The Gujral doctrine was a five-point roadmap which sought to build trust between India and neighbours, of solution to bilateral issues through bilateral talks and to remove immediate quid pro quos in diplomatic relationship between India and her neighbours. The ‘Doctrine’ emphasized on the importance of unilateral accommodation for friendly and warm relations with India’s neighbours.
The five principles are:
1.With neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, India does not ask for reciprocity, but gives and accommodates what it can in good faith and trust.
2.No South Asian country should allow its territory to be used against the interest of another country of the region.
3.No country should interfere in the internal affairs of another.
4.All South Asian countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
5.They should settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations.
The essence of Gujral Doctrine has been that being the largest country in South Asia, India can extend unilateral concessions to neighbours in the sub-continent.