5.4 Foreign Policy: Principles and Objectives


SIMPLY SMART

Introduction

Foreign Policy is the strategy adopted by a country to manage its relations with other nations.
India’s foreign policy is shaped by its history, geography, economy, culture, and constitutional values.

The main aim of India’s foreign policy is to protect national interests, promote international peace, and develop healthy relations with all countries.

1. Meaning of Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy refers to:

  • A country’s plans and actions for dealing with other nations.

  • Decisions related to trade, defense, diplomacy, war, peace, and international cooperation.

  • A long-term framework guiding international behaviour.

Keyword: Meaning of Foreign Policy

2. Principles of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy is based on moral, constitutional, and practical principles.
They reflect India’s national interests and global responsibilities.

1. Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence)

Introduced in 1954 between India and China, the Panchsheel principles are:

  1. Mutual respect for territorial integrity

  2. Non-aggression

  3. Non-interference in internal affairs

  4. Equality and mutual benefit

  5. Peaceful coexistence

This is the foundation of India’s peaceful diplomacy.

2. Non-Alignment

India does not join any military bloc.
During the Cold War, India refused to align with either the USA or USSR.
This led to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Goal: Independent foreign policy based on national interest.

3. Anti-Colonialism and Anti-Racism

India strongly opposed:

  • Colonial rule (e.g., Africa, Asia)

  • Apartheid in South Africa

  • Racial discrimination

India believes in freedom and equality for all nations.

4. Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

India supports negotiation, dialogue, arbitration, and UN mediation instead of war and violence.

5. Support for the United Nations

India believes in UN principles like:

  • International peace

  • Human rights

  • Sustainable development

India participates in UN peacekeeping missions.

6. Promotion of World Peace

India promotes peaceful coexistence, disarmament, and global harmony.
It strongly supports nuclear disarmament and opposes the spread of nuclear weapons.

7. Respect for Sovereignty of all Nations

India does not interfere in the internal matters of other countries.
Similarly, it expects others not to interfere in India’s internal issues.

8. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

An ancient Indian principle meaning “The world is one family.”
India applies this idea in humanitarian assistance and global cooperation.

Keyword: Principles of India’s Foreign Policy

3. Objectives of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy aims to protect its national interest and contribute to global peace.

1. National Security

Protect India’s borders, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Strengthen defense ties and maintain friendly relations with neighbours.

2. Economic Development

Foreign policy helps India:

  • Attract foreign investment

  • Expand trade

  • Acquire technology

  • Strengthen energy security

Tie-ups with USA, Japan, Russia, EU, etc., support growth.

3. Protecting National Interests

Ensuring India’s political, economic, strategic, and cultural interests are safeguarded.

4. Maintaining Peaceful Relations with Neighbours

India follows the Neighbourhood First Policy with countries like:

  • Nepal

  • Bhutan

  • Bangladesh

  • Sri Lanka

  • Maldives

  • Myanmar

Peace in the region ensures development and security.

5. Strengthening International Cooperation

India works with international organisations:

  • UN

  • WHO

  • WTO

  • IMF

  • World Bank

  • ASEAN

  • BRICS

This improves global standing.

6. Promoting Global Peace and Disarmament

India advocates:

  • Nuclear disarmament

  • Peaceful use of atomic energy

  • Reduction of global tensions

7. Cultural Diplomacy

Promoting Indian culture abroad through:

  • Yoga

  • Ayurveda

  • Festivals

  • Indian diaspora

This strengthens soft power.

8. Supporting Developing Countries

India offers:

  • Financial aid

  • Training programs

  • Medical support

  • Disaster relief

Especially to African and Asian nations.

Keyword: Objectives of Indian Foreign Policy

Conclusion

India’s foreign policy is built on peace, independence, cooperation, and national interest.
Its principles—such as Panchsheel, Non-Alignment, peaceful coexistence, and support for the UN—guide India’s international actions.
The main objectives include ensuring security, economic development, global peace, and friendly relations with other nations.
Together, they help India maintain its global identity as a peaceful, progressive, and responsible nation.



For Full Chapter  --->  22IMC7Z2 CONSTITUTION OF INDIA Unit-wise



— End of Article | Aivette-COI (Constitution of India by Aivette)

Your simple, smart guide to understanding the Indian Constitution.




— Aivette-COI

Learn Smart. Understand Better.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

22IMC7Z2 - CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

Image
                    UNIT - I          INTRODUCTION AND EMERGENCY PROVISIONS                 1.1 Historical Background of the Indian Constitution: The Company Rule & The Crown Rule                 1.2 Constituent Assembly: Composition & Objectives                                  1.3 Preamble and Salient Features of the Indian Constitution                 1.4 Fundamental Rights AND Fundamental Duties                 1.5 Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)                1.6 Emergency Provisions - National Emergency, President Rule, Financial Emergency.   UNIT- II      SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT   ...
Read more

1.1 Historical Background of the Indian Constitution: The Company Rule & The Crown Rule

Image
SIMPLY SMART Introduction The Indian Constitution did not emerge in a single day. It evolved through a long period of foreign rule, administrative experiments, political reforms, and growing national awakening . Two major phases played a crucial role in shaping India’s governance structure: The Company Rule (1757–1858) The Crown Rule (1858–1947) Understanding these phases helps us see how India moved from colonial control to democratic self-governance , ultimately leading to the making of the Indian Constitution. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 1. THE COMPANY RULE (1757–1858) (Also called the East India Company Administration) Definition The Company Rule refers to the period when the British East India Company governed and administered large parts of India after winning military and political control. Key Features of the Company Rule 1. Battle of Plassey (1757) Beginning of British political rule in India EIC defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah Company became a major politi...
Read more

1.2 Constituent Assembly: Composition & Objectives

Image
  SIMPLY SMART Introduction The Constitution of India was drafted by a sovereign body called the Constituent Assembly , which represented the people of India and worked from December 9, 1946, to November 26, 1949 . Its formation, working, and objectives are discussed in detail by constitutional scholars such as D.D. Basu, P.M. Bakshi, and Subhash Kashyap , as prescribed in your syllabus. (References: D.D. Basu – “Introduction to the Constitution of India”, P.M. Bakshi – “The Constitution of India”, Subhash C. Kashyap – “Our Constitution”) COMPOSITION OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY ✔️ 1. Total Strength The Constituent Assembly had a total of 389 members . 296 from British India 93 from Princely States ✔️ 2. Method of Election Members from British India were indirectly elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies . Elections followed the proportional representation system with single transferable vote . Seats were divided among: Hindus Muslims Sikhs (...
Read more