---
title: "Gujral Doctrine: India's Neighbourhood Policy"
description: "The Gujral Doctrine outlines five principles for India's non-reciprocal relations with smaller South Asian neighbors, crucial for Model UN and policy studies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/gujral-doctrine"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Gujral Doctrine is a set of five principles articulated by Indian statesman I.
- K.
- Does the Gujral Doctrine apply to Pakistan?
- How does the Gujral Doctrine differ from the Neighbourhood First policy?
- What concrete agreements are associated with the Gujral Doctrine?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Gujral Doctrine is a set of five principles articulated by Indian statesman I.K. Gujral in 1996 to guide India's relations with its smaller South Asian neighbours through non-reciprocal accommodation.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Gujral Doctrine like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Gujral Doctrine

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Gujral Doctrine](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Gujral%20Doctrine%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In December 1996, building on the Gujral Doctrine's principle of non-reciprocity, India and Bangladesh signed the thirty-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty resolving the Farakka Barrage dispute over dry-season flows.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Gujral Doctrine beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.