I. Perspectives on India’s Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy reflects its unique history, culture, geography, and global aspirations.
It has evolved from postcolonial idealism to pragmatic engagement with the global economy and power politics.

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1️⃣ India as a Postcolonial State

• After independence (1947), India emerged from centuries of British colonial rule.

• It sought strategic autonomy — freedom from domination by any major power bloc.

• India emphasized anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism, and equality among nations.

• This was visible in:

  • Support for decolonization movements in Asia and Africa.

  • Opposition to apartheid in South Africa.

  • Advocacy of Non-Alignment in the Cold War.

Key Idea: India’s foreign policy is rooted in the colonial experience and a desire to maintain independence in global affairs.

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2️⃣ India as a Developing Nation

• India’s main challenge after independence was economic underdevelopment.

• Hence, foreign policy was linked to developmental goals:

  • Seeking foreign aid and technology without compromising sovereignty.

  • Promoting South–South cooperation with other developing countries.

  • Participating in the Group of 77 (G-77) for equitable global economic order.

Core principle: Economic growth and social justice are integral to external relations.

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3️⃣ India as a Rising Power

• In the 21st century, India is recognized as a rising power due to:

  • Rapid economic growth (world’s 5th largest economy).

  • Technological and defense advancements.

  • Global leadership roles (e.g., G-20, BRICS, UN peacekeeping).

• India now aims to shape global rules rather than just follow them.

Example: India’s leadership in International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Voice of Global South Summit (2023).

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4️⃣ India as an Emerging Political Economy

• Economic liberalization (1991) transformed India’s foreign relations.

• Shift from inward-looking to open, globalized economy.

• Priorities now include:

  • Attracting investment.

  • Expanding exports.

  • Securing energy and technology.

  • Engaging with global markets (WTO, IMF, World Bank).

Key concept: India’s diplomacy today balances economic interests with strategic partnerships.

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🇮🇳 II. Continuity and Change in India’s Foreign Policy

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1️⃣ Basic Principles (Continuity)

Articulated by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister:

These principles continue to guide India, though interpreted pragmatically today.

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2️⃣ Determinants of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy decisions are influenced by:

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☮️ III. Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)

1️⃣ Historical Background

• Emerged during the Cold War when the world was divided into:

  • Western bloc (U.S.-led)

  • Eastern bloc (Soviet-led)

• India, under Nehru, chose an independent path — neither joining NATO nor the Soviet bloc.

• NAM officially founded in 1961 (Belgrade Summit) by Nehru (India), Tito (Yugoslavia), Nasser (Egypt), Sukarno (Indonesia), Nkrumah (Ghana).

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2️⃣ Objectives of NAM

• Preserve independence and sovereignty.

• Promote peace, disarmament, and development.

• Oppose colonialism and racism.

• Support South–South cooperation.

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3️⃣ Relevance Today

• NAM still represents strategic autonomy and multipolar cooperation.

• India uses NAM as a platform for:

  • Climate justice

  • Reforming global institutions

  • Protecting developing nations’ interests.

Contemporary meaning: “Issue-based alignment” — India engages flexibly, not rigidly non-aligned.

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☢️ IV. India’s Nuclear Policy

• India adopted a No First Use (NFU) policy — will not use nuclear weapons unless attacked first.

• Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (1974) at Pokhran under Indira Gandhi.

• Nuclear tests (1998) under Atal Bihari Vajpayee → declared India a nuclear weapons state.

• Doctrine: Credible Minimum Deterrence + NFU.

• India refuses to sign NPT and CTBT citing discriminatory nature.

India’s goal: Nuclear capability for deterrence, not aggression.

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🌏 V. India’s Relations with Major Powers

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1️⃣ India–USA Relations

• Strained during Cold War (India–USSR closeness, U.S.–Pakistan alliance).

• Improved after 1991 economic reforms and end of Cold War.

• Key developments:

  • Nuclear deal (2008) – recognized India’s nuclear status.

  • QUAD partnership (India–U.S.–Japan–Australia).

