Indian Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy is a reflection of its rich culture and response to changing geopolitical issues. The objectives of India’s foreign policy are safeguarding national Security, maintaining regional Stability, economic development, promoting global peace, promoting India’s rich heritage and protection of the huge Indian diaspora. The foreign relations of India are guided by some principles such as Non-alignment movement, Panchsheel principles, Gujral doctrine, Principles of disarmament, soft power etc. The Modi government since 2014 has taken initiatives to enhance the global presence of India through foreign policy efforts such as Neighbourhood first policy, Economic diplomacy through efforts like Make in India etc., Act East policy, providing global leadership at various platforms, enhancing connectivity between countries through infrastructure initiatives etc.

The history of Indian foreign policy spans several millennia and is shaped by diverse historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors. Since the ancient period, India has had a rich culture of interactions with neighboring civilizations. Indus Valley Civilization in ancient times was a centre of trade, culture, and knowledge exchange. Ancient Indian kingdoms, such as the Mauryas, Guptas, Cholas, and Kushans, engaged in diplomatic relations, trade, and cultural exchanges with regions as far as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. In the medieval times, Foreign relations were characterized by conquests, alliances, and conflicts with neighbouring states, including the Mongols, Persians, and Central Asian powers. The colonial era witnessed the advent of many European countries traders in India. It led to the establishment of colonial outposts and trading settlements along the Indian coastline. Post Independence, India's foreign relations are based on principles of non-alignment, anti-imperialism, and international cooperation.

It has continued to evolve over years. In the Nehruian era, NAM and Panchsheel principles were founded to safeguard Indian sovereignty and to build relations with neighbouring countries. Shastri and Indira Gandhi’s era witnessed many conflicts during their tenure like Indo-pak war of 1971 and Bangladesh liberation war respectively. Foreign policy during these wars were guided by India’s strong defence and desire for peace and regional stability. The Economic reforms in 1991 brought up significant changes in India’s foreign policy. The foreign policy of India after 1991 involved Economic liberalisation and globalisation, Look East policy, Multilateral diplomacy, strategic partnerships with countries and efforts towards mitigating climate change etc.

India’s foreign policy is shaped by its rich civilizational heritage and modern geopolitical dynamic. It is based on a set of principles aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, promoting its economic growth, and contributing to regional and global peace and stability. After Independence, the India’s foreign policy has evolved over the years encompassing a wide range of issues, including security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, climate change mitigation, sustainable development, and cultural diplomacy.

• National Security : After getting independence from the long colonial history, the main focus of India’s foreign relations was to safeguard India's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national interests.
• Maintaining Regional Stability : Post Independence, main objective behind India’s foreign relations was to foster peace, stability, and prosperity in its immediate neighborhood and the broader region. To ensure this, India developed diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries through promoting dialogue and enhancing cooperation.
• Economic development : Promoting economic growth through enhancing trade and technological exchange is one of the key objectives behind India’s foreign relations strategy to foster sustainable development and address socio-economic challenges.
• Global peace: India is committed to promoting global peace, security, and disarmament through dialogue, diplomacy, and participation in international peacekeeping efforts.
• Promotion of India’s rich heritage : Through the global relations, India endeavors to promote its rich cultural heritage, diversity, and values as a means of enhancing its global influence and attractiveness.
• Protection of Indian diaspora : India has the highest diaspora worldwide. India tries to maintain good and peaceful relations with the other countries to protect the interests and well-being of its diaspora communities living abroad and promote their cultural, economic, and social ties with India.

1. Non-alignment :
   • After the 2nd world war concluded in 1945, a cold war began between two powers - US and USSR. During this time, India adopted a policy of non-alignment.
   • Non-alignment was officially adopted as a cornerstone of India's foreign policy at the Bandung Conference in 1955.
   • Through the policy of non-alignment, India refused to align with any major power bloc or military alliance. It provided India with diplomatic flexibility and manoeuvrability on the world stage
2. Panchsheel principles :
   • The Panchsheel principles, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, are a set of guidelines for interstate relations initiated during 1954 Sino-Indian Agreement.
   • The five principles are :
     1. Mutual Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of other state
     2. Mutual non-aggression
     3. Mutual non-interference in internal affairs of other state
     4. Mutual benefit and treating each other as equals
     5. Peaceful coexistence
3. Soft power :
   • Soft power refers to the ability of a country to shape foreign relations by influencing other countries through non-coercive means such as culture, diplomacy, education, and values, rather than through military or economic coercion.
   • For example, the use of Bollywood movies, culture of yoga, Ayurveda etc. to enhance the relations with other countries.
4. Five principles of nuclear disarmament : India’s foreign policy advocated for world peace and nuclear disarmament. The five principles of nuclear disarmament are :
   1. No First use : According to this principle, India will never use its nuclear weapons in the first place to initiate a war.
   2. No manufacture : It emphasizes the need to halt the further proliferation of nuclear weapons and to prevent the spread of nuclear technology and materials.
   3. Control : It advocates for the establishment of international mechanisms to control existing nuclear arsenals.
   4. No threat : It prohibits the use of nuclear weapons as a means of threat against other nations.
   5. Complete disarmament : It advocates for complete disarmament, including the elimination of nuclear weapons as part of a broader effort to reduce and eliminate all weapons of mass destruction.
5. South-South cooperation : India places a strong emphasis on fostering cooperation among developing countries, known as South-South cooperation.
6. Strategic autonomy : India seeks to pursue its national interests and objectives independently, while engaging with other countries based on mutual respect and equality.

