India’s External Relations explores the evolution of India’s foreign policy, focusing on key historical events, including conflicts with China and Pakistan. The text examines the principles of non-alignment and the impact of international relations on domestic politics. It also discusses India’s nuclear policy and its role in global affairs. This comprehensive overview is essential for students of political science and international relations, providing insights into India’s strategies and challenges in the global arena.

Key Points

  • Analyzes India’s foreign policy principles, including non-alignment and sovereignty.
  • Examines the historical context of India’s conflicts with China and Pakistan.
  • Discusses the evolution of India’s nuclear policy and its implications.
  • Explores the impact of international relations on India’s domestic politics.
Ayaati Jain
18 pages
Language:English
Type:Textbook
Anthropology
Ayaati Jain
18 pages
Language:English
Type:Textbook
Anthropology
412
/ 18
I ts chptr…
Thus far we have focussed in this book on the developments within
the country and on domestic challenges. We now turn to the external
challenges. Here too our leaders faced the challenge with an innovative
response by way of the policy of non-alignment. But they also found
themselves in conflict with neighbours. This led to three wars in 1962,
1965 and 1971. These wars, and the external relations in general, were
shaped by and had their impact on the politics in the country.
In this chapter we study the story of this relationship between the
external and the internal politics by focussing on
• theinternationalcontextthatshapedIndia’sexternalrelations;
• theoperationalprinciplesthatinformedthecountry’sforeign
policy;
• thehistoryofIndia’srelationswithChinaandPakistan;and
• theevolutionofIndia’snuclearpolicy.
Nehru with Nkrumah
from Ghana, Nasser
from Egypt, Sukarno
from Indonesia and
Tito from Yugoslavia
at a meeting of non-
aligned nations, New
York, October 1960.
These five comprised the
core leadership of the
Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM).
Credit: NMML
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Itrnin ctext
India was born as an independent nation-state in a very trying
and challenging international context. The world had witnessed a
devastating war and was grappling with issues of reconstruction; yet
another attempt to establish an international body was underway;
many new countries were emerging as a result of the collapse of
colonialism; and most new nations were trying to come to terms with
the twin challenges of welfare and democracy. Free India’s foreign
policy reflected all these concerns in the period immediately after
Independence. Apart from these factors at the global level, India
had its own share of concerns. The British government left behind
the legacy of many international disputes; Partition created its own
pressures, and the task of poverty alleviation was already waiting
for fulfilment. This was the overall context in which India started
participating in the world affairs as an independent nation-state.
As a nation born in the backdrop of the world war, India decided
to conduct its foreign relations with an aim to respect the sovereignty
of all other nations and to achieve security through the maintenance
of peace. This aim finds an echo in the Directive Principles of State
Policy.
Just as both internal and external factors guide the behaviour of an
individual or a family, both domestic and international environment
influence the foreign policy of a nation. The developing countries
lack the required resources to effectively advocate their concerns in
the international system. So they pursue more modest goals than
the advanced states. They focus more on peace and development in
their own neighbourhood. Moreover, their economic and security
dependence on the more powerful states occasionally influences
their foreign policy. In the period immediately after the Second World
War, many developing nations chose to support the foreign policy
preferences of the powerful countries who were giving them aid or
credits. This resulted in the division of countries of the world into
two clear camps. One was under the influence of the United States
and its western allies and the other was under the influence of the
then Soviet Union. There was also the experiment called Non- Aligned
Movement in which India had played an important role. However, the
end of the Cold War changed the context of international relations
entirely. But when India achieved its freedom and started framing
Wh des
ndpndnc cst of?
I csts ndmtly
n bcly of rig
lis. Th s t tes
of ndpndnc. A  s
lc tnmy. Onc rig
lis g  of r
hns t t chrg of
mody , t th ext
n  th er  r
ot ndpnd.
Jawaharlal Nehru
during a debate in the
Constituent Assembly in
March 1949.
“
“
4
chapter
IndIa’s external
relatIons
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56 Ps  Ini nc Indpndnc
its foreign policy, the Cold War was just beginning and the world
was getting divided into these two camps. Did India belong to any of
these two camps in global politics of the fifties and the sixties? Was
it successful in conducting its foreign policy peacefully and avoiding
international conflicts?
Th Pcy of -igm
The Indian national movement was not an isolated process. It was a
part of the worldwide struggle against colonialism and imperialism.
It influenced the liberation movements of many Asian and African
countries. Prior to India’s Independence, there were contacts between
the nationalist leaders of India and those of other colonies, united
as they were in their common struggle against colonialism and
imperialism. The creation of the Indian National Army (INA) by Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose during the Second World War was the clearest
manifestation of the linkages established between India and overseas
Indians during the freedom struggle.
The foreign policy of a nation reflects the interplay of domestic
and external factors. Therefore, the noble ideals that inspired India’s
struggle for freedom influenced the making of its foreign policy. But
India’s attainment of independence coincided with the beginning
of the Cold War era, a period which was marked by the political,
economic, and military confrontation at the global level between the
two blocs led by the superpowers, the US and the USSR. The same
period also witnessed developments like the establishment of the
UN, the creation of nuclear weapons, the emergence of Communist
The Constitutional principles
Article51oftheIndianConstitutionlaysdownsomeDirectivePrinciplesofStatePolicyon
‘Promotionofinternationalpeaceandsecurity’.
“TheStateshallendeavourto–
(a)Promoteinternationalpeaceandsecurity
(b) Maintain just and honourable relations between nations
(c) Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised
peoplewithoneanother;and
(d) Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.”
How well did the Indian state live up to these principles in the first two decades after
Independence? You may come back to this question after reading the chapter.
It’s the fourth
chapter and it’s Nehru
once again! Was he a
superman or what?
Or has his role been
glorified?
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End of Document
412

