against which security is necessary.
There have also been some problems bequeathed to these states by the British Raj
and some that cropped up due to their own policies. In the former category we can list
Country Profiles: India these problems as their undefined borders, the status of Indian residents living in these
neighbouring countries and related migration problems etc. while in the second category
each neighbouring country is surrounded with problems of their own creation. Pakistan
has a military coup, and before that successive changes of government; due to dismissal
of elected Prime Ministers. Sri Lanka remains enmeshed in the ethnic crisis compounded
by a civil war situation. The entire Royal family ofNepal was assassinated on the first of
June 200 1. Assassinations took place in the context of incremental violence perpetrated
by the Communist Party (Maoist) in that country. There have been ten changes of
government since the restoration of democracy there in 1990. Bangladesh went through
a new election in October 2001 under incremental violerice and disruption of law and
order. Bhutan remains challenged by dissidence amongst its Nepalese subjects and the
presence of separatist movements from North-Eastern India on its territory. Thus
structuring of practical and stable relations with its neighbours is quite a complex challenge
which India has faced over the last several years especially because with each one of its
neighbours, India has a number of issues which remain unresolved, whether it is the
question ofKashmir, problem of illegal migration and enclaves in adverse possession with
Bangladesh and so on.

PAKISTAN: INDIA'S MOST IMPORTANT
NEIGHBOUR

The history of India-Pakistan relations since the partition of India creating two countries,
India and Pakistan can be analysed through a review of the nature of the problems and
di~utews hich kept the; two countries engaged in hostile, strained and conflictual
interactions and even in major wars. These adverse relations have already resulted in
.four full-fledged wars and India is now facing a proxy war conducted by Pakistan in
Jammu and Kashmir aimed at separating this Indian state from the rest of India. In public
perception and more so in the perception ofour,armed forces, Takistan remains identified
as an adversary, as an enemy although in terms of history, culture, language, religions and
geography both countries have much in common.
Let us try to understand why the situation between India and Pakistan remains adrift in
adversity when geographical, locational, historical connections, and socio-cultural
commonalities, ethnic aqd linguistic affinity would have led to harmony rather than
confrontation.
Both countries are at loggerheads with each other because of lack of communications,
mutual apprehensions and deliberately nurtured misunderstandings. Let us first try to
understand Pakistan's apprehensions. Pakistani elite have a bitter memory of the opposition
to the partition from the IndianNational Congress which the Muslim League had to face.
Consequently, the Muslim League did not get Pakistan of the geographical parameters
which it expected. It is one of ironies of hist-ry that many of those who now live in
Pakistan did not approve of the two-nation theory. The pro-Pakistan movement drew its
main strength from Bengali Muslims and Muslims ofNorth-Central India, even this support
did not come from the Muslim masszs but from the Muslim elite. We must remember that
till Jinnah was eclipsed as a leader ofthe Indian National Congress by Mahatma Gandhi
and Jawahar La1 Nehru, he was lionized as an ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity. The
Pakistani view is that the machinations of Lord Mountbatten and and the Indian National
Congress prevented the emergence of a Pakistan encompassing the entire Muslim
population of India. This bitterness still permeates the psyche of the Pakistani power
structure
India's strong action in Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagadh heightened this
bitterness and more importantly, generated a genuine apprehension that India would try to
nullify the partition by sdbverting the state of Pakistan, either by breaking it up or by
reabsorbing its territory illto what the Pakistanis called Hindu plans of 'Akhand Bharat'.
India's stand on the distribution of military resources and for foreign exchange reserves
convinced Pakistan that I~dihaa d disruptive plans. The disparity in size, population and
resources between the two countries fuelled these annrehensions.
' India's role is the iiberation of Bangladesh only reinforced this Pakistani fear psychosis.
Ifthis is so, why did Pakistan indulge in ~nilitarya dventures against India in 1948 and
31965'? Probably, the answer lies in the subconscious desire to rectify the unfair
arrangements of the partition. The conflict of 1971 tempered Pakistan's inclination
towards military adventurism for getting even wit11 India, but short of that its power
structure continues to have the same mindset.
India and its
Neighbows
In the backdrop of the above facts etlveloping the India-Pakistan relations, let us
examined some ofthe important developments that took place between two nations.
Besides the initial probleins of partition as mentioned cursorily above like the problem
