UNIT 1

INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY: FROM A POSTCOLONIAL STATE AN ASPIRING GLOBAL POWER

INTRODUCTION
The foreign policy of India has displayed a multitude of analytical dimensions. In doing so it ranges from
a pledge to moralistic principles which is deeply embedded in traditional ethos, energy and intent to
lead the world to become a torchbearer of the world in desperate situations, giving the world innovative
ideas. India;s foreign policy has been successful in protecting its geographical integrity, maintaining
autonomy in thoughts and actions while at the same time clinging on to wisdom of its glorious
civilization. It shows how a country can play an effective role in steering the global order based on
principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual cooperation and mutual respect for sovereignty and status.
Indiaís foreign policy makes Indiaís position unique in the global system due to Indiaís value laden
principle based outlook. Further, Often it becomes difficult to understand due to nature of complexity
involved in Indiaís foreign policy. Since its independence India has adopted different approaches in
dealing different problems of the world. Therefore it becomes absolutely prudent to analyse and study
Indiaís foreign policy as India complete its seventy five years of independence as a sovereign nation. The
analysis becomes even more intriguing as India has to witness a long colonial rule. It becomes necessary
to understand that how India has fared after its independence and whether India still shows continuity
in its foreign policy discourse which it has inherited from history.
The long colonial rule for more than hundred years was a very devastating phase for India. India not
only lost its political independence but was also got shattered economically. The colonial rule also
adversely impacted India socially, ideologically and emotionally. The colonial rule widened sectarian
divisions and weakened the social fabric. Due to loss of political independence India was mocked around
the world as an uncivilized barbaric country. This not only affected the morale of the nation but also
sowed the seeds of national movement which resulted in Indiaís freedom in 1947. The period of colonial
rule in India was not merely a period of great struggle but was also a time of nation building, redefining
national ethos, search of ancient knowledge and wisdom, and self assessment of political and social
structure. The experience gained during national movement and assertion of Indian tradition,
knowledge and realpolitik has shaped the foreign policy trajectory of independent India.

PRINCIPLES IN INDIAS FOREIGN POLICY

India got independence from the British rule in 1947 after a prolonged and sustained national
movement for independence. The national movement played a very important role in shaping Indiaís
foreign policy. It also united India as a nation. Due to long colonial rule India started to show
postcolonial characteristics.
The British rule emphasized on strong sovereignty, balance of power, international trade and supremacy
of military power. Though British rule was draconian and exploitative these value systems were
inherited by the independent Indian government.
As a postcolonial state India neither fully discarded the British system nor did it forgot its tradition,
culture and ethos which it had carried over since generations. Showing characteristics of postcolonial
state India exhibits a unique kind of foreign policy which has its foundations in ancient India value
system and at the same time has also adapted to modern international system. This makes Indiaís
foreign policy independent from global pressures. Since independence India has shown some pattern in
its foreign policy which has its roots in historical values.
India has always seen the world as a one single unit living in peace and harmony. The ancient concept of
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) has guided Indiaís foreign policy since independence.
Indiaís understanding of interconnected world is about sharing resources and values. The ultimate aim
of incorporating Advaita in foreign policy is to create a world which is free from hunger, poverty and
exploitation.
Since independence Indiaís foreign policy has also been deeply influenced and shaped by the Buddhist
principles. The concept of Panchsheel or five virtues had played an important role in nurturing Indiaís
relations with other countries. India used Panchsheel to establish strong and long lasting relationship
with other postcolonial states. In foreign policy the five principles are: ì(i) mutual respect for each
otherís territorial integrity and sovereignty, (ii) mutual non-aggression, (iii) mutual non-interference, (iv)
equality and territorial integrity and sovereignty, and (v) peaceful co-existenceî. The Panchsheel helped
India to project itself as benevolent and non aggressive country in the world. It helped in increasing
Indiaís prestige in the world as the world was looking for a peaceful environment after witnessing two
world wars.
Indiaís proclivity for world peace has also come from Gandhian principles of Satya and Ahimsha (truth
and nonviolence). Mahatma Gandhiís influence on nation building and also in foreign policy had been
profound. Gandhiís teaching of truth and nonviolence was not only integrated in Indiaís foreign policy
but was also cherished in entire world. As a result Indiaís foreign policy focused on world peace and
cooperation.
However the international system does not merely accepts pacifistic ideas but it also witness power
politics. The countries engage in war for various reasons like security and prestige. So creation of strong
military is also important. Indiaís military strength is needed to protect the nations from enemy attack.
India has deep sense of traditional values of peace and dharma. Since independence Indiaís foreign
policy has exhibited value and ethics laden actions. India feels proud in following the path of ethics and
hope that the world too become more ethical. However as the international system has diverse
competing perspectives, Indiaís foreign policy has adapted to the emerging environment without
compromising on ethics.