Figures

In this chapter…
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — IndIa’s external
It’s the fourth
recognition and power
The plateau of the central Asian region called Tibet
is one of the major issues that historically caused
its clauses about respecting each other’s territorial
Dalai Lama enters India with his followers.
chap 4_PF.indd 60
illustration
Border disputes with
Border disputes with
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China roller
between 1934-
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Commissioner in UK and later head
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s external relations
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s external relations
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — Politics in India since Independence
A small platoon of Indian army
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — Wars and Peace with Pakistan
chap 4_PF.indd 65
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s external relations
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s external relations
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s external relations
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s external relations
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — Fast Forward
Fast Forward
Fast Forward
chap 4_PF.indd 67
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s external relations
India's External Relations - Political Science Overview — India’s nuclear policy

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FAQs

What were the major objectives of Nehru's foreign policy?
The major objectives of Jawaharlal Nehru's foreign policy included preserving India's sovereignty, protecting territorial integrity, and promoting rapid economic development. Nehru aimed to achieve these goals through the strategy of non-alignment, which sought to keep India distanced from the military alliances led by the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
How did India's foreign policy evolve after the Cold War?
After the Cold War, India's foreign policy shifted towards a more pro-US strategy, influenced by the changing global dynamics and the diminishing preeminence of Russia. This period also saw an increased emphasis on economic interests over military ones, leading to improved relations with both China and the US. The Janata Party government in 1977 aimed for genuine non-alignment, correcting the previous pro-Soviet tilt.
What role did the Non-Aligned Movement play in India's foreign relations?
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was crucial in shaping India's foreign relations, as India played a significant role in its establishment. The movement aimed to provide a platform for countries that did not want to align with either the US or Soviet blocs during the Cold War. The Bandung Conference in 1955 marked a significant moment for NAM, leading to its formal establishment, with India as a co-founder.
What were the implications of the 1962 Sino-Indian War on India's foreign policy?
The 1962 Sino-Indian War had profound implications for India's foreign policy, leading to a sense of national humiliation and a reevaluation of military preparedness. The conflict strained India's relations with China and necessitated a shift towards seeking military assistance from Western powers like the US and the UK. Additionally, it prompted a focus on national integration and the reorganization of India's Northeast region.
How did the Bangladesh War in 1971 affect India's foreign relations?
The Bangladesh War in 1971 significantly impacted India's foreign relations, particularly with Pakistan. India provided moral and material support to the Bengali struggle for independence, which led to a full-scale war with Pakistan. The decisive victory for India not only resulted in the creation of Bangladesh but also enhanced India's stature as a regional power. The Shimla Agreement formalized peace between India and Pakistan following the war.
What was the significance of the Panchsheel Agreement between India and China?
The Panchsheel Agreement, signed in 1954 by Nehru and Zhou Enlai, was significant as it outlined the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence between India and China. This agreement aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and emphasized mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, the subsequent border disputes and the 1962 war revealed the challenges in maintaining these principles in practice.
What were the main challenges faced by India in its early foreign relations?
In its early foreign relations, India faced several challenges, including the legacy of colonial disputes left by the British, the pressures of partition, and the need for poverty alleviation. The Cold War context further complicated India's position, as it sought to navigate between the US and Soviet influences while advocating for non-alignment. Additionally, conflicts with neighboring countries like China and Pakistan added to the complexities of India's foreign policy.

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