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All About India's Foreign Policy: Principles, Objectives, Determinants UPSC CSE

Indian Foreign Policy

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Summary of 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 guiding principles of India’s foreign policy are non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, maintaining regional stability, global peace, respect for sovereignty of others etc.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a forum of countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. It was founded in 1961 during the Cold War in the Bandung Conference. India is one of the founding members of this policy.

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 under it are : Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of other state, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs of other state, mutual benefit and treating each other as equals and peaceful coexistence.

Gujral doctrine 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 state, settlement of disputes through dialogue and respecting each other’s territorial integrity.

Background of Indian Foreign Policy

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.

Introduction of Indian Foreign Policy

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.

Objectives of India’s Foreign Policy

Principles of India’s Foreign Policy

  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.

Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy

Challenges of India’s foreign policy

Conclusion of Indian Foreign Policy

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.

Prelims PYQS of Indian Foreign Policy

With reference to "Look East Policy" of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2011)
1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs.
2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of the Cold War.
3. India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(b) 1 and 3 only

Main PYQS of All About India's Foreign Policy: Principles, Objectives, Determinants

“The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order” Elaborate. [250 Words][15 Marks] [2019]
Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India–Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss with suitable examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today.Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

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