• Nehruvian foreign policy
  • Foundation of Non-aligned movement (NAM) : Nehru played a key role in the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961, bringing together newly independent countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
  • Panchsheel Principles : Nehru's government promoted the Panchsheel principles initiated during 1954 Sino-Indian Agreement and then it became a cornerstone of India's diplomatic engagements with other nations.
  • Global leadership in decolonisation : During the Nehruian era after independence, India provided leadership, inspiration and support to the freedom movements in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
  • Role in International organisations : During the Nehruian era, India actively participated in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the Non-Aligned Movement, advocating for the interests of developing countries and contributing to global peacekeeping efforts.
  • Strengthening ties with developing countries : Nehru’s foreign police gave emphasis on India's relations with other developing countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Five principles of Nuclear Disarmament : Nehru was an advocate of global peace which was shown through his “Atoms for Peace" plan and the Five Principles of Nuclear Disarmament.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri’s foreign policy
  • Shastrjii’s government made efforts to improve ties with countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, through initiatives aimed at promoting economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional stability.
  • Ending war with Pakistan : The 1965 Indo-Pak War, sparked by border skirmishes in Kashmir, tested India's diplomatic and military capabilities. Shastri's leadership during the war and his decision to sign a peace agreement known as Tashkent agreement showcased India's commitment to peace and security in the region.
  • Food diplomacy : India faced severe food shortages in the times of Shastri government. So, under the PL480 Program, India received financial aid from the US.
• Indira Gandhi era’s foreign policy
  • Support to Bangladesh liberation war : In 1971, India provided support to Bangladesh and provided military assistance in the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan, which led to a significant shift in regional geopolitics.
  • Deepening ties with Russia: The signing of the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1971 strengthened military, economic, and strategic ties between the two countries, with the Soviet Union becoming India's main defense supplier.
  • Nuclear power : During the Indira Gandhi era, India conducted its first nuclear test, code-named "Smiling Buddha," in 1974. This marked India's entry into the nuclear club and had implications on its foreign relations.
• Indian foreign policy after 1990
  • Economic liberalisation and globalisation : India's economic reforms, initiated in 1991, led to greater integration into the global economy. This facilitated trade and economic cooperation with other countries.
  • Look East policy : In the 1990s, India began to prioritise its engagement with East and Southeast Asia as part of its "Look East" policy.
  • Multilateral diplomacy : After 1990, India started to actively engage in multilateral policies at organisations like the United Nations, G20, BRICS etc., advocating for reforms to reflect the changing global balance of power.
  • Gujral doctrine: It was formulated during Gujral's tenure as Prime Minister from April 1997 to March 1998. Its principles were Non-reciprocity with neighbours, no interference in internal affairs of other states, settlement of disputes through dialogue and respecting each other’s territorial integrity.
  • Strategic partnerships: Through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, India strengthened its ties with many countries including the United States, Russia, and European countries.
  • Climate change and sustainable development : India prioritized environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation as part of its foreign policy agenda.
• Modi government foreign policy
  • Neighbourhood first policy : Through the Neighbourhood first policy, Modi government has emphasized strengthening relations with India's immediate neighbors. Efforts like SAGAR ( Security and Growth for All in the Region) have been made to enhance economic cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people ties with countries in South Asia.
  • Economic diplomacy: The Modi government took initiatives like Make-in-India, Digital India etc. to showcase India’s potential and attract foreign investments.
  • Act East policy: Building on the "Look East" policy, the Modi government has reinvigorated India's engagement with countries in East and Southeast Asia through the "Act East" policy.
  • Global leadership : India under the Modi government has sought to play a more assertive role in global organisations like UN, World Bank and by hosting G20 etc. to contribute to shaping the international agenda.
  • Connectivity : India has initiated several connectivity projects to enhance regional connectivity through projects like International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Chabahar Port in Iran, and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway etc.
  • Counterterrorism : The Modi government has prioritized regional and global security cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism through platforms such as G20, BRICS etc.
  • Health diplomacy : During the COVID-19 pandemic, India has provided medical assistance, vaccines, and humanitarian aid to countries around the world showing its commitment to cooperate in the time of crisis.

• Security threats : India faces security threats like terrorism frequently due to instability in neighbouring regions particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Border security: India faces constant challenges in the border areas due to unresolved border disputes, particularly with China and Pakistan.
• Global dynamics: Safeguarding India's sovereignty and strategic autonomy is a key challenge in the times of changing global dynamics including the rise of new geopolitical players, shifting alliances, and the competition between major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia.
• Energy security : Balancing the Energy security concerns, including dependence on fossil fuels, energy imports, and geopolitical competition over energy resources, with the foreign policy is a key challenge of the current times.
• Digital diplomacy : The emergence of cyberspace as a new domain of conflict poses challenges related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital governance at the global level.

India’s foreign policy is constantly evolving driven by the pursuit of national interests, regional stability, and global peace. It has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the country's changing priorities, strategic interest and changing global dynamics. As India continues to emerge as a major global player, its foreign policy will continue to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.