International Context

International Context

India’s foreign policy was shaped by the aftermath of the war, the establishment of an international body, the emergence of new countries, and the need for welfare and democracy. As an independent nation-state, India aimed to respect the sovereignty of other nations and achieve security through peacekeeping. This approach is reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy. The domestic and international environment influences a nation’s foreign policy, with developing countries focusing on peace and development in their neighborhoods. The division of countries into two camps after World War II, influenced by the United States and its Western allies and the Soviet Union, was a significant factor in the development of India’s foreign policy....

The Policy of Non-Alignment

The Indian national movement was part of a global struggle against colonialism and imperialism, influencing the liberation movements of Asian and African countries. India’s independence coincided with the Cold War era, marked by political, economic, and military confrontations between the US and USSR, the establishment of the UN, nuclear weapons, the emergence of Communist China, and decolonization. India’s foreign policy reflected the noble ideals that inspired its struggle for freedom....

Peace and Conflict with China

India’s relationship with China began with a friendly stance after the 1949 Chinese revolution. Nehru supported the communist government and helped it in international forums. Despite concerns about potential Chinese aggression, Nehru believed it was unlikely. The 1954 joint enunciation of Panchsheel, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthened the relationship between India and China....

Wars and Peace with Pakistan

The Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan began after Partition over a dispute over Kashmir. A proxy war broke out in 1947, but it did not escalate into a full war. The issue was referred to the UN, and Pakistan became a significant factor in India’s relations with the US and China. Despite the conflict, cooperation between the two governments was maintained, including the restoration of women abducted during Partition. The India-Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, which has been effective. In 1965, armed conflict escalated, leading to the signing of the Tashkent Agreement....

India’s Nuclear Policy

India’s first nuclear explosion in May 1974 was a significant development in the country’s industrialization plans, initiated in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J. Bhabha. India aimed to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes, but Nehru opposed nuclear weapons and pleaded for comprehensive nuclear disarmament. The nuclear arsenal continued to grow, and when Communist China conducted nuclear tests in 1964, the five nuclear weapon powers tried to impose the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) on the rest of the world....

Conclusion – Class 12 Political Science Notes Chapter 4 India’s External Relations

In conclusion, India’s foreign policy has evolved over time in response to changing global dynamics, leaders’ visions, and geopolitical scenarios. The key challenges for India’s external relations include balancing national interests, promoting peace, and navigating regional conflicts. India’s independence coincided with the outbreak of the Cold War. During this period, the United Nations was established, nuclear weapons were developed, China became communist, and decolonization began. As a result, India’s leaders had to strike a balance between national interests and global realities....

India’s External Relations- FAQs

What is the focus of Chapter 4 of Class 12 Political Science?...