Agartala Doctrine (Hardback)  | Released: 18 Apr 2016

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.About the Author: 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.comTable of Contents: List of Tables and Figures
Foreword by Dipu Moni
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Introduction: Agartala Doctrine�The �Tripura Line�of Appropriate Response in Foreign Policy
Subir Bhaumik
SECTION I
1 Influx Devil: The Spanner in India�Bangladesh Relations
Samir K. Purkayastha
2 Bangladesh and India�s Northeast: A Shared Destiny
Farooq Sobhan
SECTION II
3 Look East Through Northeast: The Ultimate Challenge of Development
Laldinkima Sailo
4 Northeast India and Its Neighbourhood: Perspectives on India�s Look East Policy
Biswajit Mohapatra
5 Look-East and Regional Groupings
Shashi Tharoor

6 India�Bangladesh�Myanmar Cooperation: Potential for Sub-regional Cooperation
Sandeep Chakravorty
SECTION III
7 China and India�s Look East Policy
Baladas Ghoshal
8 BCIM-EC and the Northeast: A Case for Graduated Engagement
Binoda Kumar Mishra
9 The BCIM Economic Corridor: A Leap into the Unknown?
Patricia Uberoi
10 The Geopolitics of Change in Myanmar
Bertil Lintner
11 The Chinese Vision of the BCIM Economic Corridor
Chen Lijun and Kong Can
SECTION IV
12 China�s Provinces and Foreign Policy: Lessons and Implications for India and Its States
Jabin T. Jacob
13 Russian States in National Foreign Policy
Aditi Bhaduri
14 States in USA�s Foreign Policy
Edmund Downie
Conclusion: Relevance and Road to the Future
Subir Bhaumik
Index
Notes on Editor and Contributors