<<–2/”>a >u>India’s Foreign Policy is fundamentally based on the principles of peaceful co-existence, friendship and co-operation among all the countries of the world irrespective of their political systems. The foreign policy is aimed at promoting international peace and security and maintaining good and friendly relations with all the countries of the world. India, which was a colonial country under the mighty British rule, experienced the power politics of Super Powers during Cold War period, and chose for herself the path of non-alignment and peaceful co-existence.

India has adopted and pursued certain principles to realize these objectives. Some of these principles are given in ARTICLE 51 under the Directive Principles of Policy in the Constitution Of India. These principles are: promotion of international peace and security; friendly relations with other countries; respect for international law and international organizations like the UN; and finally the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The principles of India’s foreign policy and its objectives are closely interlinked with each other.

Panchsheel

The founder of India’s foreign policy, Nehru gave utmost importance to world peace in his policy planning.

India desired peaceful and friendly relations with all countries, particularly the big powers and the neighboring nations. While signing a peace agreement with China; he advocated adherence to five guiding principles known as Panchsheel.

Panchsheel includes the following five principles of foreign policy:

Mutual respect for each other’s territorial Integrity and Sovereignty.
Non-aggression against each other.
Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Equality and mutual benefit.
Peaceful co-existence.

These principles of Panchsheel were later incorporated in the Bandung Declaration, signed in the Afro-Asian Conference held in 1955 in Indonesia.

Policy of Non-alignment

Non-alignment is the most important feature of India’s foreign policy. Its core element is to maintain independence in foreign affairs by not joining any military alliance formed by the USA and Soviet Union, which emerged as an important aspect of cold war politics after the Second World War. Non-alignment should not be confused with neutrality or non-involvement in international affairs or isolationism. It was a positive and dynamic concept. It postulates taking an independent stand on international issues according to the merits of each case but at the same time not committing to coming under the influence of any military bloc.

India played a lead role in popularizing and consolidating the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

As the world faces greater threat from a unipolar world led by US after the disintegration of Soviet Union, the NAM can act as a check against undue dominance and hegemony of any country or block.

The developed (North) and developing (South) world have divergent views over several global and economic issues. The NAM may provide a forum for third world countries to engage the developed nations in a productive dialogue.

Policy of Resisting Colonialism, Imperialism, Racism

India has been victim of colonialism and racism and was as such opposed to these evils in any form. India considers colonialism and imperialism as the threat to international peace and security India was the first to bring the issue of Apartheid in the UN in 1946. India raised her voice for the independence of Indonesia and organized Asian Relations Conference for this purpose. Due to India’s consistent efforts through NAM and other international forums, 14 African countries were liberated from the yoke of colonialism in 1964. India made sincere efforts to end the scourge of apartheid in South Africa. At India’s initiative, NAM set up the Africa Fund (Action for Resisting Imperialism, Colonialism and Apartheid) in 1986 to help the frontline states, which were victims of aggression of South Africa for supporting the cause of fight against Apartheid. India made generous contribution to this fund. The end of racialism in South Africa in 1990 was a great success for Indian policy.

Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes

One of the core Elements of India’s foreign policy is its unflinching faith in the political solution and peaceful settlement of international disputes. This principle has been included in the Constitution of India, under the Directive Principles of State Policy as well as in the Charter of the UN. India has played leading role in the resolution of Korean conflict and supported negotiated settlement of Palestine issue, Kashmir problem, border problems with neighboring countries and other such disputes and problems. At present, India is in favour of resolution of peaceful settlement of Iranian nuclear issue, problem of democratic upsurge in Middle East and so on. India is always against foreign military intervention for resolving international problems. This principle continues to be the cornerstone of India’s policy.

Support to UN and International Law

India has deep respect for the international law and/or the principles of sovereign equality of nations and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations as espoused by the UN. India has supported the cause of disarmament pursued by the UN. In 1988, India proposed a very ambitious programme of nuclear disarmament before the UN. Though, this proposal was not accepted by the other members of the UN, India stands committed to the cause of universal disarmament even today. India has played a key role in preserving world peace by helping in the decolonization process, and through active participation in UN peacekeeping activities.

