Question

Indian foreign policy is based on

• A. Military alliance
• B. Neutrality
• C. Non-Alignment
• D. Non-co-operation

Hint:

Understand the subtle difference between Non-Alignment and Neutrality. Non-Alignment is an active policy of making independent judgments, while neutrality is a policy of staying out of conflicts, often adopted by smaller nations. India's policy was always intended to be active and engaged.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the foundational principle of India's foreign policy, especially during the Cold War era, which continues to influence its modern stance.
Step 2: Key Concept:
India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was a key architect of the country's foreign policy. He formulated a policy that would preserve India's hard-won sovereignty and allow it to pursue an independent course in international affairs.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The cornerstone of India's foreign policy has been Non-Alignment. This means:
- Not joining any of the major military alliances or power blocs (like the US-led NATO or the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact during the Cold War).
- Retaining the freedom to decide on international issues on a case-by-case basis, based on their merits and India's national interests.
This is different from Neutrality (which implies passivity or isolationism). Non-Alignment was a positive and active policy of engagement. Military alliance is the direct opposite of Non-Alignment. Non-co-operation was a tool in the freedom struggle, not a foreign policy doctrine.
Step 4: Final Answer
Indian foreign policy is fundamentally based on the principle of Non-Alignment.