NON-ALIGNMENT MOVEMENT
As a postcolonial state India has exhibited a unique foreign policy which is unparalleled in the world.
Uniqueness in Indiaís foreign policy can be attributed to its policy of nonalignment. Due to Indiaís effort,
the nonalignment policy became a global movement saving large number of postcolonial and newly
independent states from the consequences of war. As the second world ended in 1945 the cold war
soon began. The cold war was an indirect war between the two power blocs. The American bloc wanted
to create a world order based on liberal capitalism and on the other hand the Soviet bloc wanted to
create a world order based on communism. This ideological driven indirect warfare was engulfing entire
world and the newly independent states were facing the consequences.
The nonalignment movement could be considered as a postcolonial movement. The genesis of
nonalignment movement lies in the colonization process in which the non European nations were
colonized. The colonization process occurred as an effect of propagation of laissez-faire ideology. The
European nations in their zeal to search for new markets and natural resources explored the world. With
their superiority in military strength, science and technology they defeated the non western world and
forced them to slavery. During the colonization era racial discrimination became prominent which is still
continuing in different forms. India too had to face economic exploitation and racial discrimination.
Since the time of national movement itself, that is during the pre independent era Indian leaders
became wary of liberal economics. Indian were also not asked about their willingness to participate in
the world wars. Several Indian soldiers were send to different parts of the world to fight in the world
war. Indiaís nonalignment policy got developed even before it got independence. After India got
independence it decided to not join any power blocs and develop its independent foreign policy Indiaís
diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in expanding the nonaligned movement. The nonaligned
movement formed a large bloc of newly independent nations who did not wish to go into war. The
outcome of nonaligned movement can be summed as the followingì(i) The non-aligned groupís pressure
undoubtedly pushed forward and speeded the process of de-colonialisation. Also polarisation of
countries into two blocs was slowed down. (ii) The non-aligned group brought to the notice of the
peoples of the world that there was an alternate side to these and that bloc policy would not serve the
interests of world peace. (iii) The nonaligned and the Afro-Asian group helped the newly independent
countries by giving them the necessary moral support in the independent exercise of their right to act as
they themselves saw fit.
Having formally established in 1961 the Nonaligned movement at present has 120 members. These
members are not aligned to any power blocs. With the end of cold war in 1991 the nonaligned
movement has kept its existence and relevance in international relations by adapting to the emerging
global challenges. It now focuses on global cooperation on issues like climate change and poverty
elevation. India still plays a crucial role in steering the functions of the nonaligned movement. The
nonaligned movement could be considered as Indiaís successful foreign policy.