These are in the form of guidelines to the policy makers through which India carries out its foreign relations. In essence, these are the means through which national interest is sought to be protected and promoted.

Table of Contents

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What is Foriegn Policy

FP refers to the sum total of the principles, interests and objectives which a country formulates in conducting its relations with other countries
Serves to further the country’s interests beyond its frontiers
It is dynamic
Historical, geographical, political economic, cultural, ideological and other factors influence the formulation of nation’s FP

Aims of FP

Preservation of India’s territorial integrity and freedom of policy
The promotion of international peace
Economic Development of India

Historical Development

Foreign relations of Guptas, Ashoka etc
INC established its own Foreign Affairs Department

1954: Panchsheel

Enunciated in The Preamble to the “Agreement on trade and intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India”
Five priciniples
- Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
- Mutual non-aggression
- Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs
- Equality and mutual benefit
- Peaceful co-existence
The five principles were subsequently incorporated in modified form in a statement of ten principles at the Bandung Conference

NAM

NAM was established to “foster peace, equality, development and Justice among member-countries. So it is a good time now to have a strong movement that would struggle for the defence of international law and the Bandung principles and try to adopt measures that would allow NAM to play the role for which it was formed.
It should devote time to debate on the impact of neo-liberal globalisation on the rest of the world. What is the impact of Western aggression and coercion on the sovereignty, independence and self-determination of independent countries

Shimla Agreement, 1972

ZA Butto and Indira Gandhi
Laid down the principles that should govern their future relations
Bound the two countries “to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations”
The accord converted the 1949 UN cease-fire line into the Line of Control between India and Pak

Look East Policy

Click Here

Gujral Doctrine

Set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours
- With neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, India does not ask for reciprocity but gives and accommodates what it can in good faith and trust
- No South Asian country should allow its territory to be used against the interest of another country of the region
- No country should interfere in the internal affairs of another
- All SA countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
- They should settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations
Criticism of GD
- Based on a belief in the inherent goodwill of openly hostile neighbours
- Ineffective to a large extent as there is little reciprocity

Nuclear policy of India

Pokhran 1 and 2
For disarmament
Against discriminatory treaties
India’s nuclear doctrines <details elsewhere>

Principles of FP

Foundations of Indian FP laid during the freedom movement
Principles of India’s FP
- Belief in friendly relations with all countries
- Resolutions of conflicts by peaceful means
- Sovereign equality of all states
- Independence of thought and action as manifested in the principles of non-alignment
- Equity in conduct of international relations
These principles manifested in the three Ps which form the core of our FP
- Panchsheel
- Pragmatism
- Pursuit of national interest
Founding member of NAM
- After the end of Cold War, our FP has been focused on strengthening the Movement by redefining its priorities in keeping with the changing times
Against colonialism and racism
- India’s independence itself played the role of Catalyst in liberation of other countries
- India was the first country to raise the question of racial discrimination in SA in 1946
- Bandung Conference gave specific call for a “common policy against imperialism and colonialism in all its manifestations”
- AFRICA (Action for Resistance to Invasion, Colonialism and Apartheid) Fund set up at India’s initiative at the 8^th NAM summit
- These policies brought India closer to the African countries
Advocacy of general and complete disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament
- India was a member of the Six-Nation Five-Continent joint initiative in 1980s to highlight concern about the unprecedented nuclear arms race
- Opposed discriminatory treaties as the NPT and CTBT
UN
- Founding member
- Made significant contributions to its various activities
- Participant in peace-keeping operations in Korea, Egypt, Congo and earlier in Somalia, Angola, Rwanda
- Played an active role in the deliberations of the UN on the creation of a more equitable international economic order
- Active member of G-77 and G-15
- G-4

Challenges before India’s FP now

Neighborhood Policy
Nuclear Policy
Climate change
Maritime security
Terrorism
Economic stability
Equity in bodies like UN, IMF and WTO

These are elaborated either below or elsewhere.

