What are the major features of India’s foreign policy? Explain.

 Q. What are the major features of India’s foreign policy? Explain.

What are the major features of India’s foreign policy? Explain.  India's foreign policy, similar to those of other countries, is essentially a product of its history, geography, and international realities. It's an intricate combination of many factors including national interests, historical legacies, and geopolitical conditions, among others. Since its independence in 1947, India's foreign policy has undergone several changes in response to evolving global political dynamics. However, certain constants have guided it throughout, fostering its image as a responsible, peaceful, and growing power. This essay aims to explore the major features of India's foreign policy.

Non-Alignment

India's foreign policy, for most of its post-independence history, has been defined by Non-Alignment.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a unique international organization, founded during the Cold War's heightened tension between two global superpowers - the United States and the Soviet Union. Established during the 1955 Bandung Conference, the movement became a formal organization at the first Non-Aligned Summit in Belgrade in 1961. Under the leadership of such historical figures as India's Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser, Indonesia's Sukarno, Yugoslavia's Josip Broz Tito, and Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah, NAM asserted a strong desire for an alternative path to the prevailing bipolar world order.

What are the major features of India’s foreign policy? Explain.


The primary objective of NAM was to ensure the independent decision-making of its member states without interference from the dominant world powers. It emphasized the principles of non-interference, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity, promoting peace and cooperation among nations. Its members sought a course of neutrality, rejecting formal alliances with either the Western or the Eastern bloc. This "third way" was not merely non-participation in global power structures; it was an active pursuit of a more equitable international system that better reflected the interests and aspirations of developing countries.

NAM has become an influential platform for countries in the Global South to voice their concerns on the international stage. With over 120 member states, the movement represents nearly two-thirds of the United Nations' membership and more than half of the world's population. It is committed to promoting collective self-reliance among developing nations and has consistently advocated for economic and social justice, human rights, and sustainable development.

Despite the end of the Cold War, NAM remains relevant in the contemporary global order. In the face of challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and conflicts, NAM continues to provide a critical space for dialogue and cooperation among nations that often remain at the margins of global decision-making. It amplifies their voices and advocates for a more equitable global governance system. The major features of India’s foreign policy

The Non-Aligned Movement also faces significant challenges. With the rise of new powers and the reconfiguration of global politics, maintaining unity among such a diverse group of nations is no easy task. Differences in national interests, political systems, and economic conditions often lead to divergent perspectives within the movement. Additionally, the changing nature of global conflict, characterized increasingly by non-state actors and asymmetrical warfare, poses new questions about the relevance of non-alignment.

The Non-Aligned Movement remains an essential part of the global political landscape. It is a testament to the enduring desire for self-determination and sovereign equality among nations. At its core, NAM embodies the pursuit of a world where power is not concentrated in the hands of a few, but dispersed among the many. Its enduring presence challenges the status quo, demanding a more inclusive and equitable global order.

 

Panchsheel or Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

The Panchsheel, or the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, are a series of guidelines for international diplomacy, first proposed by India and China in 1954. These principles have a significant historical and philosophical underpinning, emanating from India's non-aligned foreign policy perspective, as well as from the teachings of Buddha, Mahavira, and Ashoka. They are regarded as the cornerstone of India's foreign policy.

The first principle of Panchsheel is mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This principle underlines the importance of recognizing and honoring the political and territorial boundaries of all nations. Each country is expected to respect the sovereignty of others without any interference or aggression. This respect allows nations to coexist peacefully, fostering an environment where international disputes are handled through dialogue and negotiation rather than military force.

The second principle, mutual non-aggression, emphasizes the importance of countries refraining from violent aggression against each other. It promotes the idea that disputes should be resolved peacefully through diplomacy and negotiation rather than resorting to force or war. In this regard, it is crucial to note that the concept of aggression is not confined to physical violence; it also includes economic coercion, political interference, or any form of hostile behavior. The major features of India’s foreign policy

The third principle, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, recognizes the importance of each country's ability to govern its affairs without external influence. This principle encourages the respect for national sovereignty and the preservation of each nation's right to self-determination. It upholds that each nation has the freedom to make decisions regarding its internal matters, without undue pressure or coercion from other countries.

The fourth principle, equality and mutual benefit, advocates for international relations characterized by fairness, justice, and reciprocal benefit. It posits that countries should engage with each other on equal terms, respecting each other's rights and interests. This principle underscores the importance of cooperation and the sharing of resources and benefits for the common good, which can lead to sustainable development and peace.

The fifth and final principle, peaceful coexistence, forms the crux of the Panchsheel. It proclaims that nations should coexist in peace and harmony, without engaging in acts of war or conflict. It promotes a world order where every nation, regardless of its size or power, can exist harmoniously without fear of domination or aggression from others.

The Panchsheel principles are rooted in an inclusive, respectful, and peaceful worldview. They underline the inherent dignity and worth of all nations and promote mutual respect, peace, and cooperation. At a time when the world is becoming increasingly polarized, these principles offer a valuable framework for fostering international peace and stability.

However, it is crucial to note that the application of these principles is not without challenges. In a world marked by power politics, ideological conflicts, and economic disparities, the practical implementation of these principles often meets with hurdles. Nevertheless, they remain a guiding light for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among nations.

Non-aggression and Peaceful Resolution of Disputes

India has always stressed the non-aggression principle and peaceful resolution of disputes. It has often advocated dialogue and diplomacy as means of resolving international conflicts. An example of this can be seen in India's response to the Kashmir issue with Pakistan where India has always pushed for bilateral discussions based on the Simla Agreement of 1972.

Promoting South-South Cooperation

India has been an ardent supporter of south-south cooperation. It has often rallied for greater cooperation between developing nations to fight the common problems of poverty, illiteracy, and underdevelopment. A manifestation of this is India's active role in forums like the NAM, the G77, BRICS, and the India-Africa Forum Summit. The major features of India’s foreign policy

Nuclear Policy

India's nuclear policy has evolved significantly since the country embarked on its nuclear program in the mid-20th century, starting primarily for peaceful purposes, but over time developing a military aspect in response to regional security dynamics. The trajectory of India's nuclear policy can be understood in the context of its broader strategic objectives, domestic political developments, and international pressures and norms.

India's journey into the nuclear world began with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission in 1948, under the leadership of Homi J. Bhabha. India's nuclear program was initially intended for peaceful purposes like energy production, medical research, and agricultural development. The country's commitment to using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes was also underlined by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's firm belief in atomic energy as a vehicle for socio-economic development.

India's first nuclear test, codenamed "Smiling Buddha," was conducted in 1974. Although described as a "peaceful nuclear explosion," it raised international concerns about India's nuclear intentions. Despite the test, India continued to maintain a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear weapons testing for several years.

The shift in India's nuclear policy towards weaponization became more apparent in the 1990s, influenced by a complex mix of factors, including a changing regional security environment, particularly due to nuclear-armed China and Pakistan. This led to the nuclear tests in May 1998, named "Operation Shakti," which marked India's formal entry into the nuclear weapons club. Despite these tests, India reiterated its commitment to nuclear disarmament and stressed that its nuclear weapons program was driven by security concerns and not an ambition to become a global nuclear power.

India's nuclear policy has since been characterized by a commitment to "no first use" (NFU) and a policy of "credible minimum deterrence." This means that India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict but will maintain a sufficient nuclear arsenal to deter any potential nuclear attacks on its territory. The NFU policy, along with the promise of massive retaliation in case of a nuclear attack, underscores the fundamentally defensive orientation of India's nuclear posture.

Feature of India's nuclear policy is its unwavering commitment to global nuclear disarmament. Despite being a nuclear-armed state, India has consistently advocated for a nuclear-free world. It has also been a strong proponent of universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable nuclear disarmament, emphasizing the need to address the threat posed by nuclear weapons on a global scale.

India's nuclear policy also reflects its commitment to maintaining a responsible nuclear posture. Despite not being a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), India has adhered to a stringent self-imposed export control policy to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It has also demonstrated its commitment to safe and secure nuclear practices by working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international bodies.

 Look East Policy and Act East Policy

India's "Look East" policy was initiated in the early 1990s, marking a strategic shift in the country's foreign policy from its traditional non-alignment stance to a more pragmatic and adaptive approach, especially concerning the rapidly growing economies in East and Southeast Asia. This policy focused on establishing close economic and strategic ties with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members and other East Asian economies. However, it wasn't confined to just economics, as India also aspired to bolster its security, cultural, and diplomatic ties with the nations in this region. The major features of India’s foreign policy

Driven by the economic liberalization at home, the Look East policy was a major pivot towards integrating India with the world economy, recognizing the potential of East Asian countries to play a vital role in India's economic development. The key elements of the policy included promoting economic cooperation, expanding trade relations, and boosting investment in East and Southeast Asian nations. Additionally, the policy aimed to cultivate and strengthen cultural ties, aiming to foster mutual understanding, peace, and stability in the region.

The Look East policy underwent a transformation, both in terms of its scope and intensity. It moved beyond just economic and trade relations to include issues such as security and strategic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and deepening regional integration. These changes culminated in what came to be known as the "Act East" policy under the Modi administration, which was announced in 2014.

The Act East policy was not merely a continuation of the Look East policy but a more dynamic and upgraded version of it. It aimed at integrating India's economy with those of East and Southeast Asia, building robust networks of interdependence, and enhancing India's strategic influence in the region. The focus widened from ASEAN to include countries like South Korea, Japan, Australia, and even extended to the Pacific island countries. The policy envisioned a more active role for India in regional politics and security affairs.

Under the Act East policy, India also increased its engagements in regional multilateral organizations, such as the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). These efforts symbolized India's desire to be an active participant in the regional and global decision-making process.

The Act East policy also focused on the northeastern states of India, aiming to boost their economy and connectivity by establishing them as a natural bridge between India and Southeast Asia. Enhancing infrastructural development, promoting tourism, and cultural exchanges were key components of this initiative.

The Act East policy reflected a comprehensive approach towards East and Southeast Asia. It was not just about economics and trade, but also involved political relations, security cooperation, strategic interests, cultural ties, and people-to-people contact. The policy encapsulated India's vision of an inclusive and cooperative Asian community. The major features of India’s foreign policy

Neighborhood First Policy

The 'Neighbourhood First' policy, an integral part of India's foreign policy in recent years, seeks to improve ties with its immediate neighbours. By emphasizing connectivity, cooperation, and cultural links, it seeks to foster a sense of shared destiny with its neighbours.

One of the critical elements of India's foreign policy is its persistent focus on strategic autonomy. This principle is a carry-over from the non-alignment policy. Despite changing geopolitical dynamics, India has consistently sought to avoid dependency on any single nation or group of nations. Instead, it has pursued a course that maximizes its interests. For instance, India has not formally aligned itself with any major power blocs even in the post-Cold War period, despite forging strategic partnerships with several countries, including the United States, Russia, and Japan.

The neighborhood has always been a key focus area in India's foreign policy. India has pursued active engagement with its South Asian neighbors and has striven to be a net security provider in the region. Its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores this focus. It prioritizes improving relationships with neighboring countries through initiatives such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

India's foreign policy has also been characterized by active engagement with various multilateral forums. These include the United Nations, World Trade Organization, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), G20, and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), among others. For instance, India's consistent efforts to reform the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities underscore its proactive approach in multilateral forums.

Maritime Diplomacy

Given its geographical location, maritime diplomacy is an essential aspect of India's foreign policy. It seeks to protect its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and to provide a cooperative model for regional development and security. The 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) doctrine underlines this aspect of India's foreign policy. The major features of India’s foreign policy

Economic considerations have assumed increasing importance in India's foreign policy. Through initiatives such as 'Make in India,' 'Digital India,' and 'Startup India,' India has been attracting foreign direct investment, promoting technological innovations, and enhancing its economic footprint globally.

Conclusion

The major features of India’s foreign policy , India's foreign policy is a mix of historical principles, such as Non-Alignment and Panchsheel, and new initiatives like Look East and Neighborhood First policies. It's characterized by an emphasis on national interest, peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and south-south cooperation. Despite shifts and changes, the primary focus remains on safeguarding national sovereignty, promoting peace, and enhancing India's role and image globally. Given the rapidly changing global order, India’s foreign policy will continue to evolve, yet these core principles are likely to remain as foundational pillars.


0 comments:

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.