Indian Foreign Policy

India is facing a challenging time in its foreign policy as it navigates various options and partners in the global arena. In recent years, India has pursued a broader foreign policy approach, focusing on its neighbors through initiatives like the “Neighborhood First” strategy within SAARC and also expanding economic and strategic ties through the “Look East Policy” with East Asian nations. Yet, the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the resulting divisions in the international community are posing new challenges for India’s foreign policy.

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Background

During the nation-building phase, India faced challenges like war, international reconstruction, and the birth of new countries after the end of colonial rule. The partition dispute and the mission to tackle poverty were key issues on the home front.
In handling foreign relations, India chose to prioritize peace and security by respecting the sovereignty of all nations. This decision was shaped by both domestic and international factors. Limited resources and economic dependence on stronger nations played a role in influencing India’s foreign policy.
In the midst of the Cold War, India crafted its foreign policy against this backdrop, navigating the global dynamics of that era.

Principles

Jawaharlal Nehru strongly believed in promoting global peace, and that’s why he placed great importance on maintaining friendly relations with all countries, especially neighboring nations and powerful ones. He called this approach ‘Panchsheel.’

The following principles were incorporated into this goal:

Panchsheel

Mutual respect for territorial sovereignty and integrity
Non-aggression pact
Mutual non-interference in each other’s inner affairs
Mutual benefit
Peaceful coexistence

Non-Alignment

The Indian National movement was part of the worldwide struggle against imperialism and colonialism that influenced liberation movements in many Asian and African countries.
Indian national army created by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during the second world war was a result of such linkage between India and overseas Indians.
Inspirations of the Indian freedom struggle influenced foreign policy.
On a global level, 2 blocs (US and USSR) affected Indian policy with the development of nuclear weapons, communist China, and decolonisation events.

Phases of Indian Foreign Policy

Phase 1 (1947-1991): During this time, the world was dominated by two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. The League of Nations faded away, and the United Nations emerged, shaped by victorious World War II allies. The U.S. and its European allies took control of the global economy through agreements like Bretton-Woods, involving the World Bank and IMF.

Phase 2 (1991-2008): In 1991, two significant events set the stage for change. The Soviet Union disintegrated, giving rise to independent countries, with Russia succeeding the USSR. Simultaneously, India faced a foreign currency crisis, altering the global balance of power. The U.S. became the dominant force, but other poles emerged in the EU, Russia, China, and regions like Asia and South America.

Phase 3 (2008-Present): The collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 triggered a global economic crisis, impacting leading countries and emerging nations. The U.S. began to lose its economic and military edge, with China rising. Various global poles, including the EU, ASEAN, Russia, Japan, India, BRICS, IBSA, and SCO, grew rapidly. The axis of global power shifted from the West to the East, especially in Asia. India’s foreign policy adapted to these changes, abandoning non-alignment.

Major Events that Shaped Indian Foreign Policy

1947 – Invasion of Kashmir by Pakistan
1962 – India – China War
1965 – India-Pakistan War
1971 – Liberation of Bangladesh
1991 – Collapse of the USSR; severe depletion in India’s foreign currency reserves
1998 – India’s nuclear tests at Pokhran; retaliatory tests by Pakistan
1999 – Kargil Intrusion by Pakistan
2001 – 9/11 Terrorist attacks in the US, including the bombing of the Twin Towers in NY; terror attacks on the Indian Parliament
2008 – Terror strikes in Mumbai by Pakistan; Lehman Brothers collapse in the US and trigger for the US-led global recession
2014 – PM Modi’s Government infuses new life into Indian F.P. – unabashed about India’s ‘great power’ ambition

Conclusion

Over the past thirty years, India has been lucky to experience rapid growth and prosperity, giving it more influence in global affairs. This has allowed the country to invest more in diplomacy and expand its diplomatic presence worldwide.
The current government in India is determined to play a significant role on the global stage, aiming to be recognized as a major player. To achieve this, maintaining stability and prosperity at home, along with political unity on key foreign policy goals, is crucial.
India’s foreign policy has shifted towards a pro-US approach, prioritizing economic interests over military ones. This reflects a strategic decision to align more closely with the United States.
Ongoing negotiations are taking place to secure lasting peace in international relations, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts.