How did Indian Foreign Policy begin?
Indian foreign policy is like a set of rules that guide how country interacts with other nations. Just like we make friends in school & follow certain rules to maintain good relationships India also follows certain principles to maintain peaceful & beneficial relationships with other countries.
Let us explore how Indian foreign policy evolved, what its main objectives are & how it has shaped Indian position in world.
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Before India became independent in 1947 its leaders already started thinking about how India should interact with other countries. In 1932 Indian National Congress created a foreign policy department. Jawaharlal Nehru who later became Indian first Prime Minister was chairman & Ram Manohar Lohia was secretary.
The world is connected in many ways & no country can remain completely isolated. India has always believed in being actively involved in global affairs not just for its own benefit but also for well being of all people across world.
Goals of Indian Foreign Policy
Protecting Indian Borders & Independence
After struggling for many years to gain independence from British rule India wanted to making sure that no foreign power could control its decisions again. That is why India adopted policies like non alignment (not joining military groups led by big powers) & peaceful cooperation with other countries.
Promoting Peace & Security
India believes that peace in world is necessary for development. It has always supported disarmament (reducing weapons) & has avoided joining military alliances that could lead to conflicts.
Economic Growth
In 1947 India was a newly independent country that needed to grow quickly. Instead of taking sides in global conflicts India chose to focus on its own development. It built relationships with different countries to get financial resources & technology.
Ending Colonialism & Racial Discrimination
India was once a colony so it has always supported countries that fought for their independence. It also stood against racial discrimination specially in South Africa where apartheid (racial segregation) was a serious issue.
Protecting Indians Living Abroad
Many people of Indian origin live in different countries. Indian foreign policy makes sure that their rights & interests are protected.
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Main Principles of Indian Foreign Policy
India follows certain principles while dealing with other countries. These are even mentioned in Constitution of India under Article 51. Some of key principles are
Promoting international peace & security
Building friendly relations with other countries
Respecting international laws
Settling disputes peacefully
These principles have helped India establish itself as a responsible & trustworthy nation.
Panchsheel
One of most important part of Indian foreign policy is Panchsheel which means Five Principles in Sanskrit. These principles were first signed in an agreement between India & China in 1954 & later became foundation of Indian relations with other countries.
The five principles of Panchsheel are
Respect for each other borders & sovereignty Countries should not interfere in each other territorial matters.
Non aggression Countries should not attack each other.
Non interference Every country should be free to make its own decisions without outside interference.
Equality & mutual benefit All countries should be treated equally & help each other grow.
Peaceful coexistence Countries should live peacefully without conflicts.
These principles were later included in Bandung Declaration in 1955 when leaders from Asian & African countries met to discuss world peace & cooperation.
Indian Non Alignment Policy
After World War II world was divided into two major power groups
One led by United States (USA)
The other led by Soviet Union (USSR)
Many countries joined either of these groups. However India chose to remain non aligned meaning it did not join any of these military alliances.
India Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) allowed developing countries to stay independent & not get caught in conflicts between big powers. The first NAM summit was held in 1961 in Belgrade & since then it has played a major role in international relations.
India also hosted Seventh NAM Summit in 1983 in New Delhi where it focused on development, disarmament & Palestine issue.
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Is Non Alignment Still Relevant Today?
Some people wonder if Non Aligned Movement is still useful specially after Cold War ended & Soviet Union collapsed. However world still faces challenges & NAM continues to be important because
It helps prevent any one country from becoming too powerful.
It gives developing countries a platform to raise their concerns.
It promotes cooperation among countries in Global South.
It supports discussions on important global issues like climate change & economic reforms.
Thus even today NAM remains important in global politics.
Indian Stand Against Colonialism, Imperialism & Racism
Since India itself was ruled by a foreign power for many years it strongly opposes colonialism (when powerful countries control weaker ones).
In 1946 India raised issue of Apartheid (racial segregation in South Africa) at United Nations (UN).
India also supported independence of Indonesia by organizing Asian Relations Conference.
In 1986 India helped set up Africa Fund to fight against colonial rule in African countries.
India has always stood against injustice & supported independence movements of many nations.
Indian Role in Settling International Disputes
One of core principles of Indian foreign policy is to solve disputes peacefully. India believes in political solutions rather than military action.
It helped resolve Korean conflict.
It supported peace efforts in Palestine & Middle East.
It believes in solving border issues with Pakistan & China through talks.
India is also against foreign military interventions in other countries. Instead it promotes discussions & negotiations to resolve conflicts.
Indian Support for United Nations (UN)
India is a strong supporter of United Nations & respects international laws.
India has contributed troops to UN peacekeeping missions in war-affected areas.
In 1988 India proposed a plan for nuclear disarmament at UN.
India is also pushing for reforms in UN Security Council so that more countries including India get a permanent seat.
India believes that UN should be more democratic & fair to all nations.
Phases of Indian Foreign Policy
| Phase | Time Period | Key Characteristics | Major Events & Policies |
| Optimistic Non-Alignment | 1947 to 1962 | Bipolar world order (USA vs. USSR) India aims to protect sovereignty & rebuild economy Strong belief in Non-Alignment |
Establishment of Non Aligned Movement (NAM) (1961) India China War (1962) weakens India’s position |
| Decade of Realism & Recovery | 1962 to 1971 | Shift from idealism to realism in foreign policy Moves beyond Non-Alignment for security concerns Begins tilting towards USSR |
Defence agreement with USA (1964) Tashkent Agreement (1965) post-India Pakistan war Growing USSR-India partnership |
| Greater Indian Regional Assertion | 1971 to 1991 | India asserts power in South Asia Hard power approach in regional conflicts Increasing global complexities |
Liberation of Bangladesh (1971) US-China-Pakistan alliance challenges India Gulf War (1991) & Breakup of USSR (1991) impact India’s economy |
| Safeguarding Strategic Autonomy | 1991 to 1998 | Unipolar world (led by USA) India focuses on nuclear security & economic reforms Expands global engagement |
Economic Liberalization (1991) Pokhran II nuclear tests (1998) Strengthening ties with US, Israel, ASEAN |
| India as a Balancing Power | 1998 to 2013 | India plays a balancing role in global affairs Strengthens strategic partnerships Expands influence in multilateral organizations |
India US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008) Strengthening BRICS & ties with Russia Cooperates with China on trade & climate issues |
| Energetic Engagement | 2013-Present | Multi Alignment replaces Non Alignment India asserts itself beyond South Asia Expands leadership in global governance |
Paris Climate Agreement (2015) SAGAR Initiative (Security & Growth for All in Region) Strengthening Indo-Pacific & Indian Ocean Strategy |
Conclusion
Indian foreign policy is based on peace, cooperation & independence. It has helped India build strong relations with other nations while ensuring its own security & development.
By following principles like Panchsheel, Non-Alignment & peaceful dispute resolution India has emerged as a key player in global affairs.
Even today as world faces new challenges like climate change & economic inequality Indian foreign policy continues to grow as well as change while staying true to its core values.
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Practice Questions
Prelims Questions
Consider following statements regarding Non Aligned Movement (NAM):
- NAM was established in 1961 with India as one of its founding members.
- The primary objective of NAM was to form a military alliance against United States & Soviet Union.
- The Bandung Conference of 1955 laid foundation for NAM.
1. Which of above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 & 2 only
(b) 2 & 3 only
(c) 1 & 3 only
(d) 1, 2 & 3
Answer: (c)
2. Which of following events had a major impact on Indian foreign policy during Cold War era?
- 1962 Sino Indian War
- 1971 Indo Pak War
- The signing of India US Civil Nuclear Agreement
Select correct answer using codes below:
(a) 1 & 2 only
(b) 2 & 3 only
(c) 1 & 3 only
(d) 1, 2 & 3
Answer: (a)
Mains Questions
- Indian foreign policy has transitioned from Non Alignment to Multi Alignment in present geopolitical order. Discuss how this shift has shaped Indian global strategic engagements.
- Analyze role of India in shaping regional security in Indo Pacific with a special focus on SAGAR initiative & its impact on Indian maritime diplomacy.