Maritime dimension of India’s FP

Significance of Oceans
- Peninsular India has a long coastline
- Oceans in S.India have moulded and set the course of the history of the people who inhabit it
- The ocean also brought traders and colonizers.
Nehru had said: “We cannot afford to be weak at sea. History has shown that whoever controls the Indian Ocean has, in the first instance, India’s sea-borne trade at her mercy and, in the second, India’s very independence itself”.
India is naturally a maritime nation
- Coastline of over 7500 kms
- Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar chains
- Our EEZ is more than 2.5 mn sq. Kms
Our Bonds with the Indian Ocean are not merely geographical but of deeper civilizations significance
Economic significance
- In absence of good regional land connectivity, the bulk of our trade is seaborne
- 77% of our trade by value and over 90% by volume is carried by sea.
Maritime dimension essential for our Energy Security
- India’s oil consumption is expected to rise to 245 mn tonnes annually by 2020
Maritime security
- Sea-borne terrorist attacks of 26/11
Due to above reasons our foreign policy has to focus on these critical aspects of our national development and security

India’s maritime FP

India has a vision of the Indian Ocean unshackled from historical divisions and bound together in collective pursuit of peace and prosperity
As a mature and responsible nations, one of our foreign policy interests is to evolve a regional architecture based on the twin principles of shared security and shared prosperity
We have friendly bilateral relations with almost all the states in the Indian Ocean region
Maritime security is an important dimension of our relations with ASEAN countries, in particular Singapore and Vietnam
We have strong historical and civilizational ties with many of our maritime neighbours
Maritime security is emerging as an important element of our dialogue architecture with various countries
- Periodic bilateral exercises
- Information exchanges through maritime domain awareness
- Sharing of best practices in areas such as search and rescue
- Maritime safety, pollution control,
- Maritime law enforcement – counter Narcotics and counter piracy
- Training, exercises and humanitarian assistance
- Disaster relief
- Exchange of views on promoting a regional security architecture that enhances maritime security
In addition to bilateral interactions, we are actively engaged with almost all regional bodies
- SAARC
- BIMSTEC
- EAS
- ARF
- ASEAN
- GCC
- SADC to the African Union
Scourge of piracy off the Somali coast
- Poses a serious problem for safety of maritime traffic as well as the well-being of crew members
- Approximately $110 bn of our trade passes through the Gulf of Aden
- At India’s specific instance the UNSC through resolution 1976 expressed serious concern over the piracy and hostage-taking off Somali coast
- India is engaged with other countries on capacity building and consultations in the area of anti-piracy to devise measures for keeping open access points to avoid choking international trade
- Indian Navy commenced anti-piracy patrols in Gulf of Aden from 2008
- Since then, 25 Indian Navy ships have been deployed
- In addition to escorting Indian flagged vessels, ships of other countries have also been provided protection
- India is the founding member of the ‘Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia’ (CGPCS) established in Jan 2009

Significant multilateral initiatives for maritime security

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
- Launched in Feb 2008
- Provides a platform for all IOR littoral navies
ARF (ASEAN) has recognized that maritime security is an indispensible and fundamental condition for the welfare and economic security of the region
The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) is the first regional Government to Government agreement to promote and enhance cooperation against piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia
The ASEAN+8 Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM Plus) Plus is a significant milestone in the evolving security architecture in the Asia Pacific region. The ADMM Plus has identified five areas of cooperation – maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), military medicine, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.

Maritime Neighborhood policy

Issues like coastal security consolidation and Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries cooperation are also very much within the domain of our foreign policy concerns

Parting note

our ability to shape our maritime security Environment will require the development of a credible naval presence with adequate assets commensurate with our defence and security interests as well as those required to discharge the role and responsibility expected of India by the international community.
A flexible but proactive maritime doctrine is essential to safeguard and project our national interests overseas.

