Introduction

• India became independent in 1947 but faced global challenges like the Cold War, decolonization, and economic struggles.
• Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, played a key role in shaping India’s foreign policy.
• India adopted a non-aligned approach, balancing between the USA and the USSR.

Principles of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy was based on the following principles:

Non-Alignment

• India refused to join either the USA-led Western bloc or the USSR-led Eastern bloc.
• This policy aimed to protect India’s sovereignty and independent decision-making.
• India became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Panchsheel Agreement (1954)

Five principles of peaceful coexistence were agreed upon between India and China:

• Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity.
• Non-aggression.
• Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
• Equality and mutual benefit.
• Peaceful coexistence.

Opposition to Colonialism, Racism, and Imperialism

• India actively supported anti-colonial movements in Asia and Africa.
• It spoke against apartheid in South Africa and helped other countries gain independence.

Support for the United Nations

India strongly supported the United Nations (UN) and worked for world peace and disarmament.

India’s Relations with Its Neighbors

India-Pakistan Relations

• Partition (1947) created tensions, especially over Kashmir.
• First Indo-Pak war (1947-48) led to Kashmir being divided into India-administered Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan-administered areas (PoK).
• Indo-Pak wars (1965, 1971, 1999 Kargil conflict) further strained relations.
• Simla Agreement (1972) aimed at peaceful resolution, but tensions remained.

India-China Relations

• Initially friendly, with the Panchsheel Agreement (1954).
• Sino-Indian War (1962): China invaded India, capturing Aksai Chin.
• Relations improved in 1990s and 2000s, with increased trade and diplomacy.

India’s Role in South Asia

• India played a key role in forming SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, 1985).
• It supported Bangladesh’s liberation (1971) from Pakistan.

India and the Cold War

Policy of Non-Alignment

• India did not join military alliances like NATO or the Warsaw Pact.
• It focused on economic development and independent foreign policy.

India’s Role in Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

• Nehru was one of the key leaders of NAM.
• NAM aimed to promote peace, cooperation, and economic development among newly independent nations.
• India hosted the NAM Summit in 1983.

Criticism of Non-Alignment

• Critics argued that India was closer to the USSR than the USA.
• Some felt India should take a stronger stand against communist aggression (like China’s invasion in 1962).

India’s Nuclear Policy

Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy

• India wanted nuclear technology for energy production and scientific advancement.
• Nehru advocated for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

First Nuclear Test (1974) – Operation Smiling Buddha

• Conducted under Indira Gandhi’s leadership in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
• India became a nuclear-capable country but did not develop weapons immediately.

Nuclear Tests of 1998 – Pokhran-II

• Under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India conducted multiple nuclear tests.
• India officially declared itself a nuclear weapon state.
• Faced sanctions from Western countries, but maintained strategic independence.

India’s Economic Foreign Policy

Trade Relations

• India initially followed a self-reliant economy, reducing dependence on foreign trade.
• After 1991 economic liberalization, India expanded global trade and joined WTO.

Economic Cooperation with Developing Nations

• India supported economic aid and technology transfer to developing nations.
• It played a major role in South-South Cooperation.

India’s Role in International Organizations

United Nations (UN)

• India has been a strong advocate for world peace.
• It contributed troops to UN peacekeeping missions.
• India is pushing for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

G-77 and WTO

• India led developing nations in G-77 to demand fair trade policies.
• It opposed developed countries’ unfair trade restrictions in the WTO.

BRICS and Other Alliances

• India is an active member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
• Strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with global powers.

Recent Developments in India’s Foreign Policy

Shift Towards Multi-Alignment

• India now follows “multi-alignment”, balancing ties with the USA, Russia, and other countries.

Indo-US Relations

• Strategic partnership in defense, trade, and technology.
• India signed nuclear deals with the USA.

Indo-Russia Relations

• Strong defense ties with Russia (missile systems, fighter jets, submarines).
• Russia remains India’s key arms supplier.

Act East Policy

• India focuses on strengthening relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
• Increased trade and security ties with Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

Conclusion

• India’s foreign policy has evolved from Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment.
• Despite challenges (wars, border disputes, economic struggles), India has maintained an independent foreign policy.
• Today, India is a rising global power, balancing strategic interests while advocating for peace and development.