Points to Remember:
- Non-alignment
- Peaceful co-existence
- Panchsheel principles
- Anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism
- Promoting South-South cooperation
- Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Multilateralism and international law
Introduction:
India’s foreign policy, since its independence, has been significantly shaped by its philosophical underpinnings. These are not merely pragmatic calculations but deeply rooted in its historical experiences, cultural values, and philosophical traditions. While evolving over time to adapt to changing global dynamics, the core principles remain remarkably consistent. These principles are largely derived from ancient Indian philosophies emphasizing peace, non-violence (ahimsa), dharma (righteousness), and karma (action and consequence), alongside the post-colonial context of striving for a multipolar world order. The articulation of these principles is often seen in official statements, policy documents, and the actions of successive Indian governments.
Body:
1. Non-Alignment and Peaceful Coexistence: A cornerstone of India’s foreign policy is its commitment to non-alignment, initially conceived during the Cold War. This wasn’t neutrality but rather a principled refusal to align with either the US-led capitalist bloc or the Soviet-led communist bloc. This stemmed from a desire to safeguard national sovereignty and pursue independent foreign policy decisions based on national interest. The philosophy of peaceful coexistence, deeply rooted in ancient Indian thought, complements non-alignment, emphasizing peaceful resolution of disputes and avoidance of conflict. This is reflected in India’s consistent advocacy for disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.
2. Panchsheel Principles: The Panchsheel principles, agreed upon between India and China in 1954, further articulate the philosophical basis of India’s foreign policy. These five principles â mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence â have become a cornerstone of India’s approach to international relations. While the relationship with China has since become complex, the principles themselves remain a guiding force in India’s interactions with other nations.
3. Anti-Colonialism and Anti-Imperialism: India’s struggle for independence deeply influenced its foreign policy. The experience of colonial rule instilled a strong aversion to imperialism and colonialism, leading to a commitment to supporting anti-colonial movements globally. This commitment is evident in India’s support for liberation movements in Africa and elsewhere, and its advocacy for a more equitable and just international order.
4. Promoting South-South Cooperation: India’s foreign policy emphasizes strengthening ties with other developing nations, particularly within the Global South. This is rooted in a shared history of colonialism and a common desire for economic development and empowerment. India actively participates in and contributes to various South-South cooperation initiatives, sharing its development experiences and expertise with other nations.
5. Multilateralism and International Law: India is a strong proponent of multilateralism and the rule of international law. This reflects a belief in the importance of international cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes through established international mechanisms. India’s active participation in international organizations like the UN and its advocacy for reforms within these organizations demonstrate this commitment.
Conclusion:
India’s foreign policy is deeply rooted in a rich philosophical tradition that emphasizes peace, non-violence, and justice. The principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, Panchsheel, anti-colonialism, South-South cooperation, and multilateralism have guided its interactions with the world. While the geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically since independence, these core principles continue to shape India’s approach to international relations. Moving forward, India should continue to champion these principles while adapting its strategies to address emerging global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality. By upholding its commitment to these philosophical foundations, India can play a constructive role in building a more peaceful, just, and equitable world, fostering holistic development and strengthening the fabric of international cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding.