The foreign policy of India shapes the country’s international relations to protect and promote its national interests. Determined by factors like geography, history, social structure, and economic strength, India’s foreign policy remains a key area for students studying international relations and political science.
Indian Foreign Policy: Principles and Objectives for Students
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India’s foreign policy is guided by a set of principles that ensure peaceful coexistence and promote its national interest.
- It regulates India’s relations with other states to foster diplomacy and global cooperation.
- Influencing factors include geography, historical traditions, political structures, and economic standing.
- Leadership, public opinion, and international environment also significantly shape policy decisions.
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- India prioritizes international peace and security.
- Article 51 of the Constitution directs India to maintain just relations between nations.
- Peace is essential for economic development of countries.
- Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized: “Peace is not merely a hope but an urgent necessity.”
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Anti-Colonialism as a Principle of Indian Foreign Policy
- India opposes colonialism and imperialism.
- Colonialism exploits weaker nations, threatening world peace.
- India supported liberation movements in Afro-Asian countries like Indonesia, Ghana, and Namibia.
- Neo-colonialism and neo-imperialism are also actively opposed.
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Anti-Racialism: India’s Stand Against Discrimination
- India opposes racial discrimination in any form.
- Racialism creates inequity and hinders world peace.
- India strongly condemned apartheid in South Africa and severed diplomatic relations in 1954.
- India actively contributed to the liberation of Zimbabwe and Namibia from white minority rule.
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Non-Alignment: India’s Independent Foreign Policy Approach
- Post-1947, India adopted a policy of non-alignment during the Cold War.
- India avoided joining either the capitalist bloc (USA) or the communist bloc (USSR).
- Jawaharlal Nehru highlighted India’s aim to stay independent and prevent future wars.
- Non-alignment includes:
- (i) No military alliances with any bloc.
- (ii) Independent foreign policy decisions.
- (iii) Maintaining friendly relations with all nations.
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Panchsheel: Five Principles of India’s International Relations
- Panchsheel emphasizes peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among nations.
- It was codified in the Indo-China Treaty on Tibet, 1954 signed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Chou-En-Lai.
- The five principles include:
- (i) Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty
- (ii) Non-aggression
- (iii) Non-interference in internal affairs
- (iv) Equality and mutual benefit
- (v) Peaceful co-existence
- Many countries like Burma, Yugoslavia, and Indonesia adopted Panchsheel.
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Afro-Asian Bias in India’s Foreign Policy
- India maintains special relations with Afro-Asian nations.
- Promotes unity and international influence for these countries.
- Key initiatives:
- (i) First Asian Relations Conference in 1947, New Delhi
- (ii) Advocacy for Indonesian independence, 1949
- (iii) Participation in Bandung Afro-Asian Conference, 1955
- (iv) Formation support for Group of 77, 1964 and SAARC, 1985
- India earned the title of ‘Big Brother’ among neighbouring nations.
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India’s Links with the Commonwealth of Nations
- India chose to remain a full member of the Commonwealth in 1949.
- Membership does not compromise sovereignty or republican character.
- Benefits include economic, political, and cultural collaboration.
- India hosted the 24th Commonwealth Summit, 1983 at New Delhi.
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India’s Support to the United Nations Organisation (UNO)
- India has been an active member of UNO since 1945.
- Fought against colonialism, imperialism, and racial discrimination through UNO.
- Vijay Lakshmi Pandit became UNGA President, 1953.
- Participated in UN Peacekeeping missions in Korea, Congo, Somalia, and others.
- Co-chaired the UNO working group on strengthening the UN, reporting in 1997.
- Served multiple terms as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council; currently demanding permanent seat.
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India’s Disarmament Policy in Foreign Relations
- India opposes arms race and promotes global disarmament.
- Aims to enhance world peace and reduce unproductive military expenditure.
- Organized a six-nation summit, New Delhi, 1985 proposing nuclear disarmament.
- India did not sign NPT, 1968 or CTBT, 1996 to maintain sovereign nuclear options.
- Opposes discriminatory nature of NPT and CTBT favoring only five nations (USA, Russia, China, UK, France).
The objectives of India’s foreign policy reflect its efforts to balance national interests, regional stability, and global cooperation. From safeguarding sovereignty to promoting economic growth and peace, these goals help students understand the evolving role of India in international relations. Additionally, the Gujral Doctrine of 1996 remains a milestone in shaping India’s neighbourly ties.
Objectives of Indian Foreign Policy: Key Goals and Priorities
- India’s foreign policy pursues multiple objectives in a rapidly changing global environment.