of natiwe states in which the state of Junagarll, Hyderabad and Kashmir were finally
acceded to India much against Pakistan desire and the problem of sharing of water
of rivers of Ravi, Sutlej and Beas which also was amicably settled between the
cor~ntrietsh rough an agreement concluded between the two countries on September
t 10,1960, the main problem which is souring the relation between the two countries
I pertains to Kashmir. Therefore, it is important to describe in detail the so-called
'Kash~nir Dispute' between the two nations as it is the only bone of contention
between them.
Kashmir Dispute
The erstwhile native state of Jammu and Kashmir, having total area of 86,024 square
miles. is predominantly populated by Muslims and was ruled by a Hindu Maharaja,
Maharaja Hari Singh. He did not take acy decision regarding the state's accession
before or immediately after August 15, 1947. The Maharaja was planning to declare
his state as an independent country. But this vacillation on the part of Maharaja
prompted Pakistan to irlvade with the help oftribesmen from North-Western Frontier
Province. They launched the attack on October 22, 194'7 and within a short period
of'tjvc. days reached Baramulajust 25 miles away from Srinagar. Overawed by this
attack Ilari Sing11 decjded to seek India's help and pleaded with the Goveniment of
India iha: he is willing to sign the l~istruniento f Accession in return for saving the
state. The accessioli of Jammu and Kasllmir was finalized by 27 October, 1947 and
thc armj. was airlifted to clear the aggression. While accepting the accession of the
Stste of Jammu and Kashmir. India had said that after the aggression is vacated the
wishes ofthe people of Jammu and Kaslimir would be ascertained. Pakistan did not
:rccept this accession and called it an aggression by India. Pakistan in the meanwhile
installed a so-called Azad Kashmir government in the territory occupied by the
invaders. In tlle meantime, India had inoved to the Security Council under article 35
of the Charter, In fact the decision of the Nehru government to offer plebiscite to
ascertain the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir seemed to be a serious
mistake as it is this cl?use the support ofwhich Pakistan has taken to prolong its case
with regard to Kashmir:
The Security Council took many decisions on this issue starting with the appointment
of a three member Commission on January 20, 1948, which was subsequently
expanded and came to be known as United Natiotis Commission for India and Pakistan
(UNCIP). The UNCIP conducted enquiry, met representatives of both lndia and
Pakistan and finally submitted a report on December 11, 1948. This report contained
the following recommendations aimed at ending the hostilities and holding of plebiscite.
First, Pakistan should withdraw its troops from Jammu and Kashmir as soon as
possible after the cease fire and that Pakistan should also try for withdrawal of
tribesmen and Pakistan nationals who are not ordinary residents of Kashmir. Second,
the territorythus vacated by Pakistani troops should be administered by local oflicials
under the supervision of the Commission. Third, after these two conditions are
fulfilled and India is informed about their compliance by the UNCIP, India should
also withdraw substantial strength of its troops. Finally, pending a final agreement
India should maintain only such limited troops as should be essential for law and
order: After initial reluctance Pakistan accepted these proposals and a cease fire
agreement was signed which was implemented by the two commanders on the
Country Profiles: Indlr midnight of January, 1949. The war ended and a cease fire became effective. It is to be
pointed out here that the Indian army was in a position to push the invaders out and
liberate the whole state when suddenly the cease fire was announced.
The cease fire line (now called the Line of Control) was drawn where the fighting ended.
An agreement on ceasefire line was reached in Karachi on 27" July, 1949. It left 32,000
sq. miles of J & K territory in possession of Pakistan which is called Azad Kashmir by
Pakistan. Subsequently, many proposals and commissions were formed by the United
Nations but none of them was able to resolve the Kashmir tangle. In the meanwhile, the
Constituent Assembly elected on the basis of adult franchise, ratified the State's accession
to India on February 6, 1954. A Constitution of the State was adopted on November 19,
1956 which declared Jammu and Kashmir to be an integral part of India. India's stand
now is that with the ratification of accession by directly elected Constituent Assembly of
Kashmir, the promised 'ascertaining of pishes' of the people had been accomplished.
India finalized accession on January 26, 1957.
The Kashmir issue has been raised time and again by Pakistan in the United Nations and
other international forums. It has been harping on religion of majority of people as the
basis for Kashmir becoming a part of Pakistan. But for India it is a matter of faith that
religion should not be the basis of political actions. Pakistan is actively indulging in crossborder
terrorism and is killing innocent people in Kashmir. It has already waged four wars
to take revenge from India despite India's best attempts to normalize relations between
the two countries.
 
5.3 INDIA AND SRI LANKA

Another important neighbour ofIndia in the south is Sri Lanka, an island republic situated
in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka got its independence from British on February 4, 1948.
Like India, Sri Lanka is an active member of Non-aligned Movement (NAM) right from
196 1 when it was founded. It is also a member of South Asian Association of Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) and has full faith in the United Nations and the ideal of world
peace. Thus, this southern neighbour of India has so much in common with this country
that one cannot but believe that there can be any areas of conflict between the two.
India-Sri Lanka relations have generally been cordial, through there have been tensions
caused mainly because of ethnic conflict between people of Indian Origin - mainly Tamils
- living in Sri Lanka and the Sinhalese. Usually a small country is suspicious of a big
neighbour. But, India has never tried to play the role of a dominant big neighbour. India's
foreign policy has always been based on friendship with all its neighbours. Despite ethnic
problems of Sri Lanka, India has never sought to impose its will on Sri Lanka.
The Tamil Problem:
Jaffna Province in northern Sri Lanka has a large concentration of Tamil people. The
problem became serious when Tamils began demanding a national homeland or Republic
of Eelam in an area of about 18000 sq. km. in northern Sri Lanka. There are essentially
two categories of Tamils in Sri Lanka. There are about one million people, whose
forefathers migrated from India in ancient times. They are known as Ceylon Tamils. The
other category includes another about one inillion people, many of them without citizenship,
who went to Sri Lanka during the nineteenth century. The problem oftheir status dominated
early India-Sri Lanka relations. The conflict with Ceylon Tamils came later. The Sinhalese
fear Tamil domination, and that is the principal reason behind the conflict.
After independence justice was assured to the Tamils by the then Prime Minister of Sri
Lanka, Dudley S. Senanayeke. But after his death discrimination against Tamils started.
Although an agreement was concluded with the Tamils by Prime Minister Bandaranaike
but it could not pacify the Tamils. The Tamil youth who had lost faith in non-violence
organized themselves into the Liberation Tigers. The aim of the 'Tigers' is a sovereign
Tamil state or Eelam. The earliest efforts made for finding a solution to the ethnic problem
was an agreement signed in 1953 by the Prime Minister of India Pt. Nehru and Prime
Minister of Sri Lanka, Kotelawala. Tamils alleged that Nehru-Kotelawala Agreement
was not implemented sincerely. Consequently, large number of persons of Indian
origin could not get citizenship of Sri Lanka and they became 'stateless persons'. This
caused serious tensions in India-Sri Lanka relations which were aggravated by the
1956 language disturbances. Sri Lankans blamed India for these disturbances
Problem of Stateless Persons
On October 1964 after prolonged negotiations between Prime Minister of India, La1
Bahadur Shastri and Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mrs. Bandaranaike an agreement
was signed to resolve the problem of stateless persons. It sought to solve the problem
of about 9 lakh 75 thousand stateless persons in Sri Lanka. About three lakhs of these
people were to be granted Sri Lankan citizenship, and about 5 lakh 25 thousand persons
were to be given Indian citizenship. The fate of remaining I lakh 50 thousand stateless
persons was to be decided in future. During her second tenure as Prime Minister,
Mrs. Bandaranaike visited India in 1974 and her talks with Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi resulted in a fresh agreement whereby half of these persons were to be given
