Question

Who supported the foreign policy of true Non-Alignment?

• A. Pandit Nehru
• B. Indira Gandhi
• C. Morarjee Desai
• D. Manmohan Singh

Hint:

Understand the evolution of India's foreign policy. While Nehru was the architect of Non-Alignment, different Prime Ministers gave it their own orientation. The phrase 'true Non-Alignment' is a keyword for the Janata government's foreign policy (1977-79).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks which leader specifically advocated for a policy of 'true' Non-Alignment, implying a course correction to the existing policy.
Step 2: Key Concept:
While Pandit Nehru was the architect of India's Non-Alignment policy, subsequent governments were sometimes criticized for tilting towards one of the superpowers. The call for 'true' non-alignment was a reaction to this perceived tilt.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- (A) Pandit Nehru was one of the principal founders of the Non-Aligned Movement and its main architect in India.
- (B) Indira Gandhi's tenure saw a perceived tilt towards the Soviet Union, especially after the signing of the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation in 1971.
- (C) Morarjee Desai, who became Prime Minister in 1977 leading the Janata Party government, criticized the previous government's foreign policy for this pro-Soviet tilt. He promised to restore 'genuine' or 'true' Non-Alignment, which meant correcting this tilt and pursuing a more balanced relationship with both the USA and the USSR.
- (D) Manmohan Singh's era saw a strategic partnership with the USA, moving beyond the Cold War framework.
The term 'true Non-Alignment' is specifically associated with the Janata Party government under Morarjee Desai.
Step 4: Final Answer
Morarjee Desai's government advocated for a policy of 'true Non-Alignment' to correct the perceived pro-Soviet tilt of the previous government.