Essay on India's Foreign Policy for Descriptive Paper

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Introduction

Foreign policy is a set of a plan of action for diplomatic dealings with foreign nations and bodies. Before the 15th of August 1944, India had no foreign policy. With the achievement of independence, India has come into the grip of foreign affairs to maintain diplomatic relations with other nations of the world.

Therefore, India adopted the policy of non-alignment with the nations to respect the sovereignty of all the nations and achieve security by maintaining peace in its conduct of foreign relations. It has three basic principles of its foreign policy.

1. India will oppose imperialism and racial discrimination.
2. India will pursue the path of peace and goodwill.
3. India will remain neutral by means of non-alignment.
   

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Importance of Foreign Policy

In this fast-growing world, it is not possible to exactly define the foreign policy of a nation. It changes to adjust and accommodate the changing conditions around the world.

Due to globalization, external relations have become important for every country to resolve issues related to peace, war, trade, poverty, etc.

It affects world politics and policies for resolution and cooperation between two countries. It also safeguards the regional integrity of the nation and preserves the interests of its citizens.

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Role of Panchsheel in Indian Foreign Policy

After the two world wars, policymakers realized that for the progress of a nation, world peace was needed. Therefore, Pandit Nehru, the founder of India’s foreign policy, gave world peace the utmost importance in his policy planning.

While signing a peace agreement with China, he advocated adherence to five guiding principles known as Panchsheel or the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. It includes the following five principles:

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
2. Non-aggression against each other.
3. Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
4. Equality and mutual benefit.
5. Peaceful co-existence.

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Events that shaped Indian Foreign Policy

Have a look at the following events that helped India make changes in its foreign policy.

• 1947 – Invasion of Kashmir by Pakistan
• 1962 – India-China War
• 1971 – Liberation of Bangladesh
• 1991 – Collapse of USSR
• 1998 – India's nuclear test at Pokhran
• 2001 – 9/11 Terrorist attacks in the US
• 2008 – 26/11 Terrorist attack in Mumbai, etc.

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India at United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

India has been a member of the UNSC seven times. In June 2020, it was elected eighth time to the UNSC as a non-permanent member by winning 184 out of 193 votes. This membership is for 2021-22.

Despite India being a country with a huge population, a growing economy, and nuclear power, it is not a permanent member of the UNSC because –

• India’s aspiration to join UNSC is obstructed by China which is one of the five permanent members of the UNSC and holds the veto power.
• India has not yet signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban (CTBT) and the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• Also, India is indeed very reliant on the import of weapons from Russia and the US.

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Current challenges to India’s Foreign Policy

Russia-Ukraine Issue: Russia is a trade partner, and it has leverage in the Eurasian region, and by going directly against Russia, India will jeopardize its interests in the region. Hence, countries like India find this international political issue difficult to choose between politics and moral imperative.

Internal Challenges: A country cannot be powerful abroad if it is weak at home. India needs to fix its internal or state-centric issues like Naxalism, Communalism, Unemployment, etc. to become powerful at the international level.

Refugee Crisis: India has been one of the largest recipients of refugees in the world. The challenge here is to balance the protection of human rights and national interests. These actions will be key in determining India’s regional and global standing on human rights.

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Suggestions/way forward

India should take the lead in tackling global environmental challenges reflected in its goal of reaching net zero by 2070.

India should look forward to creating an external environment for inclusive development of India so that the benefits of growth can reach the poorest of the poor in the country.

India should ensure that its voice is heard on global forums and influence world opinion on issues like terrorism, climate change, etc.

We are living in a dynamic world. India’s foreign policy is therefore geared up to be proactive and flexible so as to make quick adjustments to respond to evolving situations.

It'll help us succeed in our ongoing programs such as Make in India, Digital India, Smart Cities, etc. because they need Foreign Direct Investments, financial assistance, and transfer of technology.

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Conclusion

Under the current administration, India has clearly proved its global presence. India's foreign policy is now more influenced by economic interests than military interests. We've seen its progress in the last three decades.

But we've not forgotten our moral aspects - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family). It is based on the concept of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas. In other words, India views the entire world community as a single large global family, where members live in harmony, work and grow together, and have trust in one another.