Key Priorities for India’s foreign policy

Values and ideals in India’s FP
- Multilateralism
- Peaceful coexistence
- Justice
- Freedom, equality and Fraternity
A fundamental goal of India’s foreign policy is to promote our economic Growth targets and ambitions in a conducive and a peaceful, stable, external environment
India placed in an extremely complex neighbourhood
Peaceful neighbours are required for the success of our efforts to accelerate domestic economic development
China
- Policy of engagement
- Despite boundary issue, rest of the issues are not affected by this factor alone
- Collaborated usefully on a variety of multilateral issues.
Pakistan
- Constant efforts to go back to the negotiating table to solve difficult issues
- Relationship distorted and adversely impacted by the factor of CBT
Afghanistan
- Aim of bringing peace and stability in that country
Bangladesh
- Relations improved over last one year
Nepal
- Peace process in progress
Sri Lanka
- The end of the civil war has brought historic new opportunities for reconciliation between the Tamil and Sinhalese people and for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces
- Mahatma Gandhi called India, Sri Lanka’s ‘nearest neighbour’
Our neighbourhood policy in nutshell
- Emphasises the advantages of building networks of inter-connectivity, trade, and Investment so that prosperity can be shared
- And so that the region can benefit from India’s rapid economic growth
Look East Policy
- Resulted in India’s quick integration with SE & East Asia at the strategic, political, economic, cultural and people-to-people levels
UN
- India has supported the process of reform and restructuring the UN
- Non-permanent member from Jan 1 2011
- As a NP member has focused on the need for resolution of conflict through reasoned negotiation and diplomatic means rather than the use of force
- India is one of the oldest, largest and consistent contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations
Maritime policy
- India has committed its full support to international anti-piracy efforts
- Founder member of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS)
- Indian Navy also coordinates and Shares operational information with other Navies under the Shared Awareness and De-confliction (SHADE) mechanism
Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
- India committed to the goal of global, universal and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament, as outlined in the Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan.
- India will be able to contribute to enhancing international efforts through full membership, which we seek to achieve, of multilateral export regimes like the NSG, the MTCR, the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement
Climate Change
- Principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities
In conclusion
- India’s foreign policy is an amalgam of national interests, our conviction that inclusive structures of dialogue and cooperation to address the new dimensions of security threats are necessary
- That institutions of global governance like the UN should reflect current realities
- Dynamism and energy of the Indian economic growth story must be shared with our region
- To sustain our growth trajectory we need an environment that is free from transnational threats like terrorism

Questions:

India often looks perched between its previous role as a champion of the non aligned movement and a future role as a big, or indeed great power. It is an awkward balancing act. Comment

A country of India’s size, with the security challenges that we face, the convulsions of economic growth and development, the need to be open to the outside world in order to attract technology, knowledge, ideas, capital – this is a different India. This is an India that has grown, that has matured, that has evolved and that is really very alert to the surrounding environment, whether it is the immediate periphery or whether it is the larger global environment in which we are placed.

In the last 18 20 years you have seen the evolution of the Look East Policy. You have seen the manner in which our ties with China have evolved. You have seen the relationship we have established with the United States, which President Obama referred to when he came to Delhi last year, is one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. That transformation in India/US relations has been one of the major Features of Indian Foreign Policy in the last decade.

That is by no means to suggest that the ties with Russia have in any way been subsumed in a larger process of transformation of relations that we have had with other major countries. The ties with Russia are still very important to us. This is borne out in the fact that you have the Leadership level summits held annually and the defence relationship that we have with Russia. It is a very long standing relationship. It is a rock solid relationship that has remained very relevant, valid and crucial for our foreign policy interests.

I think India’s global profile has transformed itself. You see it for yourself in the role that we are seeking to play in Africa, in our profile as a country that is able to deliver on development cooperation and assistance in the developing world, and also in our immediate neighbourhood. In the line and approach we have taken in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) – I referred to the asymmetrical, nonreciprocal responsibilities that we are prepared to assume.

Our security concerns extend into the Indian Ocean and into the profile that the ocean builds for itself in coming decades. It is a major transportation and Communication link between our part of the world and east and west. I believe India has the capacity and the capability to play a unique role in that context, both in the security dimension and in the development dimension of the littoral states off the Indian Ocean.

