Question

Mention any two principles of Indian foreign policy.

Hint:

Non-alignment and peaceful coexistence are key principles in India's foreign policy, allowing the nation to maintain its independence and promote peace and cooperation globally.

Answer 1

India's foreign policy is characterized by its commitment to peace, sovereignty, and strategic non-alignment. Since its independence, India has maintained a foreign policy that focuses on maintaining good relationships with all nations while avoiding entanglements in major power blocs. Some key principles of Indian foreign policy include:
1. Non-Alignment:
Non-alignment, or the policy of not aligning with any major global power bloc, was a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy post-independence. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, articulated this policy during the Cold War, when the world was divided into two blocs: the Western bloc led by the United States and the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union. India maintained its independence by not joining either of these blocs and instead pursued a policy of independent and neutral decision-making in international affairs.
India sought to assert its sovereignty and avoid external interference, standing for the principle that nations should be free to determine their policies without undue influence from powerful countries. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which India co-founded, was created to promote peaceful coexistence and cooperation among newly independent countries, largely in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
2. Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel):
The principle of peaceful coexistence was a fundamental tenet of India's foreign policy, especially in the context of its relations with neighboring countries. India emphasizes mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
This principle was formalized in the Panchsheel Agreement (1954) between India and China, which laid down five basic principles for bilateral relations:
- Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- Non-aggression.
- Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
- Equality and mutual benefit.
- Peaceful coexistence.
India's foreign policy stresses that all nations, regardless of their size or power, should coexist peacefully and settle differences through diplomatic channels, rather than through the use of force.
Conclusion:
The principles of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence have allowed India to navigate complex international relationships while maintaining its independence and promoting global peace. These principles have shaped India’s diplomatic efforts and continue to guide its foreign policy today.