India’s Foreign Policy – Principles and Objectives

India’s foreign policy has influenced the country’s geography, history, economics, and culture. Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation’s first prime minister, played a significant role in forming the nation’s policies. India aimed to maintain international peace, Afro-Asian nation independence, and disarmament during this period while following its foreign policy goals. India adopted a broader foreign policy in recent decades, incorporating the Look East Policy and the SAARC-embodied neighborhood-first approach to establish wider economic and geopolitical alliances with other East Asian nations.

In this article, we will look into the background, objectives, principles, phases, achievements, and challenges of India’s Foreign Policy.

Background of Indian Foreign Policy

During the period of nation-building, there were concerns about war, the reconstruction of an international organization, and the rise of new nations as a result of the end of colonialism. India was dealing with the partition question as well as the challenge of reducing poverty.

To achieve security through maintaining peace in its foreign policy dealings, India decided to respect the sovereignty of all nations. India’s foreign policy was impacted by both internal and external issues, such as its economic reliance on more powerful nations and its lack of resources. India developed its policies in the context of the Cold War.

Indian Foreign Policy – An Overview

Indian foreign policy, like that of many other countries, is a complete set or collection of political goals describing how the nation would interact and network with other countries across the world. Developing commerce, defense, social, cultural, and political ties with other nations is all part of implementing foreign policy, as is taking part in multilateral talks involving many different countries. In carrying out its foreign policy, India was committed to maintaining a few key goals, such as maintaining world peace, granting independence to Asian and African nations, and disarmament as these factors were important for India’s independence.

India maintained peace and harmony in its dealings with foreign associations while respecting the sovereignty of all other nations to achieve security. Indian foreign policy is greatly impacted by both domestic and global factors, including resource constraints and financial reliance on other powerful nations.

Various Factors Determining Foreign Policy

The following factors are the determinants of foreign policy:

1. State Territory Size

A state’s size, which includes both human and non-human resources, is a major factor in shaping its foreign policy. Large powers are often those with abundant natural and human resources, and they have a stronger chance of rising to importance in the world as a forum.

2. Geographical Factors

One of the most reliable and consistent indicators of a nation’s foreign policy is its geographic location. Location, land topography, climate, and fertility are the main geographic elements that influence foreign policy.

 3. National Interests

Every nation follows its national interest when implementing its foreign policy. Over time, certain national interests have not changed, while others have. Everything is reliant on how developed a nation is. All nations attempt to enhance their economic and social progress to guarantee the well-being of their population. Since each nation is at a different point of development, policies need to be modified appropriately.

4. International Factors

Indian foreign policy is impacted by shifts in the international environment. For example, several nations’ foreign policies saw significant adjustments as a result of the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Besides this, a few global concerns addressed by international organizations include the energy crisis, the prevention of nuclear proliferation, the eradication of international terrorism, etc.

Objectives of Indian Foreign Policy

The following are the objectives of Indian Foreign Policy:

1. Maintenance of India’s Independence in Foreign Policy and its Territorial Integrity

• India’s foreign policy is centered on protecting its independence from foreign authority and maintaining its geographical integrity.
• It promotes non-alignment policies, non-interference ideals, and Afro-Asian unity.
• India looks for financial support, technology transfer, and foreign direct investments to maintain growth through initiatives like Make in India, Skills India, Smart Cities, and Digital India.
• Political and economic diplomacy are integrated into the nation’s foreign policy.
• With 20 million Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin, India’s largest diaspora, works to protect their rights and optimize the advantages of their presence outside.
• The strategy seeks to protect India from external threats, encourage inclusive growth, influence public opinion on international matters, and involve and maintain the Indian diaspora.

2. Encouraging Global Peace and Security

• India, a “recently independent and developing country,” correctly recognized the link between global growth and peace.
• India’s focus on disarmament and her goal of avoiding military ties are meant to contribute to world peace.

3. India’s Economic Development

• After gaining independence, India had to advance quickly while strengthening freedom and democracy.
• India decided to put development ahead of power bloc politics to gather resources.
• India’s foreign policy seeks to protect Indian interests internationally while eliminating colonialism and racial prejudice.
• It aims to create a peaceful environment that promotes equitable economic growth and the reduction of poverty.
• India understands that global concerns like energy, food security, and climate change are essential to its transition.

Principles of Indian Foreign Policy

The following are the fundamental principles of Indian foreign policy:

1. Panchsheel Principle

The significance of international peace for the advancement of social and economic sectors was acknowledged by Indian policymakers. The father of Indian foreign policy, Nehru emphasized international peace and aimed for friendly relationships with all nations, especially major powers and nearby countries. The 1954 agreement known as Panchsheel, or the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, outlines five principles: equality, non-aggression, non-interference in domestic matters, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. India’s foreign policy is still being guided by these ideas today.

