Sunday, February 15, 2015

India's Self Interest Principle in relation to Srilanka

"if self-interest is the guiding principle," why there was not much action was taken in keeping up the relation btw srinlanka?
Interesting question.
But why do you think we did not use the self-interest principle in SL.
Because the world might eventually point fingers at us- considering our own weak human rights record.
Exactly.. If we support international intervention in SL, the same card might be used against us in Kashmir.
I say that we used self iinterest principle with SL always.
When domestic politics get intertwined we take some stance. That need not necessarily be the correct one. But it is to decide between what was the bigger headache and which is to be attended first.
Yes! Often, domestic n foreign policies are closely related. SL issue is an example where our domestic situation dictated out foreign policy. On the contrary, indo-us nuclear deal was where our foreign policy dictated our domestic politics (UPA almost lost majority due to the withdrawal of support by CPI)...

Sir, I agree however the silence of self-interest gave way to open doors to China and PAK
After having sorted out the internal headache, even when china and pak had come in, the current situation in SL and relations vis-a-vis us is not too far off the radar that it cannot be salvaged.
There are various weapons in the arsenal. Different pressure points are used at different times. Sama Beda Dhana Dhandam.
We have to play with the cards dealt. And make the best use of it keeping self interest in mind. Rationalization of decision as Herbert Simon said.
Latest regime change coupled with paradigm shift (project Mausam) could help us regain lost grounds in SL. Am I right sir?
Yes Pradeep. Cooperation in all areas is always good.
As a big country, we should always be ready to give disproportionate responses, without exactly expecting full reciprocation. This has been our position in the SAARC.

Exactly what Gujral doctrine says... Help our neighbors without expecting reciprocity

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