All in all I would answer your question by saying that this is the transforming India, and this is the transformed India. The old epithets and definitions may no longer apply.

In terms of how India views itself for the next 5 10 years, where do you think the line, the balance between competition and cooperation lies as far as China is concerned, especially in Southeast Asia, where India has definitely established itself as a major actor among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries?

I think the defining principle that we would apply to our relationship with China is engagement. With engagement you obviously have to think of the dimensions of cooperation involved. You have to see how this engagement obviates the possibilities of confrontation. I think that is a primary focus when it comes to approaching relations with China.

I referred to the boundary question and the unresolved issues involved in that sphere between India and China. I think if you look at the India/China relationship, and the way it has been managed – if you can call it the management regime for India/China relations – I think it has been quite successful. We have maintained peace on our borders for decades now. We have mechanisms in place to enhance mutual confidence. Our trade and economic relationship has grown beyond all prognostications. It is an imbalanced relationship, but the fact is it is a huge relationship. It is well poised to become one of the most important trading relationships of this century.

I think the fact that we have been able to achieve so much with China, and I believe there is room enough for India and China to grow, to coexist and to engage with each other. There will obviously be competition in some areas, but that competition need not be self defeating. It need not be a cancellation process as far as all the other things that we do as much as it may be projected in some sections of public opinion in that fashion. That is nowhere near happening because I believe good sense will prevail on both sides.

With the temperature rising around the South China Sea, there is a lot of concern about what happens there in security terms. I wonder whether India has a particular point of view with regard to how the current disputes can be addressed if not resolved.

When it comes to Southeast Asia, when it comes to India’s growing profile in Southeast Asia, and the very close ties that we have with countries in that region – all the ASEAN countries, we have obviously watched what is happening in the South China Sea with a lot of interest and close attention. This is a complex dispute that involves a number of countries in the region. Obviously it has to be solved among the countries concerned and China. Our advocacy has always been for negotiation, for codes of conduct that would prevent conflict, that would again enhance mutual confidence, and that would enable the trade, normal communication and security interests of all concerned to be addressed adequately.

As you know we are very closely engaged with the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus which we are part of. We are part of the East Asia Summit. We have also welcomed the inclusion of Russia and the United States in that summit. There are various mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue today, for the countries concerned to get together, to build an inclusive, more stable and more lasting security architecture, which does not exclude one country to the advantage of the others because that is not going to work.

Competition with China. Where you think that competition is most likely to arise – in which areas and on which questions?

I think the world will always compare India and China and seek to attribute competitive paradigms to both countries. There will obviously be areas around the world where India and China transact relations, try to build development partnerships and try to promote economic interests. However, as I said, we need to approach this not just with hindsight of what we have gained in terms of experience from dealing with each other over the last five to six decades, including the difficult years – if I may say – but also with adequate foresight. This is because ultimately I think our development, our patterns – our political patterns of development in India and China have differed. The manner in which India and China are perceived in many of the countries we cooperate with or transact relations with is different. I think that difference will prevail. There will always be a difference of perception about the way India is seen and the way China is seen.

I do not think we are getting into a process here where India wants to emulate China in all that it does. I think that is an impractical way of approaching these matters. I think India has its strengths, has its capabilities and has its particularly Indian characteristics that appeal to a lot of our development partners, as you see in Africa where we are delivering on capacity building and where we provide scholarships for people to come and study in India. The whole democratic experience of India is something that appeals to a lot of our African partners, for instance, and in Southeast Asia.

Therefore I believe India has unique advantages. China has its own advantages in terms of the burst it has been able to achieve in terms of economic development and the manner in which it has been able to transform the face and landscape of Chinese life.

I believe there is a lot that India and China should be engaging with each other about and trying to learn from each other about in this process.