2. The Non-Alignment Policy

The idea of non-alignment, which preserves independence by refusing to join military alliances established by the United States and the Soviet Union, is emphasized in India’s foreign policy. This idea has gained popularity in developing nations and encourages autonomous global concerns without turning to violence. The creation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which was accomplished through several summits and conferences, was greatly helped by India. Development, disarmament, and the Palestine conflict were the main topics of discussion at the Seventh NAM Summit in 1983, establishing 10 essential principles for international relations and encouraging collaboration between developing nations.

3. The Anti-Racism and Anti-Colonialist Policy

India’s foreign policy, which prioritized eliminating racial prejudice and advancing equality, was developed during the country’s independence struggle. To secure Indonesia’s independence, India was the one to initiate the Asian Relations Conference and raise the Apartheid problem to the UN in 1946. As a result of India’s efforts, 14 African nations were freed from colonial rule in 1964. India severed diplomatic ties and imposed extensive sanctions in opposition to apartheid in South Africa. To assist frontline governments, the Africa Fund was founded in 1986.

4. Peaceful Resolution of Global Conflicts

The UN Charter, State Policy Directives, and the Constitution all support India’s foreign policy goal of peacefully resolving international problems. India has opposed foreign military involvement and played a major role in resolving conflicts such as the Korean War and the Palestinian issue. India currently supports Middle East democracy uprisings and peaceful solutions to Iran’s nuclear challenges.

5. Foreign Economic Assistance

India supports the values of sovereign equality, non-interference, and international law. With decolonization and UN peacekeeping, it has become essential to maintaining global peace. In 1988, India put up a comprehensive nuclear disarmament policy in favor of UN disarmament. India is a candidate for permanent membership in the Security Council and has also suggested changes to increase its democratic aspects.

Other Important Principles of Indian Foreign Policy

• Gujral Doctrine: The Gujral Doctrine was an important step in Indian foreign policy. It was initiated in 1996 by Minister of External Affairs Inder Kumar Gujral under the Deve Gowda administration. It is a set of five guiding principles that govern India’s diplomatic ties with its neighbors.
• Connect Central Asia Policy: It was established to fight China’s hegemony in the region and to make use of its natural riches. It addresses important topics such as economic cooperation, regional connectivity, political cooperation, and strategic cooperation.
• Look East Policy: Under the direction of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, the Indian government introduced the Look East Policy. The development of security, political, and economic cooperation with Southeast Asian countries was the goal of this program.

Phases of Indian Foreign Policy

India has experienced multiple changes in its foreign policy since gaining independence in 1947. The following general categories can be used to group these phases:

First Phase (1947–1962)

Throughout the Cold War, India kept an equal distance from both the US and the Soviet Union as part of its non-alignment policy, which defined this phase. India positioned itself as the movement’s leader, non-aligned, to advance world peace and stability. This was an important element in Indian foreign policy.

Second Phase (1962–71)

India had a more proactive and practical foreign policy during this phase, aiming to protect its interests domestically and expand its influence internationally. India’s efforts to widen its sphere of influence, strengthen its alliances, and tackle both local and international issues have been reflected in the country’s foreign policy.

Third Phase (1971–91)

India helped to establish Bangladesh as a new state and released East Pakistan. This was accomplished through the impressive use of military force. Also, India conducted its first nuclear blast test at Pokhran. The USSR’s demise and these events had an impact on India’s foreign policy.

Fourth Phase (1991–1998)

India changed its position on international issues as a result of the emergence of a unipolar world ruled by the US. Naturally, as a result, India’s foreign policy changed to become more strategically independent.

Fifth Phase (1998-2013)

India attempted to act as a balancing power at this time, as seen by the nuclear agreement between the US and India. India also joined China in promoting commerce and addressing climate change, and it assisted in strengthening relations with Russia.

Sixth Phase (2013-Present)

The biggest change in Indian foreign policy during this period is the transition from the previous non-alignment strategy to multi-alignment. Through its foreign policy, India has aimed to strengthen its strategic alliances, increase its involvement in the region, and advance its domestic development objectives.

Indian Foreign Policy with Special Reference to its Neighboring Countries

In the South Asian region, India is the largest and dominant country. Along with Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, it shares marine borders with the Maldives and Sri Lanka. India’s foreign policy, sometimes referred to as the “Neighborhood First Policy”, places a proactive focus on building relationships with its neighbors.

• The Indian government introduced the Neighborhood First Policy as a foreign policy initiative in 2014.
• With an emphasis on South Asia, the policy attempts to improve India’s ties with its neighbors.
• With a focus on mutual benefit, the Neighborhood First Policy aims to strengthen the cultural, political, and economic relationships that exist between India and its neighbors.
• Its main objectives are to increase trade and investment, promote cultural exchanges, improve connectivity, and solve common problems like poverty, climate change, and terrorism.