- (i) Protect core national interests by building international understanding and support.
- (ii) Preserve autonomy in decision-making while contributing to a stable and secure world order.
- (iii) Strengthen the global fight against terrorism, considered a universal threat.
- (iv) Build an environment supportive of rapid economic growth through trade, technology, investments, and energy security.
- (v) Enhance strategic partnerships with P-5 nations and powers like the USA, EU, Japan, Russia, and China.
- (vi) Deepen ties with neighbouring states through mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for legitimate concerns.
- (vii) Promote SAARC as a region of peace, economic integration, and global engagement.
- (viii) End cross-border terrorism and dismantle terror networks operating from Pakistan.
- (ix) Advance the Act East Policy (earlier Look East Policy) for cooperation with ASEAN in areas of mutual interest.
- (x) Strengthen ties with Gulf nations that host over 4 million Indians and supply vital oil and gas resources.
- (xi) Leverage growth via regional bodies like BIMSTEC, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, IBSA, and IOR-ARC.
- (xii) Work actively with regional and global blocs like the EU and G-20 to safeguard Indian interests.
- (xiii) Advocate reform of the UN Security Council to reflect multipolarity, sovereignty, and non-intervention.
- (xiv) Ensure equity between the developed and developing world in political, economic, and technological fields.
- (xv) Pursue global nuclear disarmament within a fixed time frame.
- (xvi) Engage closely with the Indian diaspora, recognising their vital role in international relations.
The Gujral Doctrine of India’s Foreign Policy
- The Gujral Doctrine (1996), introduced by I.K. Gujral, was a turning point in India’s neighbourhood policy.
- It advocates unilateral concessions to smaller South Asian neighbours, based on the principle of non-reciprocity.
- The doctrine aims at strengthening friendly and cordial ties to reduce regional hostility.
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Five Guiding Principles of the Gujral Doctrine
- (i) India should not expect reciprocity from smaller neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, but must act in good faith.
- (ii) No South Asian country should allow its soil to be used against another nation in the region.
- (iii) Countries must not interfere in the internal affairs of their neighbours.
- (iv) All nations should respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- (v) Disputes must be resolved peacefully through bilateral negotiations.
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Significance of the Gujral Doctrine
- The policy aimed at achieving "total peace" with immediate neighbours.
- It was designed to counterbalance hostile relations with Pakistan in the west and China in the north.
- By fostering harmony with smaller neighbours, India sought to minimize external influence in South Asia.
The India Nuclear Doctrine of 2003 and the Connect Central Asia Policy of 2012 illustrate India’s strategic defence initiatives and regional engagement policies. This overview is designed for students of international relations, defence studies, and geopolitics to understand India’s approach to deterrence and Central Asian cooperation.
India Nuclear Doctrine 2003: Key Features and Operational Preparedness
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India formulated its nuclear doctrine in 2003 to maintain strategic stability and ensure national security.
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(i) Credible Minimum Deterrent
- Objective: Maintain a nuclear arsenal sufficient to deter adversaries without pursuing an arms race.
- Implementation: Gradual build-up of strategic forces with survivable delivery mechanisms.
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(ii) No First Use Policy
- Definition: Nuclear weapons will be used only in retaliation to a nuclear attack on Indian soil or forces.
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Strategic Implications
- (a) Reinforces India’s defensive posture.
- (b) Signals restraint to the international community.
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(iii) Massive Retaliation Strategy
- Principle: A first nuclear strike against India will provoke retaliation designed to cause unacceptable damage.
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Implementation
- (a) Targeting strategy is planned at the Political Council level.
- (b) Focus on ensuring credible response against strategic targets.
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(iv) Civilian Authority Over Nuclear Weapons
- Authorization: Only the Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority can approve nuclear strikes.
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(v-viii) Restraints and Global Commitments
- (v) Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
- (vi) Option to retaliate with nuclear weapons if attacked with biological or chemical weapons.
- (vii) Maintain strict controls on exports of nuclear and missile technologies, participate in Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty negotiations, and continue nuclear test moratorium.
- (viii) Commit to global, verifiable, and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.
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Nuclear Command Authority: Structure and Function
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Political Council
- Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
- Role: Sole authority to approve the use of nuclear weapons.
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Executive Council
- Chairperson: National Security Advisor
- Role: Provides recommendations and executes directives from the Political Council.
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Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Review
- (i) CCS evaluated the operational readiness, including alert systems, targeting strategy, and command procedures.
- (ii) Appointment of a Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command, to oversee all strategic nuclear assets.
- (iii) CCS reviewed and approved alternative chains of command for retaliatory strikes.
