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🔶 Introduction to Indian Foreign Policy
Definition: Foreign policy reflects how a country engages with the world to secure its national interests.
Determinants: Influenced by domestic politics (economy, leadership, ideology) and international environment (geopolitical shifts, global power structures).
India's Unique Standing: Regional hegemon in South Asia; significant voice among developing countries.
🇮🇳 PHASE 1: POST-COLONIAL IDENTITY & IDEALISM (1947–1962)
- Architect: Jawaharlal Nehru
- Political Model: Parliamentary democracy.
- Economic Model: Mixed economy with socialist leanings.
- Diplomatic Doctrine: Non-Alignment Movement (NAM).
- Guiding Values: Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence).
- Global Role:
- Leader of the decolonized world.
- Voice of Afro-Asian solidarity.
- Idealism Dominated:
- Belief in moral leadership and peaceful coexistence.
- Focused on global justice over realpolitik.
- Challenge: Sino-Indian War of 1962 exposed strategic naivety.
⚔️ PHASE 2: PRAGMATISM & POWER POLITICS (1962–1991)
Shift from Idealism to Realism
- Post-1962 Awakening: India's faith in pure non-alignment was shaken.
- 1965: India-Pakistan war followed by Tashkent Agreement.
- 1971:
- Indira Gandhi’s assertive leadership.
- India–USSR Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
- Use of hard power in liberating Bangladesh.
- 1974: India’s nuclear assertion (Pokhran I) – provoked Western sanctions.
- Complex Geopolitics:
- China–Pakistan–US axis emerged as a counterbalance.
- India's foreign relations increasingly security-centric.
💰 PHASE 3: ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY & MULTI-ALIGNMENT (1991–Present)
The 1991 Turning Point:
- Triggers:
- USSR collapse
- Gulf War
- Balance of Payments crisis
- Policy Shifts:
- Economic Liberalization.
- Emphasis on economic ties, FDI, and market access.
- Shift from non-alignment to multi-alignment.
🧩 The Gujral Doctrine (1996–97):
- Focused on unilateral generosity to neighbors (esp. smaller ones).
- Stressed regional peace and non-reciprocity.
🔬 Pokhran II (1998):
- Strategic assertion of nuclear deterrence.
- Refused CTBT – upholding strategic autonomy.
🌐 CONTEMPORARY INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY (2014–Present)
Modi Era: Assertive, Global, Self-Reliant
- Neighbourhood First: Renewed push to strengthen South Asian ties.
- SAGAR Doctrine: Security and Growth for All in the Region (Indian Ocean).
- Act East / Act Far East: Enhanced engagement with ASEAN & East Asia.
- Think West: Deepening ties with West Asia (Gulf countries).
- Connect Central Asia: Energy, culture, security & trade integration.
- India–US Nuclear Deal (2008): Cornerstone of tech and strategic partnership.
🏭 Economic Diplomacy:
- Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat: Economic nationalism with global cooperation.
- India as Fastest-Growing Economy: Global investment hub and emerging power.
📅 MAJOR EVENTS SHAPING INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Kashmir invasion by Pakistan |
| 1962 | War with China |
| 1965 | India-Pakistan war |
| 1971 | Bangladesh Liberation War |
| 1974 | Pokhran I Nuclear Test |
| 1991 | USSR collapse, economic crisis |
| 1998 | Pokhran II, nuclear doctrine |
| 1999 | Kargil conflict |
| 2001 | 9/11 & Indian Parliament attack |
| 2008 | Mumbai attacks, global recession |
| 2014 | Modi govt reorients foreign policy |
🧠 ANALYTICAL TAKEAWAYS
- From Moralism to Realism: India transitioned from an idealist to a realist power.
- From Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment: Strategic autonomy retained, but with pragmatic global partnerships.
- From Regional Focus to Global Presence: Now actively shapes Indo-Pacific, West Asia, Central Asia.
- Economic Engine: Economic strength underpins diplomacy—Geo-economics drives geopolitics.
- Soft + Hard Power: India combines culture, diaspora, development aid with strategic assertiveness (nuclear, military, tech).
📝 USE THIS IN ANSWERS
"India's foreign policy reflects a dynamic blend of Nehruvian idealism, Indira's assertiveness, post-1991 pragmatism, and Modi-era confidence. From a moral torchbearer to a balancing power, India's trajectory showcases resilience and reinvention in an evolving world order."