Question

Explain the role of Pt. Nehru in the formulation of India's foreign policy.

Hint:

To structure this answer effectively, remember the two pillars of Nehru's foreign policy: {Non-Alignment} and {Panchsheel}. Explaining these two concepts and then adding his stance on anti-colonialism and Afro-Asian unity provides a complete picture of his role.

Answer 1

Jawaharlal Nehru, as India's first Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, was the chief architect of India's foreign policy in the initial decades after independence. His role was foundational and shaped the country's approach to international relations for a long time. His contribution can be understood through the key principles he championed:
1. Non-Alignment: - This was the cornerstone of Nehru's foreign policy. In a world divided by the Cold War into two hostile blocs led by the USA and the USSR, Nehru advocated for a policy of non-alignment.
- It was not a policy of neutrality or passivity but an active and independent policy of judging international issues on their merits, rather than on the basis of a pre-determined alignment with any bloc.
- He co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to provide a platform for newly independent nations of Asia and Africa to maintain their sovereignty and pursue an independent foreign policy.
2. Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence): - Nehru was the main propounder of these principles, which were first formally enunciated in the Sino-Indian Agreement of 1954.
- The five principles are: (i) Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, (ii) Mutual non-aggression, (iii) Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, (iv) Equality and mutual benefit, and (v) Peaceful coexistence.
- These principles became the guiding framework for India's relations with other countries and were later adopted by the Non-Aligned Movement.
3. Anti-Colonialism and Anti-Imperialism: - Having led India's own struggle for independence, Nehru was a staunch opponent of colonialism and imperialism in all its forms.
- He actively supported the liberation movements in other Asian and African countries and used international forums like the United Nations to advocate for the freedom of colonized people.
4. Afro-Asian Unity: - Nehru played a leading role in fostering solidarity among the newly independent nations of Asia and Africa.
- He was a key figure in organizing the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi (1947) and the Bandung Conference in Indonesia (1955), which were precursors to the Non-Aligned Movement and aimed to promote Afro-Asian cooperation.