NUCLEAR POLICY
Indiaís nuclear policy had always been an issue of concern not only in domestic politics but also at the
global level. The nuclear issues had been a matter of global concern ever since the atomic bombs were
used in Japan in 1945. Th sheer devastation it caused rattled the human kind. However the powerful
countries especially the five permanent members of the security council in the United Nations
monopolized the nuclear issues. The permanent five ran nuclear programme and conducted nuclear
tests and prohibited any other country to run nuclear programme by threat of economic sanctions or
military actions. However there was also a global discourse on usage of atom for peaceful purposes.
Nevertheless any discourse on nuclear issue was dominated by the powerful western countries.
Due to the destructive nature of nuclear weapons India was largely averse to nuclear weapons or the
nuclear programme. The Indian leaders and the general masses were largely wary of nuclear
programme. However it was also scientifically evident to the world that the nuclear energy can be
harnessed for development purposes. So if India does not undertake nuclear programme it would fall
behind rest of the world in development indices. The Indian scientific community argued in favour of
nuclear programme by highlighting the utility of nuclear energy. Indian physicist Homi J. Bhaba
ìconvinced Indiaís first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, of the signal importance of atomic energy
research in enabling India to build an industrial base and to tackle the overwhelming problems of
entrenched poverty. On 03 August 1954, the Department of Atomic Energy was created. Since then
Indiaís nuclear programme had moved on and gradually Indiaís nuclear policy started to take shape.
As Indiaís nuclear policy developed, India started to call for global elimination of nuclear weapons from
the earth. India wanted the world to use nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. India also found out
that the world was discriminatory as the nuclear technology possessing country were reluctant to share
nuclear technology even for peaceful purposes.
At the global level India found out that a militarily weak nation was not respected. It also found that
Indiaís neighbourhood was hostile and so its territorial integrity was vulnerable. This belief got strength
due to India-Pakistan war in 1965 and 1971. India also found that the powerful nations who possessed
nuclear nations were not ready to share nuclear technology and wanted to retain nuclear hegemony.
This is evident from the fact that to prohibit nuclear tests, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT)
was brought into force on March 5, 1970. In this scenario India gradually changed its nuclear policy. In
its nuclear policy, India never discarded its ethical and moral principles. However it accepted nuclear
bomb as a means of security provider and prestige builder. Therefore India conducted its first nuclear
test in 1974 and termed it as ìpeaceful nuclear explosionî.
For almost two decades India maintained a kind of status quo. It did not conduct any nuclear tests.
However with the increasing nexus between China and Pakistan alarmed India and it started to feel
threatened. Further the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) which prohibited nuclear test
was adopted by the United Nations in 1996. India termed CTBT as discriminatory and refused to sign it.
To strengthen its security and to reestablish its prestige India conducted second nuclear tests in 1998.
The world again reacted severely and the western countries put sanctions on India.
Indiaís 1998 nuclear tests projected India as a powerful and responsible nation. India also came up with.
Indiaís nuclear doctrine contains two important aspect. It talked about creating a ‘credible minimum
deterrent’ and maintaining a position of ìNo First Useî. It declared that its nuclear weapons were only to
deter the adversary and at the same time it will not first use nuclear weapons against any country. Thus
even after becoming a nuclear country India maintained a strong moral position.
The complexities in Indiaís foreign policy behaviour has shown a gradual progression from a postcolonial
state to an aspiring global power. Indiaís determination to challenge the western hegemony in
international order, social-political and economic spheres, ideology and thought system, and knowledge
building process has projected Indiaís aspiration to contribute significantly in creation of a new world
order. Indiaís vision of global order is based on the principles of peace, equitable distribution of
resources, mutual respect and cooperation , non exploitative global relation. Indiaís nuclear status has
projected Indiaís capability in military affairs and also in science and technology. Other significant factor
which has helped India to aspire for a powerful position in the global order is its rise in world economy.
The status of a country in international politics is not merely determined by military strength but also by
its economic strength as it is the economy which sustains the military prowess and keep the population
healthy and prosperous.