citizenship of Sri Lanka and the rest would become Indian nationals. Thus, this issue
of stateless persons was sought to be peacefully settled.
The Kacchativu Dispute
A territorial dispute arose in regard to the ownership of a one square mile uninhabited
island, called Kacchatiw, off the Jaffna coast in the Palk straits. Pilgrims from both
India and Sri Lanka used to go to Kacchativu Island every year in the month of March
during the four-day St. Anthony's festival for worship at the local Roman Catholic
Church. India protested over the presence of Sri Lankan police during the festival in
1968. This caused conflict. Both India and Sri Lanka were keen to avoid a serious
situation. The Prime Ministers of India and Sri Lanka met twice and pending a final
decision on the issue of island's title, resolved to maintain status quo in and around the
island. Neither India nor Sri Lanka would send its policemen in uniform or custom
officials, or resort to aerial reconnaissance or naval patrolling of adjacent waters during
the St. Anthony's festival. Finally, through a comprehensive agreement India accepted
Sri Lanka's ownership of the Kacchativu Island.
The Ethnic Conflict
The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka between Tamils and Sinhalese assumed serious
proportions in 1983. It was described as 'ethnic explosion' and the 'Sri Lankan Carnage'.
During 1983-86 two lakh Tamils became refugees as they lost their homes. Thousands
were killed and wounded. Despite all-party talks, peace eluded the island Republic.
Finally an attempt was made by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to help Sri Lanka find a
solution to the ethnic violence. On the invitation of Sri Lankan government, Indian
Prime Minister paid to two day visit to Colombo and concluded an agreement to
provide for ~ndianP eace Keeping Force (IPKF) to be posted in Sri Lanka to restore
normalcy in the strife-torn areas.
In accordance with Rajiv-Jayawardene agreement hundreds of thousands of Indian
troops were sent to Sri Lanka for maintenance of peace. But the posting of IPKF
proved to be costly for India. Crores of rupees were spent on Indian troops trying to
restore order. Hundred of Indian soldiers were killed in clashes with the Tamil
extremists. Even then ethnic conflict could not be brought under control. Having
realized the futility of IPKF, India decided to pull its troops out. By March 1990 all the
Indian troops were recalled.
The separatist movement in Sri Lanka had an adverse effect on India-Sri Lanka
relations, although India had taken all positive steps to ensure that Indian Territory
was not used for anti-Sri Lanka activities. Nonetheless, sending of Indian troops had
its fall out and during the run-up to the Lok Sabha, former Prime Minister Raj iv Gandhi
was assassinated in an alleged human bomb explosion.
India and its
Neighbours
Country Profiles: India The present President of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Chandrika Kumarantunga visited India which
created an atmosphere of better understanding between the two countries. India continues
to favour a peaceful solution to ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka within the framework of
sovereignty and territorial integrity of that country through negotiation and without outside '
interference. India welcomes the recent proposal of Sri Lanka for devolution of power to
secure some element of autonomy to the areas largely inhabited by Tamil minority.
Check Your Progress I
Note: i) Use the space below for your answers.
ii) Check your progress with the model answers given at the end of the unit.
1) What is UNCIP? What were its main recommendations?
2) How was the Kacchativa dispute between India and Sri Lanka resolved?

