Define the main elements of Indian Foreign Policy.

Ans. 

Introduction:

According to Dr. V.P. Dutt, "Historical traditions, geographical location and past experiences have been influential factors in the formulation of India's foreign policy." 

The elements that have had particular significance in the formulation of India's foreign policy are the following:

1. Geographical location - 

In formulating the foreign policy of any country, its geographical circumstances are of foremost and decisive importance.

According to K.M. Paliwal, "When the objective of policies is regional security, they are mainly determined by geographical factors."

Napoleon Bonaparte also wrote, "The foreign policy of any country is determined by its geography."

2. Blocs -

When India became independent, the world was divided into two blocs. The hostility between America and the Soviet Union had increased so much that it transformed into a "Cold War". 

What would India do in this politics of the Cold War? Either it would stay separate from the blocs or it would join the blocs. India deemed it best to stay separate from the blocs. Because it wanted to act as a buffer between the two. The main reason for India's policy of neutrality and non-alignment is that India has nothing to lose by not aligning with any of the two world blocs. Its interest lies in reducing tension between the two blocs because a world war would wreck the Indian economy and shatter its dream of achieving an economic golden age. The non-aligned position enables it to play the role of mediator between the two blocs and help reduce international tension.

3. Influence of ideologies - 

Gandhian ideology based on peace and non-violence has also had a profound influence in determining India's foreign policy. Influenced by this ideology, world peace has been discussed under the guiding principles of state policy in Article 51 of the Constitution. 

Hudson writes that Gandhi's pacifism convinced people that peace in the world can only be established through 'agreements', not by forming defensive organizations. It is India's duty to stay away from opposing parties and act as a mediator between them. 

4. Economic factors -

India's economic development was only possible if international peace persisted. Economically, most of India's trade was with Western nations and Western nations were exploiting India. India was also eager to get maximum foreign aid for its development. From this perspective, it was very important for India to have friendly relations with everyone and it could not ally with any one bloc. By staying away from bloc politics, it kept getting economic and technical aid from both blocs, because no bloc wanted India to come under the influence of the other bloc. 

5. Military factors -

Militarily, India was not a powerful country. For its defense, it was completely dependent on foreign countries in many ways. India's weak military position compelled it to maintain friendly relations with all major powers of the world. Right from the beginning, India remained a member of the Commonwealth, which also had the same logic that militarily India depended only on Britain. 

6. Pt. Nehru's personality - 

Pt. Nehru was not only India's Prime Minister but also Foreign Minister. The stamp of his personality is evident on every aspect of foreign policy. He was against imperialism, colonialism and fascism. He was a strong supporter of resolving all international disputes through peaceful means. He considered India's policy of non-alignment in the conflict between superpowers to be the best. In line with these very ideas of his, he shaped India's foreign policy and whatever form it has today is the living embodiment of Pt. Nehru's ideas.

7. National interest - 

Pt. Nehru had clearly stated in the Constituent Assembly that "for any country, the cornerstone of foreign policy is the security of national interests and the aim of India's foreign policy is also the same." What is India's national interest? Determining this is not easy. 

India has two types of national interests: 

• 1. Temporary national interests like foodgrains, foreign capital, technical development etc. 
• 2. Permanent national interests like integrity and security of the country. The contradictions sometimes seen in India's foreign policy prove that national interests have the biggest place in India's foreign policy. In the context of national interests, India has always supported Arab nations instead of Israel in the West Asia crisis.

8. Historical tradition - 

Historical traditions have also greatly contributed in determining India's foreign policy. India's policy has been peace-loving since ancient times. India has never tried to establish domination over any country. This is clearly visible in India's current foreign policy. 

The character and specialties of Hindu civilization - such as feelings of peace, harmony and tolerance - form a major basis of India's foreign policy. 500 years of British rule have also contributed in determining our foreign policy. Presence of parliamentary system, liberalism, use of English language, administrative framework etc. in the country are proofs of this. Bitter experience of British imperialism is at its root. Hostile relations with Pakistan and cultural and spiritual relations with South-East Asian countries are also results of historical experiences. 

9. Influence of internal powers and pressures - 

A country's internal powers and pressure groups also play an influential role in determining foreign policy. When a nation is internally strong and psychologically united, its foreign policy also becomes clearer, stronger and more effective. But when it is divided due to internal differences and political instability is observed, foreign policy often becomes weak and ineffective and inactive in international matters.

Main theoretical bases of India's foreign policy: 

If we review the foreign policy of independent India, the following appear before us:

1. Policy of non-alignment - 

The Indian perspective in world politics has been mainly of non-alignment. It is called the essence of Indian foreign policy. Non-alignment indicates the prior existence of blocs. When India became independent it found that world politics was already divided into two blocs. One bloc was led by the United States of America and the other by the Soviet Union. Most nations of the world were divided into two rival camps and the arena of intense Cold War started expanding. Along with it, preparations for a third world war started being made. The meaning of this policy is that India will not join any of the two current world blocs, but while remaining separate will also try to maintain friendly relations with them and will be eager for development with their unconditional aid. 

The main objectives of India's policy of non-alignment are:

• 1. Make every possible effort for international peace and security.
• 2. Encourage in every possible way the policy of resolving international disputes through mediation.
• 3. Maintain respectful relations between all states and nations.
• 4. Uphold faith in international law and in treaties in relation between various nations.
• 5. Keep itself apart from military blocs and pacts and discourage such blocs.
• 6. Strongly oppose colonialism, wherever it exists in any form.
• 7. Discourage any kind of imperialist sentiment.
• 8. Actively help the peoples of countries suffering from colonialism, racism and imperialism.
• 9. Develop in the international community understanding and support for India's aspirations, necessary national interests and concerns; and build relationships of mutual trust and respect.
• 10. Develop with all countries a broad-based, mutually beneficial and cooperative framework of trade, industry, investment and technology transfer and actively promote economic and commercial contacts to this end.
• 11. Harmonize the aspirations of all peoples of the world and India's own yearning for democracy, individual liberties and human rights as the inspiration for the release of their creative energies. This includes strengthening the forces of universal concord based on the twin principles of democracy and human freedoms as the necessary foundation for peace and development.
• 12. To work with non-aligned countries and other powers to strive for equitable international order and to strengthen bilateral relations with different countries to promote world peace and a just international order.
• 13. To work creatively with other countries bilaterally as well as within the framework of multilateral organizations like the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement etc. to find solutions to complex and high-profile political, social and economic problems facing the international community. These include peace and security issues, especially universal and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament, along with common security for all; establishment of a just international economic order through rational and equitable international economic relations; globalization; environmental protection; public health; terrorism and different forms of extremism; information revolution; culture and education etc.
• 14. Specifically, the primary and central point of our foreign policy is to strengthen friendship and cooperation with our neighboring countries in South Asia and work with them to create an atmosphere of permanent peace, mutual trust and understanding in the region.  

The above objectives make it clear that the principles of friendly relations, peace and equality have been given the utmost importance in India's foreign policy. India has decided to follow the policy of cooperation and goodwill with all on the basis of justice. In this context, the main architect of India's foreign policy, Pt. Nehru, established the three pillars of India's foreign policy as peace, friendship and equality.