ECONOMIC POLICY
India had been an agricultural economy for a long time. The economic exploitation during the British
rule had rendered India poor. The colonization process broke down Indiaís economic structure. So after
independence India focused on agricultural production. Apart from agriculture India also focused on
industrial production. Both the agriculture and industry sector was developed under a plan economy
which helped India to alleviate its poverty to a significant level. To sustain the agricultural activities large
dams were built. These dams worked as a multi purpose project, producing electricity and providing
water for irrigation. India also developed mineral based industries to produce iron and steel. As India
was moving towards development its centrally controlled planned economy started to show its
limitation. As a result Indiaís Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate remained almost constant for a
long time. This somehow also indicated that the economic policy needed reorientation.
Further, The 1991 economic transformation brought positive results for India. Indiaís economy started
to grow. In the year 2022 Indiaís GDP is about $3.25 trillion. India has grown into a huge economy,
standing at sixth place in the world economy. This gargantuan leap in economic position has reshaped
Indiaís priorities and remodeled its global aspiration.
Indiaís economic policy is now focused on making India a manufacturing hub for several commodities
ranging from electronic items to heavy machine manufacturing. In recent years India has also developed
its oil refinery capacity and has become significant supplier of lubricants and other hydrocarbon
products. As Indiaís software industry is developed, India has also provided technological help to other
developing countries.
As India has gradually transformed into a significant global market it has aligned itself to the global
economy. This has given India a much needed leverage in economic matters. Now India can control the
flow of finance capital and influence the global economy. India is also hopeful of becoming a five trillion
dollar economy by 2026 (PTI 2022). This will then make India the third largest economy in the world
(Ibid). In recent years Indiaís status in the world has drastically improved.
INDIA’S ROLE IN SOUTH ASIA
The South Asia region has a unique place in Indiaís foreign policy. Having a traditional and historical link,
India share cultural, linguistic and religious ties with the South Asian nations. Till 1947 India, Pakistan
and Bangladesh were under the British rule. These countries had witness a joint freedom struggle. They
share the same history of exploitation under the colonial rule. But the most significant aspect of the
South Asia region is the shared civilizational value. Be it Nepal, Bhutan or Sri Lanka, the South Asia
region is joined by shared emotional heritage.
India has since its independence helped shape a common identity for the South Asian region, based on
historical ties and mutually acceptable values. India has played an important role in regional integration.
In 2014 India initiated a Neighborhood First policy with an objective to develop a collaborative
partnership in fields of economy, technology, education, environment, and digital connectivity. Under
this policy India has provided assistance to the South Asian nations.
India has also given high priority to economic relationship. Most of the Indian export go to Bangladesh,
Sri Lanka and Nepal. Indiaís trade in the South Asia region is about 4 per cent of Indiaís global trade.
There is a high potential for improvement in trade relationship. To boost trade ties India has made
several trade agreements with South Asian nations. In 1994 India signed SAARC Preferential Trading
Arrangement (SAPTA) and in 2004 India signed South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
The main role of India in the South Asia region is that of security provider and regional balancer. India is
also trying hard to further integrate the South Asia region. India promotes regions organizations like
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) initiative.
Being the largest country in the South Asia both in geographical size and economy India has provided
economic and infrastructural assistance to the region. Indiaís assistance to the region during COVID-19
pandemic in terms of vaccine and other medical assistance was remarkable.
As India shares historical tie with the South Asian countries, issues related to the region receives special
attention from India. Despite Indiaís size and strength India has never tried to dominate the political or
social issues in the region. India has no intention to become a hegemonic country. India is determined to
help and cooperate with the South Asian countries.

CONCLUSION
Indiaís history, tradition, culture and civilizational ethos play a crucial role in shaping Indiaís foreign
policy. The aspiration for global power is the manifest of deep rooted thought that India was a powerful
country in the world and India must achieve its past glory. India also feels that it has every capability to
achieve its dream. The postcolonial characteristic helps India to stick to its roots and at the same time
make diplomatic maneuvers in the technologically and financially driven modern world. Indiaís
aspiration for power is not to accomplish hegemonic objective but to contribute in global peace and
development. India cherishes mutual cooperation and equitable distribution of resources. For India the
world order should be non exploitative and non hegemonic. Indiaís foreign policy is value laden and
collaborative in nature. The increasing Indian role in international issues has made the wold order more
ethical and cooperative. India rise in the world is a pleasant phenomena in international relations.