Key, Priorities to India’s Foreign Policy

The Key priorities of India’s foreign policy today is closely integrated with the Country’s fundamental Security and development priorities. India seek a global order in which India’s interest are assured, the antonomy of India’s DECISION MAKING is Safeguarded and which is conducive to achievement of the overriding goal of rapid, Sustained and including socio-economic development of the country. To this end, India’s foreign policy has combined fire commitment to India’s core national values and ideas like multilateralism, peaceful coexistence, Justice, freedom, equality, fraternity with dynamic adaptation to change in the international environment. Central to our policy objective is ensuring a peaceful and secure neighbourhood, Cordial and balanced relations with the major powers and mutually beneficial PARTNERSHIP with developing countries.

Now let me elaborate the above India’s approach one by one.
India’s approach toward its neighbouring Countries
India’s Commitment to close and good neighbourly relations with all its Sub Continental neighbours is based on the fundamental principles of equality and mutual respect.

(a) China: Although there is an unresolved boundary question between the two Countries India have consciously practice a policy of engagement. Now this policy of engagement is yielding positive dividend also India has collaborated usefully on a variety of multi lateral issues with China.

(b) Pakistan: The relationship between the two countries the last few decades has been distorted and adversely impacted by the factor of cross-border terrorism. So a stable Pakistan which acts as a bulwark against terrorism and extremism is in its own interest and also in the interest of India.

(c) Afghanistan: India help Afghanistan in its reconstruction efforts with the aim of bringing peace and stability in that country. The assistance programme is particularly emphasis on capacity building and Human resource development.

(d) Bangladesh: The relationship between the Countries have improved Significantly over the last two years. The dialogue between the two countries is in a people centered manner that stressed trade, Connectivity easier transit, development and the enhancement to mutual security cooperation against insurgency and terrorism.

(e) Sri Lanka: After the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. India is concentrating for the reconstruction rehabilitation and economic development in Sri Lanka. Gandhiji, called India, Sri Lanka’s nearest neighbour. It is through that prism that we see our ties this island nation.
Thus India have articulated a policy in its neighbourhoods that emphasises the advantages of building networks of inter-connectivity, trade, and investment. So that prosperity can be shared and so that the region can benefit from India’s rapid economic growth and rising prosperity.

India’s Look East Policy: The aim is to integration with Southeast and East Asia at the Strategic, Political, economic, cultural and people to people level. This is represents the renewal of the rich civilization contact expressed in India’s contact and interaction with this region in the annual of history.

India’s Stand for restructuring and reform of the U.N: India has strongly supported the problem of reform and restructuring of the U.N. to make it better equipped to effectively respond to an era of transformational change in global affairs. India joined the U.N. Security Council as a non permanent member on 1 January 2011. India said its effort has been concentrated on the need for resolution of conflict through reasoned negotiation and diplomatic means rather than the use for force.

Regarding Terrorism: As the chair of the Security Council’s Counter Terrorism (1373) Committee (CTC) and the 1566 working group. India is committed to taking global counter terrorism efforts forward.

India consider the 1267 regime against Al-Qaeda and Taliban as a Core instrument available to the international Community in our fight against terrorism.
Adoption in comprehensive Core-nation on International Terrorism (CCIT) a draft which was proposed by India is 1996, is a key objective for Indian to fight against terrorism.

Regarding Piracy: As a founder member of the contact group on piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS). India actively participates in its deliberations and anti-piracy efforts. The Indian Navy also word-inmates and Shares operational information with other Navies under the Shared Awareness and De-Confliction (SHADEF) mechanism.

India supports determined action against the kingpins, financiers and facilitators of piracy through tracking of financial flows. A key issue India is the welfare and hostage in the custody of pirates.

Regarding Nuclear Disarmament: India remains stead fast in its Commitment to the goal of global, universal and non-discriminatory nuclear Disarmament, as outlined in the Rajiv Gandhi Action plan. India believe that unclear Disarmament can be achieved by a step by step process, non disarmament nuclear disarmament in a verifiable manner. India is willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue among all the state possessing nuclear weapon to build trust and confidence and reduce the salience of nuclear weapons in international affairs and security doctrines India supports negotiations in the conference on Disarmament towards a universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable FMCT that bans the future production of fertile material for weapon purpose
Regarding climate change: In this India’s Stand is that the global effort to address climate change must be anchored to the basic principles of equality and “Common but differentiated responsibility and Respective Capabilities.” As India it is the Smallest Carbon foot-prints in the words, its first and overriding priority is to pursue economic development, to alleviate POVERTY and to address its severe energy deficit.