Achievements of India’s Foreign Policy

The following are the achievements of India’s foreign policy:

• Since its founding by Jawaharlal Nehru, India has been a major contributor to the NAM’s growth and representation of the interests of developing nations as a whole.
• India rewrote its objectives after the Cold War and hosted the Seventh NAM Summit in 1983.
• In 1946, India was the first nation to bring up the issue of racial discrimination in South Africa in the UN, which served as a catalyst for the end of colonialism in other emerging nations, especially in Africa.
• In 1986, during the 8th NAM Summit in Harare, India launched the AFRICA (Action for Resistance to Invasion, Colonialism, and Apartheid) Fund.
• India has promoted nuclear disarmament through several activities both inside and outside the UN.
• The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) are two examples of discriminatory treaties that India has rejected.
• India has played a major role in both the establishment of a more just international economic order and peacekeeping missions.
• India has also contributed responsibly to other UN causes, including disarmament, human rights protection, and environmentally sustainable development.
• India is a founding member of the BRICS, IBSA, G-8 Outreach Group, and G-20.
• India introduced a new neighborhood policy in 2005 to encourage connection and interpersonal interactions with its neighbors.
• In 2010, India was elected to the Security Council as a non-permanent member for a record-tying seventh time.
• India has also signed free trade agreements with Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka to increase commerce. India’s trade has increased significantly during the past 20 years, reaching a total of $70.0 trillion in 2011.

India’s Demand for a Permanent Seat in UNSC

The effectiveness of maintaining global peace is dependent upon the functioning of the Security Council; yet, this has been adversely affected by the Council’s outdated practice of maintaining unchanged membership. Currently, the Security Council’s permanent members are limited to the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, and China. The current situation, in which the balance of power in the world has shifted since these countries were appointed permanent members, will not be considered in the Security Council’s composition.

India has a strong case for a permanent seat in the Security Council given its status as the fourth fastest-growing economy, its leadership at international conferences, its involvement in UN peacekeeping, and its history of uniting the Third World. Many allied nations are supporting India. The course is complicated, so deciding on it ultimately will probably take some time.

Challenges to India’s Foreign Policy

India has been dealing with several issues related to its foreign policy as a result of the increasing chaos in the world. The most difficult task is striking a balance between the nation’s moral principles and its best interests. The following are some of the challenges to India’s Foreign Policy:

• Situations like Russia-Ukraine issue make it hard to decide between politics and morality. India’s trade contacts with Russia are important, and acting against it could damage those ties. Thus, the Russia-Ukraine war poses a challenge to Indian foreign policy.
• India is experiencing an economic crisis marked by rising rates of unemployment and conflict. Also, as a young country, we must develop our internal strength before becoming a powerful force internationally.
• India’s foreign policy is challenged by the ongoing territorial conflicts it has with its neighbors, especially China and Pakistan.
• India’s security and foreign policy goals are still threatened by the threat of cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan.
• The efficient management of climate change necessitates international cooperation, which presents an important obstacle to India’s foreign policy.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of diplomacy and foreign policy is limited by the political, social, and economic stability of a nation. Over the last thirty years, India has experienced remarkable growth and prosperity. As a result, India now has more influence over foreign policy and can devote a disproportionate number of resources to diplomacy, which includes expanding and strengthening our diplomatic network globally. India has demonstrated under the present government that it is determined to take center stage in the international arena and establish itself as a “pole” unto itself. India will be able to accomplish this goal if there is sustained prosperity and security at home and if there is political consensus on general standards for foreign policy.

India’s Foreign Policy UPSC

India’s Foreign Policy is an important topic for the UPSC Mains syllabus under GS Paper 1. Students preparing for the UPSC exam can refer to this article for comprehensive notes on India’s Foreign Policy and ease of understanding of the topic.

UPSC Mains PYQ on India’s Foreign Policy

Q. “The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (2019)

Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)

FAQs – India’s Foreign Policy

1. What is the Main Foreign Policy of India?

Preserving national interest, achieving world peace, disarmament, and independence for Afro-Asian nations are among India’s major foreign policy goals.

2. Who started Indian Foreign Policy?

Jawaharlal Nehru, one of the independence leaders with a lifelong interest in international events, developed Congress’s position on foreign matters starting in the late 1920s. In his dual roles as Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs beginning in 1947, Nehru shaped India’s foreign policy.

3. What is India’s Foreign Policy Modi?

From the beginning, the Modi administration made it clear that India would prioritize strengthening ties with ASEAN and other East Asian nations in line with the Look East policy, which was developed in 1992 by PM Narasimha Rao’s administration to encourage greater economic interaction with its eastern neighbors.

4. What is the Foreign Policy of India 2023?

The goal of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 is process automation and re-engineering to make it easier for exporters to conduct business. Also, it concentrates on new fields such as working with States and Districts to promote exports, enabling the export of e-commerce, and dual-use high-end technological items under SCOMET.

5. Who is the Foreign Minister of India 2023?

Dr. S. Jaishankar is the current foreign minister of India. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Italy invited Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India (EAM), to an official visit during November 02–03, 2023.