  • Cooperation in defense (COMCASA, LEMOA), technology, and climate.

Current Status: Strategic partnership focusing on Indo-Pacific stability and countering China.

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2️⃣ India–USSR / Russia Relations

• Historic friendship during Cold War; USSR supported India in 1971 war (Bangladesh liberation).

• Post-Soviet era: Russia remains key defense partner.

• Joint ventures: BrahMos missile, nuclear submarines, energy cooperation.

• Despite India’s U.S. engagement, Russia remains a trusted partner.

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3️⃣ India–China Relations

• Initially friendly under Panchsheel (1954) → later tension over Tibet and borders.

• 1962 War: major setback.

• Recent issues: Doklam (2017), Galwan Valley clash (2020).

• Trade remains strong, but strategic distrust persists.

• India balances China through QUAD, Indo-Pacific strategy, and ties with ASEAN.

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🌐 VI. India’s Engagement with a Multipolar World

1️⃣ India–European Union (EU)

• Major trade and investment partner.

• Cooperation on climate change, digitalization, and global governance.

• Negotiating Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

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2️⃣ BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)

• Focus on multipolarity, development, financial reform.

• Created New Development Bank (NDB).

• India uses BRICS for South–South solidarity.

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3️⃣ ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

• Key partner in India’s Act East Policy.

• Cooperation in trade, connectivity, and maritime security.

• Example: India–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (2009).

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4️⃣ Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• India joined in 2017 with Pakistan.

• Platform for cooperation with China, Russia, Central Asia on terrorism and energy.

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5️⃣ African Union (AU) & SADC

• Focus on capacity building, trade, and development projects.

• India–Africa Forum Summits strengthen South–South partnership.

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6️⃣ Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

• Economic ties: energy imports, remittances from Indian diaspora.

• Strategic interest in Middle East stability.

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🌏 VII. India’s Relations with Neighbourhood

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1️⃣ SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)

• Formed in 1985 to promote regional cooperation.

• Members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan.

• India supports SAARC but progress hindered by India–Pakistan tensions.

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2️⃣ Gujral Doctrine (1996–97)

Proposed by PM I.K. Gujral — principles for friendly relations with neighbours:

• Unilateral concessions to smaller neighbours.

• Non-interference and respect for sovereignty.

• Mutual trust and cooperation.
  (Example: India–Bangladesh water-sharing agreements.)

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3️⃣ Look East / Act East Policy

• Initiated by Narasimha Rao (1991); upgraded to “Act East” by Modi (2014).

• Aim: Strengthen ties with ASEAN and East Asia.

• Focus: Connectivity, trade, security in Indo-Pacific.

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4️⃣ Look West Policy

• Strengthen relations with West Asia / Gulf region.

• Objectives: Energy security, counterterrorism, diaspora welfare.

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🏛️ VIII. India’s Negotiation Strategies in International Regimes

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⚠️ IX. Contemporary Challenges for India’s Foreign Policy

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1️⃣ Maritime Security

• Protecting sea routes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

• India’s SAGAR vision – “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”

• Countering China’s String of Pearls strategy.

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2️⃣ Energy Security

• India imports over 80% of its oil.

• Diversifying sources (Middle East, Russia, Africa) and promoting renewable energy.

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3️⃣ Environmental Security

• Active role in Paris Climate Agreement (2015).

• Leader of International Solar Alliance (ISA) for clean energy cooperation.

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4️⃣ Migrants and Refugees

• Concern for Indian diaspora (Gulf, Africa).

• Refugees from Tibet, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Afghanistan hosted in India.

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5️⃣ Water Resources

• Transboundary river disputes (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra).

• Diplomatic management through Indus Water Treaty (1960) and bilateral mechanisms.

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6️⃣ International Terrorism

• Major challenge from Pakistan-based groups.

• India supports UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

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7️⃣ Cyber Security

• Increasing cyber-attacks and data breaches.

• India promotes global cyber governance and digital sovereignty.

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📘 Summary Table: Core Themes of India’s Foreign Policy