5.4 INDIA AND NEPAL

Nepal, the only Hindu kingdom in the world, lies in the north of India. India's interest in
Nepal was natural for historical, religious and strategic reasons. India's security was
perceived to be closely related to Nepal in the north.
Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950
On 3 1" July, 1950, both countries signed Treaty of Peace and Friendship and initially
Indo-Nepalese relations have been based on this treaty. After the signing of the treaty,
India established seventeen check posts to watch the passes between Tibet and Nepal
and Bhutan. These posts were jointly manned by Indian and Nepalese personnel. An
Indian military mission was also established in Kathmandu for the organization and training
ofNepalese army. Nehru was keen that Nepal must enjoy all the attributes of independence
and sovereignty. Even during the democratic movement against the autocratic regime of
Ranas, India adopted the attitude of restraint and patience.
Nepal assumed greater importance in India's security perception after the Sino-Indian
border war of 1962. India's desire for improvement of relations was reciprocated. Nepal
King's 13 day visit to India and President Radhakrishnan's return visit further cemented
the improved relations. Relations were further improved when Foreign Minister of India,
Sardar Swaran Singh visited Nepal in 1964 and signed an agreement of large economic
assistance to Nepal. The King of Nepal also visited India in 1965 and conferred with
Indian Prime Minister, La1 Bahadur Shastri. Nepal gave full support to India's position on
Kashmir. The King appreciated the economic assistance being provided by India to his
country. However, the bilateral relations received another setback when a border dispute
relating to Susta region arose. This region was claimed by Nepal in 1966. This onesquare
mile territory on Bihar-Nepal border remained a subject of dispute. Finally, a
boundary commission was appointed to resolve the issue.
I Economic assistance to Nepal
In the field of economic assistance, by 1967, India had extended over Nepalese P4 l pees 50 crores for Nepal's economic development and had pledged another Rs. 40 ctores.
India was the single largest donor by 1967. Road building and power development
were two major areas in which India assisted Nepal. India also helped NepaI in the
construction of the Kingdom's first airport at Kathmandu. But by this time China had
become an important factor in Nepal's economic and political relations. King Mahendra
reaffinned Nepal's decision to stay neutral between India and China. For India, however,
China factor in Nepal's foreign poIicy had opened a dangerous situation.
In the meantime, anti-India demonstrations were repeatedly held in Nepal. Nepal
made public demands for the withdrawal of Indian personnel from the northern check
I posts and its military liaison group in Kathmandu.
I
The demand of withdrawal, however, was contrary to treaty provisions and Nepal
was questioning the very basis of Indo-Nepalese relationship. It was believed in New
Delhi that the Palace was trying to play China against India and now even Pakistan
against it. However, by early 1971 Nepal realized the futility of anti-India campaign.
Eventually that would have hurt Nepal's own economy. Negotiations were opened
and a New Treaty of Transit was signed in Kathmandu in August 1971. Thus, by the
end of 197 1, Indo-Nepal relations started Iooking brighter.
King Birendra succeeded his father Mahendra when the latter died in early 1972.
Under his reign, Nepal began to work for better and normal relations with India. India
participated in Nepal's development of power and irrigation, the major projects being
the Kosi, the Gandak, the Karnali, the Trisuli and the Devighat and Pokhra Hydel
projects. India and Nepal planned the harnessing of Himalayan rivers. There were
Indian aid and cooperation activities in areas such as road building, airport construction,
telecommunication, horticulture, agriculture, forestry, education and health.
The friendly relations with Nepal were further consolidated after Mrs. Gandhi returned
to power in 1980. King Birendra visited India in 1981 and the visit was returned by
I President Sanjiva Reddy the same year. However, being a big power, and a neighbour
of Nepal, China had been taking keen interest in Nepal. China had been trying to
widen the rift between India and Nepal whenever tension developed in the bilateral
relations. However, India continued to be Nepal's main trading partner. During 1984-
85 Nepal's 52 percent of total export-import trade was with India. Most of the goods
produced in Ihdia and needed by Nepal are usually made available without much
difficulty.
The age-old system of absolute monarchy in Nepal was replaced by constitutional
monarchy on April 8, 1990. King Birendra agreed to the demands of the people for
putting an end to partyless panchayat system. The King agreed to a new constitutional
arrangement in which he would continue to be head of state, but the governance
would be responsibility of a Cabinet answerable to Parliament. Elections would be
held on the basis of multi-party system. Eventually the partyless democracy was
t replaced by party-based parliamentary democracy.
India and its
Neighbours
Economic relations between the two countries improved on account of liberalisation of
their economies since 1991. The Treaty of Trade and Transit of 1991 and their
amendments in 1993 have also had positive results. During 1992-94 period India's
commitment to Nepal's economic development continued to be expressed through
various programmes. India andNepal signed atreaty on the development of Mahakali
Project during Prime Minister Deuba's visit to India in February, 1996. This project
represents a major breakthrough in the harnessing of river waters for mutual benefit.
The two countries are working through Joint Technical Level India-Nepal Boundary
Committee on a time bound programme for identification of boundary. Thus India's
hand of friendship remains extended to Nepal.
Country Profiles: India