- (iv) Overall preparedness was deemed satisfactory.
Connect Central Asia Policy India 2012: Expanding Regional Engagement
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Launched in 2012, India’s Connect Central Asia Policy aims to deepen political, economic, security, and cultural ties with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
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Key Features of Connect Central Asia Policy
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(i) Political and Security Engagement
- (a) Strengthen political relations through high-level visits.
- (b) Maintain active interaction in bilateral and multilateral forums.
- (c) Strategic cooperation includes military training, joint research, and counter-terrorism coordination.
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(ii) Economic Cooperation
- (a) Long-term partnership in energy and natural resources.
- (b) Collaboration in agriculture and value-added crop production.
- (c) Infrastructure projects: medium-size steel rolling mills, construction projects leveraging local resources.
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(iii) Education, Health, and Technology
- (a) Higher education: Establishment of a Central Asian University in Bishkek.
- (b) Tele-education and tele-medicine network linking all five countries to India.
- (c) Medical cooperation: Setting up hospitals and clinics.
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(iv) Connectivity and People-to-People Links
- (a) Land connectivity: Reactivation of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- (b) Banking and finance: Expansion of Indian banks to support trade and investment.
- (c) Air connectivity and tourism: Promote tourism and cultural exchange; opportunities for Indian film industry.
- (d) Cultural exchange: Regular youth, academic, and scholar exchanges to strengthen mutual understanding.
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Strategic Significance
- (i) Deepens India’s engagement in the Eurasian region.
- (ii) Balances relations with regional powers: China, Russia, and Pakistan.
- (iii) Leverages membership in regional forums like SCO to enhance diplomatic and economic linkages.
India’s Act East Policy of 2014, upgraded from the Look East Policy of 1992, reflects India’s enhanced focus on the Asia-Pacific region. This policy integrates economic, strategic, cultural, and regional connectivity dimensions, making it highly relevant for students of international relations, geopolitics, and regional studies.
India Act East Policy 2014: Origins and Overview
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The Act East Policy was launched in 2014 by the Modi Government, upgrading the earlier Look East Policy initiated by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1992.
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Policy Declaration: Key Statements by Leaders
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi at India-ASEAN Summit 2014: Emphasized a new era of economic development and trade, officially renaming the policy from “Look East” to “Act East”.
- External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Vietnam, 2014: Urged Indian envoys to “Act East” rather than just “Look East”.
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Key Features of India’s Act East Policy
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(i) Focus on Extended Neighbourhood in Asia-Pacific
- Scope: Originally economic, now includes political, strategic, and cultural dimensions.
- Mechanisms: Establishment of institutional frameworks for dialogue and cooperation.
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(ii) Strategic Partnerships with Asia-Pacific Nations
- Enhanced ties with Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, Singapore and ASEAN.
- Objective: Forge strong regional partnerships beyond purely economic engagement.
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(iii) Active Engagement in Regional Fora
- Participation in ASEAN, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS).
- Other platforms: BIMSTEC, Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
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(iv) Emphasis on Domestic Development and India-ASEAN Cooperation
- Infrastructure & Manufacturing: Integration of trade, skills, smart cities, and Make in India initiatives.
- Connectivity Projects: Space, science & technology, and people-to-people exchanges to foster regional prosperity.
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(v) Objective: Economic Cooperation, Cultural Ties, and Strategic Relationships
- (a) Promote bilateral, regional, and multilateral engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
- (b) Enhance connectivity for North Eastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, with neighbouring countries.
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(vi) Priority to North East India
- Interface between North East India (especially Arunachal Pradesh) and ASEAN nations.
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Connectivity & Infrastructure
- (a) Develop trade, culture, and people-to-people links.
- (b) Physical infrastructure: Roads, airports, telecommunications, and power.
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(vii) Civilizational and Cultural Links
- (a) Strengthening Buddhist and Hindu connections to foster regional integration.
- (b) Encouraging academic and cultural institution exchanges to deepen ties.
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(viii) Connectivity Strategy and Implementation
- (a) Focus on linking ASEAN with North East India.
- (b) Measures include transport infrastructure, airline connectivity, and institutional collaborations.
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(ix) Economic Engagement and Trade Agreements
- (a) Increased economic cooperation with ASEAN.
- (b) ASEAN-India Agreement on Trade in Services and Investments effective from 1 July 2015 for India and seven ASEAN countries.
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(x) Strategic and Security Cooperation
- (a) Greater convergence on security issues in bilateral and multilateral forums.
- (b) Cooperation in combating terrorism, promoting peace and stability, and maritime security aligned with international norms and laws.
