India’s Evolving Foreign Policy: From Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment
India’s foreign policy has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the country’s evolving role on the global stage. From its early years of non-alignment to its current strategy of multi-alignment, India’s foreign policy has been shaped by various domestic and international factors.
Since gaining independence, India’s foreign policy has been greatly influenced by its history, culture, geography, and economics. The country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy as an idealist with a socialist and Gandhian philosophy.
During Nehru’s tenure, India embraced non-alignment as the foundation of its foreign policy. The country’s non-alignment movement (NAM) positioned India as a leader among third-world nations. India aimed to stay out of the Cold War rivalry between the US and the USSR, emphasizing merit rather than impartiality in its decision-making process. The guiding principles of this period were the five tenets of Panchsheel, which emphasized disarmament, peacekeeping, decolonization, and support for multilateralism through institutions like the UN and Commonwealth.
Nehru’s idealism had its limitations, as the US and the UK viewed India’s non-alignment as immoral and intervened in the Kashmir conflict. The Sino-Indian War of 1962 dealt a harsh blow when China, a nation India had previously supported, attacked India. These events marked a turning point, and India began to understand the importance of realism in international relations.
Subsequent leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi responded to these challenges by adopting a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy. Shastri’s effective leadership during the 1965 war with Pakistan and Gandhi’s recognition of power’s importance marked a shift towards a Kautilyan approach. India’s military modernization, agricultural revolution, and strategic thinking were outcomes of this period.
By 1971, Indira Gandhi solidified her position as India’s leader, and the country’s foreign policy took a significant turn. The 1971 Indo-Pak War, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh, showcased India’s military might and diplomatic skills. India formed a friendship pact with the USSR to withstand US pressure. Additionally, India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 and subsequently abandoned the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
However, non-alignment began to deteriorate as India moved closer to the Soviet Union and strengthened socialist policies. The economy was neglected, leading to a crisis in the early 1990s. This crisis prompted India to adopt economic reforms focusing on globalization, privatization, and liberalization. India reached out to the US for closer ties, taking advantage of its growing economy and reputation as a democracy.
India’s second nuclear test in 1998 solidified its status as a nuclear-armed state and paved the way for improved relations with the US. The Civil Nuclear Agreement signed in 2008 was a significant milestone. India’s strong economic growth, expanding middle class, and soft power enhanced its global standing. The Look East Policy and improved ties with China further reinforced India’s position.
Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India’s foreign policy shifted to prioritizing enlightened national interest. This approach seeks to balance national interest with a shared future vision and emphasizes soft power and strengthening relationships with neighboring countries. While there was initially a willingness to engage with Pakistan, its support for terrorism has strained bilateral relations.
India’s evolving foreign policy reflects the changing dynamics of the global landscape. From non-alignment to multi-alignment, India has navigated various challenges while pursuing its national objectives. As India continues to grow as a regional and global power, its foreign policy will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory.