5.5 INDIA AND BANGLADESH

The birthGf ~aii~ladesinh D ecember 1971 was a direct outcome of the Indo-Pakistan
war in which Pakistani troops surrendered u~iconditioliallyin erstwhile East Pakistan.
The emergence of Bangladesh was described as an event of major importance in the
Sub-continent. India was forced to liberate East Pakistan as it was faced with an
unprecedented crisis caused by massive influx of 10 million refugees and all efforts by
the Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi to persuade Pakistan for a negotiated
settlement with Awami League leaders bore no fruits.
On March 9, 1972 both countries vgned a treaty of Friendship and Peace. Mrs Indira
Gandhi assured Bangladesh of India's full support and cooperation in securing its admission
to the United Nations. This Treaty was signed for a period of 25 years. Pakistan was
disturbed at the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Peace and'klescribed it as a
virtual military alliance. But study of provisions of the Treaty makes it clear that it was
signed to strengthen bilateral relations and promote regional peace and international
cooperation. It was certainly not a military pact against any country or bloc of countries.
The signing of friendship treaty was followed by the conclusion of a comprehensive
trade agreement of March 25, 1972. Thus the Treaty of Friendship and the Trade
Agreement were concluded in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit, friendship and
good neighbourliness.
Sharing of Ganga Water
'The biggest bone of contention between India and Bangladesh relates to sharing of
Ganga waters. This dispute is mainly concerned with sharing ofwaters during lean season,
January to May, particularly mid-March to mid-May, when the flow of Ganga reduces to
minimum level of 55, 000 cusecs. The crux of the problem is that if India withdraws
40,000 cusecs which is the barest minimum required to flush Hooghly to save Calcutta
port, Bangladesh then receives only 15,000 cusecs which is highly insufficient to meet its
needs. The extraction of this larger amount of water by India gives rise to multifarious
problems in Bangladesh. Thus, the dispute between India and Bangladesh relates to
equitable sharing of Ganga waters by the two countries. The Farakka Barrage built by
India on the river Ganga is situated on the Bengal- Bihar border near Farakka about 400
km. North of Calcutta. The primary reason for the constniction of this Barrage was the
preservation and maintenance ofthe Calcutta port aid navigability of Bhagirathi-Hooghly.
Now that the barrage is constructed Calcutta port is saved but diversion of water for the
port became an issue of international discord and misunderstanding. Although different
agreement were concluded to regulate the water of Ganga and to resolve the Farakka
barrage issue but the final agreement was concluded between the two governments in
the year 1996. Sheikh Hasina government negotiated with India a treaty for sharing
Ganga waters for 30 years. India was represented by H.D.Deve Gowda, the prime
minister of India. The main feature of this Treaty regarding sharing of Ganga water at
Farraka is that Ganga water at Farakka would be determined by 15 blocs of 10 day
period from January 1 to May 3 1 every year.
The New Moore Island Dispute
There have been tensions between India and Bangladesh over certain territorial claims
also. These include the dispute over New Moore Island, the problem related to the Teen
Bigha corridor and the clash in Muhuni Char in the Belonia sector. Of the three the
dispute over New Moore Island persists as a major problem. New Moore Island covering
an area of 2 to 12 sq. km., depending upon rising and receding of tide, is located in the
Bay of Bengal. It is about 5200 meters from the nearest Indian coastal point and 7000
meters from Bangladesh coastal point. Indian flag was hoisted on the island on March
12,1980 and subsequent to that all problems arose. Bangladesh questioned the ownership
rights of India. The dispute has remained unresolved though it has been discussed at
different levels.
I
Indo-Bangladesh relations were adversely affected on account of dispute regarding
Till Righa corridor also. During Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure this small patch
of an acre of Indian Territory called Teen Bigha was leased out to Bangladesh. Tliis
agreement of leasing could not be imp!emented as it required a constitutional amendment.
Other Bilateral issues
Among other problems in lndia Rangladesh relations is the problem of Chakma refugees
who have mostly taken shelter in Indian state ofTripura. Negotiations during 1994 led
to the repatriation of Chakma refugees from Tripura to Chittagong Hill tracts in
Bangladesh. Most of them have already been repatriated and some are still awaiting
their repatriation.
India is facing another problem of Bangladeshi migrants, majority of them belonging to
weaker sections who have settled in different parts of India. Their number, which is
estimated to be more than 10 lakh people, burdens the Indian economy. Despite Lndia's
repeated requests Bangladesh government is taking no action for their recall and Indian
government is left with no choice but to take stem measures to deport them to Bangladesh.
Check Your Progress 2
Note: ij se the space below for your answers.
ii) Clheck your progress with the model answers given at the end of the unit.
1) Describe the nature of economic relations between India and Nepal in the 1990s.
2) What are the central issues in Indo-Bangladesh dispute over sharing of Ganga
waters?

