Question

Describe any three factors that influenced the foreign policy of India after independence.

Hint:

To understand the influences on India's foreign policy, consider its past (colonialism), the present situation at independence (Cold War), and its future goals (economic development).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
India's foreign policy after 1947 was shaped by a combination of its historical experiences, domestic needs, and the international political environment of the time.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Three major factors that influenced India's foreign policy after independence were:
1. The Legacy of the Anti-Colonial Struggle: India's long struggle for freedom against British colonialism deeply influenced its foreign policy. This resulted in a strong opposition to colonialism and imperialism everywhere in the world and a commitment to protecting its own sovereignty. This historical experience was a key reason for India's decision not to join any military bloc.
2. The Cold War Context: India became independent at the beginning of the Cold War, a period of intense rivalry between the US and the USSR. To preserve its autonomy and avoid being drawn into superpower conflicts, India, under the leadership of its first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, championed the policy of Non-Alignment. This became the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
3. Domestic Economic Challenges: As a newly independent and economically underdeveloped country, India's primary domestic challenge was poverty and the need for rapid economic development. Its foreign policy was, therefore, designed to promote peace and stability in its neighbourhood and globally, which would allow it to focus its resources on development. It also sought to maintain friendly relations with all countries, including both superpowers, to secure economic and technical assistance.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Three factors that shaped post-independence Indian foreign policy were its anti-colonial legacy, the prevailing Cold War rivalry which led to the policy of Non-Alignment, and the pressing need for economic development.