Hence India’s Condition is that inclusive structures of dialogue and cooperation to address the new dimensions of security threats are necessary, and India is trying to secure its vital national interest in that Spirit.

foriegn policy

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International Relations

International relations is the study of the relations between countries and other actors in the international system. It is a complex and ever-changing field, and there is no single theory that can fully explain all of the dynamics at play. However, there are some key concepts that can help us to understand international relations.

One of the most important concepts in international relations is the balance of power. The balance of power is the idea that no one country or group of countries should be able to dominate the international system. This is important because it helps to prevent war and instability.

Another important concept in international relations is sovereignty. Sovereignty is the idea that a country has the right to govern itself without interference from other countries. This is a fundamental principle of international law, and it is essential for maintaining order and stability in the international system.

International relations is a complex and ever-changing field, but it is also a fascinating and important one. By understanding the key concepts of international relations, we can better understand the world around us and the challenges that we face.

Indian Foreign Policy

Indian foreign policy is the set of principles and strategies that guide India’s interactions with other countries. It is based on the country’s national interests, which include security, economic development, and promoting Democracy and Human Rights.

India’s foreign policy has evolved over time, but it has always been guided by the principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and multilateralism. India has also been a strong advocate for the Rule of Law and the United Nations.

In recent years, India has become more assertive in its foreign policy. It has played a leading role in regional and international organizations, and it has strengthened its ties with the United States and other major powers. India is also seeking to play a greater role in global governance.

Bilateral Relations

Bilateral relations are the relations between two countries. They are often based on shared interests, such as trade, security, or culture. Bilateral relations can be formal, such as treaties or agreements, or informal, such as diplomatic exchanges.

India has bilateral relations with many countries around the world. Some of its most important bilateral relationships include those with the United States, China, Russia, and Japan. India also has close ties with its neighbors, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Multilateral Relations

Multilateral relations are the relations between more than two countries. They are often based on shared interests, such as trade, security, or the environment. Multilateral relations can be formal, such as through international organizations, or informal, such as through diplomatic conferences.

India is a member of many multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Non-Aligned Movement. India also plays an active role in Regional Organizations, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Regionalism

Regionalism is the process of cooperation between countries in a particular region. It can take many forms, such as trade agreements, investment treaties, and joint development projects. Regionalism can help to promote economic growth, political stability, and security.

India is a strong supporter of regionalism. It is a member of several regional organizations, such as SAARC and BIMSTEC. India has also signed several free trade agreements with its neighbors.

Global Governance

Global governance is the system of rules, norms, and institutions that govern international relations. It includes the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. Global governance is important because it helps to promote peace, security, and prosperity around the world.

India is a strong supporter of global governance. It is a member of the United Nations and other major international organizations. India also plays an active role in multilateral negotiations on issues such as climate change and trade.

International Security

International security is the state of being free from threats to peace and stability. It is important for promoting economic development and human rights. International security can be threatened by a variety of factors, such as war, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.

India is a major player in international security. It is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Missile Technology Control Regime. India also has a strong military and is a member of several regional security organizations.

Non-Traditional Security Challenges

Non-traditional security challenges are threats to peace and stability that do not come from traditional sources, such as war or terrorism. They include issues such as climate change, poverty, and disease. Non-traditional security challenges are often more difficult to address than traditional security challenges.

India is facing a number of non-traditional security challenges. These include climate change, which is causing droughts, floods, and other natural disasters; poverty, which is leading to social unrest; and disease, such as HIV/AIDS and

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers on the topics of Indian Polity and Governance, Economic Development, and Social Justice and Empowerment, without mentioning the topic of International Affairs and Indian Foreign Policy:

Indian Polity and Governance

What is the Constitution of India?
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The Constitution provides for a parliamentary System of Government with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
What are the three organs of the government of India?
The three organs of the government of India are the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. The executive is headed by the Prime Minister, the legislature is headed by the President, and the judiciary is headed by the Chief Justice of India.
What are the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India?
The fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India are the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.
What are the directive principles of state policy?
The directive principles of state policy are the principles that the government of India is supposed to follow in its policies and programs. These principles are contained in Part IV of the Constitution.
What is the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
The Preamble to the Constitution of India is the introductory statement of the Constitution. It sets out the aims and objectives of the Constitution.