5.6 LET US SUM UP

One of the cornerstones of India's foreign policy has been to build a strategically
secure, politically stabie and harmonious and econo~nicallyc ooperative neighbourhood.
lndia has always given a high priority to friendly relations with our immediate neighbours.
India's relations with Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as discussed above
give a clear indication of India's desire to avoid conflicts, to seek peaceful settlement
of international disputes and build friendship with all the neighbours. Many of India's
neighbours are non-aligned and have generally responded to India's approach of peace.
Nevertheless, India has had moments of conflicts and even regular wars. Despite
India best efforts to cultivate most friendly relations with Pakistan by initiating so
Inany unilateral decisions without expecting a retum favour ( Priilie Minister 1.K.GujralYs
"Gujral Doctrine"giving whatever Indiacan to its neighbours without expecting in return
as lndia is a bigger country - Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's Lahore Bus
Service, Agra Summit etc.) Pakistan gave in return Kargil War and increased crossborder
terrorist activities. Pakistan continues to internationalise the Kashmir issue.
Indian Parliament was attacked by Pakistan's supported terrorists. In fact Pakistan is
trying to destabilise India in every possible manner and is perfect example of state
which is supporting terrorism against a neighbouring country.
India has good relations with all other neighbours. The new governments installed in
Nepal and Sri T anka have euvreqsed their desire to consolidate and strengthen relations
India and its
Neighbours '
with India. Purposive efforts contin
as well as political cooperation. Close proximity between India and its neighbours is
evident from the continuing visit of its Prime Minister and King to India who were here
right in the month of March 2003. Likewise the Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka has also
visited India recently. Except perhaps Pakistan all other India's neighbours including
mighty China are havingvery cordial relations with India. This underlies India's tremendous
faith in good neighbourliness relations.

5.7 SOME USEFUL BOOKS

Dutt, V.P.(1984). India k Foreign Policy. New Delhi: Vikas.
Rasgotra M., Chopra V.D. & Mishra 5.P. (1990). India S Foreign Policy in the 1990s.
New Delhi: Patriot Publishers.
Mansingh Lalit. (1998). Indian Foreign Policy-Agenda for the 21" Century. Vol.11,
New Delhi: Konark Publishers.
Khilnani R.K. (2000). RestructuringIndia B Foreign Policy. New Delhi: Commonwealth.
Dixit J.N. (2002). India k Foreign Policy - Challenge of Terrorism. New Del h i: Gyan.

5.8 ANSWERS TO CHECKYOUR PROGRESS
EXERCISES

Check Your Progress 1
1) LTNCIP is the United Nations Commission for 1ndia and Pakistan which was appointed
by the UN Security Council in 1948. . The UNCTP enquiry report submitted in
December 1948 contained the following recommendations aimed at ending the
hostilities and holding of plebiscite: First, Pakistan should withdraw its troops from
Jam~nu and Kashmir as soon as possible after the cease fire and that Pakistan
should also try for withdrawal of tribesmen and Pakistan nationals who are not
ordinary residents of Kashmir. Second, the territory thus vacated by Pakistani troops
should be administered by local officials under the supervision of the Commission.
Third, after these two conditions are fulfilled and India is informed about their
compliance by the UNCIP, India should also withdraw substantial strength of its
troops. Finally, pending a final agreement India should maintain only such limited .
troops as should be essential for law and order.
2) The status of Kacchativa, an uninhabited island off the Jaffna coast, became an
issues between India and Sri Lanka in the late 1960s. It was resolved through
bilateral talks, when India accepted Sri Lanka's ownership of the island
Check Your Progress 2
1 ) Both the countries launched economic liberalisation programmes at around the same
time in the early 1990s. India renewed the Treaty of Trade and Transit in 199 1 and
committed to Nepal's economic development through various programmes. India
and Nepal signed a treaty on the development of Mahakali Project in 1996. This
project seeks to harness river waters for mutual benefit
2) This dispute is mainly concerned with sharing of waters during lean season,
particularly mid-March to mid-May, when the flow of Ganga reduces to minimum
level of 55,000 cusecs. The crux of the problem is that if India withdraws 40,000
cusecs which is the barest minimum required to flush Hooghly to save Calcutta
port, Bangladesh then receives only 15,000 cusecs which is highly insufficient to
meet its needs. Thus, the dispute between India and Bangladesh relates to equitable
sharing of Ganga waters by the two countries.