AGARTALA, Feb 11 (TIWN): For the first time Tripura, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) former Eastern India Bureau Chief and Eminent Journalist Subir Bhaumik's much waited Book "The Agartala Doctrine" published by world renowned OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS has been released on Thursday at Sukanta Academy.

The book is about 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 Tripura’s not-so-well-known influence on Indias policy towards East Pakistan and then Bangladesh for more than half a century the 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.

At a time when India's policy establishment appear confused overhow to handle Pakistan-origin terror or have created unseemly controversies by high level bragadacio involving ministers owning up a covert strike inside Myanmar, the 'Agartala Doctrine' is offered as an alternative .

The 'Agartala doctrine' calls for proactive, if necessary covert offensive action by proxies but it also pitches for walking the extra mile of friendship if the neighbour is as cooperative as Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina .

Reportedly, altogether 28 books have been released at Sukanta Academy by eminent writer Zakir Talukdar in the presence of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) former Eastern India Bureau Chief and Eminent Journalist Subir Bhaumik and others.

However, the programme was organized by Akshar Publication.