Principles & Basis of Indian Foreign Policy

<<–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.,

India’s foreign policy is based on the principles of non-alignment, Panchsheel, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful co-existence, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for international law and institutions, promotion of Human Rights, Economic Development, regional cooperation, multilateralism, nuclear disarmament, Climate change, Sustainable Development, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, diaspora engagement, cultural diplomacy, science and technology cooperation, space cooperation, cyber security, Artificial Intelligence, and emerging technologies.

Non-alignment is a foreign policy principle that was adopted by India and other countries in the 1950s. It is based on the idea that countries should not align themselves with any major power bloc, but should instead pursue an independent foreign policy. India’s non-aligned policy has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy for over 70 years.

Panchsheel is a set of five principles that were adopted by India and China in 1954. The principles are: mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; non-aggression; non-interference in each other’s internal affairs; equality and mutual benefit; and peaceful co-existence. Panchsheel has been an important guiding principle in India’s relations with China.

Sovereignty and territorial integrity are two fundamental principles of international law. They mean that each country has the right to be free from outside interference and to control its own affairs. India is a strong supporter of these principles and has always defended them in international forums.

Peaceful co-existence is the idea that countries can live together in peace and harmony, even if they have different political and Economic Systems. India has always been a strong advocate of peaceful co-existence and has worked to promote it through its foreign policy.

Non-interference in internal affairs is another fundamental principle of international law. It means that countries should not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. India is a strong supporter of this principle and has always respected the sovereignty of other countries.

Respect for international law and institutions is another important principle of India’s foreign policy. India is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations, and it works to uphold the principles of international law.

Promotion of human rights is a key objective of India’s foreign policy. India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights treaties. It has also enacted domestic laws to protect human rights.

Economic development is another important objective of India’s foreign policy. India is a rapidly growing economy and it is looking to expand its trade and Investment ties with other countries.

Regional cooperation is another important pillar of India’s foreign policy. India is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and it is working to promote economic and social development in the region.

Multilateralism is another important principle of India’s foreign policy. India believes that multilateral institutions can play a vital role in promoting peace and prosperity in the world. It is a member of the United Nations, the G20, and other multilateral organizations.

Nuclear disarmament is a key goal of India’s foreign policy. India is a nuclear-weapon state, but it has always been committed to the goal of nuclear disarmament. It has played a leading role in the negotiations on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other nuclear disarmament initiatives.

Climate Change is one of the most serious challenges facing the world today. India is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change and it is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable development is another important goal of India’s foreign policy. India is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goals through its foreign policy.

Counter-terrorism is another key priority of India’s foreign policy. India has been a victim of terrorism for many years and it is working to combat terrorism through its foreign policy.

Peacekeeping is another important area of India’s foreign policy. India is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.

Humanitarian assistance is another important area of India’s foreign policy. India has provided humanitarian assistance to countries affected by natural disasters and other crises.

Diaspora engagement is another important area of India’s foreign policy. India has a large diaspora living around the world and it is working to engage with them.

Cultural diplomacy is another important area of India’s foreign policy. India is using its rich culture and heritage to promote its image abroad.

Science and technology cooperation is another important area of India’s foreign policy. India is working to cooperate with other countries in the field of science and technology.

Space cooperation is another important area of India’s foreign policy. India is working to cooperate with other countries in the field of space exploration.

Cyber security is another important area of India’s foreign policy. India is working to protect its cyber space from threats.

Principles of Indian Foreign Policy

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

Sovereignty and territorial integrity: India is a sovereign and independent country with its own territory and borders. It will not tolerate any interference in its internal affairs or any attempt to violate its sovereignty.
Non-alignment: India is not aligned with any major power bloc. It believes in maintaining friendly relations with all countries, regardless of their ideology or political system.
Peaceful co-existence: India believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries. It has never initiated a war and has always sought to resolve its disputes through peaceful means.
Non-violence: India is a country with a long tradition of non-violence. It believes that violence is not a solution to any problem and that all disputes can be resolved through peaceful means.
Multilateralism: India believes in multilateralism and the role of international institutions in resolving global issues. It is a member of many international organizations, including the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the G20.
Respect for international law: India is a signatory to many international treaties and conventions. It believes in respecting international law and the Rule of Law.
Promoting Democracy and human rights: India is a democracy and a republic. It believes in promoting democracy and human rights around the world.
Economic development: India is a developing country with a large Population. It believes that economic development is essential for its progress and prosperity.
Regional cooperation: India believes in regional cooperation and integration. It is a member of many Regional Organizations, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Global peace and security: India is a responsible member of the international community. It believes in promoting global peace and security.

Basis of Indian Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy is based on the following factors:

Geography: India is a large country with a long coastline. It Shares borders with many countries, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Its location in South Asia gives it a strategic importance.
History: India has a long and rich history. It was once the center of the Mughal Empire and the British Raj. Its history has shaped its foreign policy.
Culture: India is a diverse country with a rich culture. Its culture has influenced its foreign policy.
Economy: India is a developing country with a large population. Its economy is growing rapidly and it is becoming a major player in the global economy. Its economy has influenced its foreign policy.
Security: India is a nuclear-armed country. It faces security threats from its neighbors, including Pakistan and China. Its security concerns have shaped its foreign policy.
Demographics: India is a young country with a large population. Its population is growing rapidly and it is expected to become the world’s most populous country by 2025. Its demographics have influenced its foreign policy.
Diplomacy: India has a strong diplomatic corps. It has embassies and consulates in many countries around the world. Its diplomacy has helped to promote its interests and objectives.
Armed forces: India has a strong military. It is the world’s largest standing army. Its armed forces have helped to protect its interests and deter threats.
Foreign aid: India is a major donor of foreign aid. It provides aid to many countries around the world. Its foreign aid has helped to promote its interests and objectives.
Trade: India is a major trading country. It has trade agreements with many countries around the world. Its trade has helped to promote its interests and objectives.
Investment: India is a major investor in many countries around the world. Its investments have helped to promote its interests and objectives.
Tourism: India is a popular tourist destination. It attracts millions of tourists from around the world. Its tourism has helped to promote its interests and objectives.
Soft power: India has a strong soft power. It is a major cultural and religious center. Its soft power has helped to promote its interests and objectives.

Principles & Basis of Indian Foreign Policy

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

Sovereignty and territorial integrity: India is a sovereign and independent country with its own territory and borders. India’s foreign policy is based on the principle of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
Non-alignment: India is a non-aligned country. This means that India does not belong to any military alliances or blocs. India’s foreign policy is based on the principle of non-alignment and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Peaceful co-existence: India believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries. India’s foreign policy is based on the principle of peaceful co-existence and respect for the rights of all countries.
Multilateralism: India is a strong supporter of multilateralism. This means that India believes in working with other countries to solve common problems. India’s foreign policy is based on the principle of multilateralism and cooperation with other countries.
Development and democracy: India is a developing country with a large population. India’s foreign policy is based on the principle of promoting development and democracy in the world.

MCQs

Which of the following is not a principle of Indian foreign policy?
(A) Sovereignty and territorial integrity
(B) Non-alignment
(C) Peaceful co-existence
(D) Multilateralism
India is a member of which of the following international organizations?
(A) United Nations
(B) Non-Aligned Movement
(C) Commonwealth of Nations
(D) All of the above
India’s foreign policy is based on the principle of non-alignment. This means that India does not belong to any military alliances or blocs. True or False?
India is a strong supporter of multilateralism. This means that India believes in working with other countries to solve common problems. True or False?
India is a developing country with a large population. India’s foreign policy is based on the principle of promoting development and democracy in the world. True or False?