Economic Development

What is the economic development of India?
The economic development of India is the process of economic growth and Social Change in India. It has been a major focus of the Indian government since independence in 1947.
What are the major factors that have contributed to the economic development of India?
The major factors that have contributed to the economic development of India are the following:
The adoption of a market-oriented economic system
The implementation of Economic Reforms in 1991
The rise of the Indian middle class
The growth of the Indian IT Industry
The influx of foreign investment
What are the challenges that India faces in its economic development?
The challenges that India faces in its economic development are the following:
The high level of poverty
The large informal sector
The poor Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE
The low level of Education
The high level of Corruption

Social Justice and Empowerment

What is social justice?
Social justice is the principle that all people are entitled to equal rights, opportunities, and treatment. It is the goal of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their social background or circumstances.
What are the major challenges to social justice in India?
The major challenges to social justice in India are the following:
The caste system
The gender gap
The religious divide
The regional disparities
The economic inequality
What are the government’s initiatives to promote social justice?
The government of India has taken a number of initiatives to promote social justice, including the following:
The enactment of laws to protect the rights of marginalized groups
The provision of affirmative action programs
The implementation of social welfare programs
The promotion of education and EMPLOYMENT opportunities

Which of the following is not a principle of Indian foreign policy?
(A) Non-alignment
(B) Peaceful co-existence
(C) Panchsheel
(D) Sovereignty and territorial integrity
The first Prime Minister of India who visited the United States was:
(A) Jawaharlal Nehru
(B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
(C) Indira Gandhi
(D) Rajiv Gandhi
The Indo-US nuclear deal was signed in:
(A) 2005
(B) 2006
(C) 2007
(D) 2008
The Indo-Russian Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed in:
(A) 1971
(B) 1972
(C) 1973
(D) 1974
The first Prime Minister of India to visit China was:
(A) Jawaharlal Nehru
(B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
(C) Indira Gandhi
(D) Rajiv Gandhi
The Indo-China border was formally demarcated in:
(A) 1954
(B) 1962
(C) 1975
(D) 1988
The Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 was fought over the issue of:
(A) Kashmir
(B) Bangladesh
(C) Siachen Glacier
(D) Sir Creek
The Indo-Pakistan war of 1999 was fought over the issue of:
(A) Kargil
(B) Siachen Glacier
(C) Sir Creek
(D) Rann of Kutch
The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was signed in:
(A) 1987
(B) 1988
(C) 1989
(D) 1990
The Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed in:
(A) 1950
(B) 1951
(C) 1952
(D) 1953
The Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Friendship was signed in:
(A) 1949
(B) 1950
(C) 1951
(D) 1952
The Indo-Myanmar Border Agreement was signed in:
(A) 1967
(B) 1968
(C) 1969
(D) 1970
The Indo-Thailand Friendship Treaty was signed in:
(A) 1963
(B) 1964
(C) 1965
(D) 1966
The Indo-Malaysian Treaty of Friendship was signed in:
(A) 1957
(B) 1958
(C) 1959
(D) 1960
The Indo-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement was signed in:
(A) 2003
(B) 2004
(C) 2005
(D) 2006
The Indo-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement was signed in:
(A) 2003
(B) 2004
(C) 2005
(D) 2006
The Indo-African Forum Summit was held in:
(A) 2008
(B) 2009
(C) 2010
(D) 2011
The Indo-Latin American and Caribbean Summit was held in:
(A) 2012
(B) 2013
(C) 2014
(D) 2015
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework was launched in:
(A) 2021
(B) 2022
(C) 2023
(D) 2024
The Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue was first held in:
(A) 2016
(B) 2017
(C) 2018
(D) 2019