India's External Relations , Class 12

 India’s External relations 

• Class: 12th

• Subject: Social Science (Political Science)

• Topic: India’s External relations 

• Resources: Notes, Important Questions

  Class 12 Social Science (Political science ) -India’s External Relations Get notes here, questions for class 12th. Those candidates who are ambitious to pass class 12 with good marks, can check this article for notes, by practicing this resource, the candidates get to know that their weak areas and good for the exam How to prepare.

International Context grappling with issues of reconstruction; yet another attempt context. The world had witnessed a devastating war and was India was born in a very trying and challenging international colonialism; and most new nations were trying to come to countries were emerging as a result of the collapse of to establish an international body was underway; many new Free India's foreign policy reflected all these concerns in the terms with the twin challenges of welfare and democracy. period immediately after Independence. Apart from these factors at the global level. India had its own share of concerns. The British Government left behind the own pressures and the task of poverty alleviation was already legacy of many international disputes; Partition created its waiting for fulfillment. This was the overall context in which India started participating in the world affairs as an independent nation-state. India is a nation born in the back drop of the World War, it decided to formulate its foreign relations with a goal to respect the sovereignty of all other nations and to accomplish security through the maintenance of peace. This goal finds an echo in the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution. Indian foreign policy is influenced by both domestic and international environmental factors. The Foreign policy of Independent India advocated the policy of Non-alignment to reduce the Cold War tensions.

Policy of Non-Alignment Non-alignment is the most important feature of India's foreign policy. Its core element is to maintain independence in foreign affairs by not joining any military alliance formed by the USA and Soviet Union, which emerged as an important aspect of Cold War politics after. the Second World War. It postulates taking an independent stand on international issues according to the merits of each case but at the same time not committing to coming under the influence of any military bloc. India played a lead role in popularising and consolidating the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) After the end of Cold War, NAM proved to be a powerful mechanism to forge South-South cooperation, which is essential for their collective self-reliance in the present market driven global order. Nehru's Role Our first PM Jawaharlal Nehru played a significant role in setting the national agenda. He was also the Foreign Minister so he greatly influenced the formulation and implementation of India's Foreign Policy from 1946 to 1964. His Foreign Policy was based on three major objectives (i) To preserve the hard-earned sovereignty. (ii) To protect territorial integrity of India. (iii) To promote rapid economic development.

Nehru wished to achieve these objectives through the Political parties like B.R. Ambedkar, Bhartiya Jan Sangh and strategy of Non-alignment. But there were leaders and Swatantra Party who were in favour of pro-US foreign policy. Distance from Two Camps the dream of a peaceful world by advocating the policy of non The foreign coverage of unbiased India vigorously pursued alignment, by means of lowering Cold War tensions and by contributing human resources to the UN peacekeeping operations. In 1956 when Britain attacked Egypt over the Suez Canal issues, India led the world protest towards this neo Colonial invasion. India led to the world protest against this neo-colonial invasion. But in the same year when the USSR invaded Hungary, India did not join its public condemnation. Despite such a situation, by and large India did take and independent stand on various international issues nad could get aid and assistance from members of both blocs. While India was trying to convince the other developing countries about the policy of non-alignment, Pakistan joined the USA led military alliances and the US become now not happy about India's independent initiatives and the policy of non-alignment. Therefore, there was a considerable unease in Indo-US relations during 1950s. The US additionally resented India's growing partnership with Soviet Union. Principles of India's Foreign Policy The principles of India's foreign policy and its objectives are closely interlinked with each other. Some of these principles are discussed below Panchsheel with China Nehru gave utmost importance to world peace in his policy planning. He was the main architect of foreign policy after independence. For him, India desired peaceful and friendly relations with all countries, particularly the big powers and the neighbouring nations. While signing a peace agreement * with China; he advocated adherence to five guiding principles known as Panchsheel. Panchsheel was signed on 28th April, 1954 and since then it has become a guiding principle of India's bilateral relations with other countries also. Panchsheel includes the following five principles of foreign policy (i) Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. (ii) Non-aggression against each other. (iii) Non-interference in each other's internal affairs. (iv) Equality and mutual benefit. (v) Peaceful co-existence

Afro-Asian Unity The Indian National Movement was not an isolated colonialism and imperialism. It influenced the freedom process. It was a part of the worldwide struggle against of India's size, location and power potential, Nehru wished movements of many Asian and African countries. Because a greater role of India in world affairs particularly in Asian affairs. Under the leadership of Nehru, India's relation with newly independent nations of Asia and Africa was strengthened. Nehru had been a great advocate of Asian unity. India called Asian Relations Conference in March 1947 even five months before the independence. firmly opposed racism, particularly apartheid in South India was a staunch supporter of the decolonisation and Africa. The Afro-Asian Conference known as the Bandung Conference was held in 1955. This Bandung Conference later led to the establishment of the NAM. The Bandung Conference marked the climax of India's engagement with the newly Independent Asian and African nations. The first summit of the NAM was held in Belgrade in September 1961. Nehru was a co-founder of the NAM.

Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes

This principle has been included in the Constitution of India, under the Directive Principles of State Policy as well as in the Charter of the UN. India has played leading role in the resolution of Korean conflict and supported negotiated settlement of Palestine issue, Kashmir problem, border problems with neighbouring countries and other such disputes.

Peace and Conflict with China Before the emergence of Western imperialism, both India and China were powerful countries in Asian region. In the ancient times, both Chinese dynastic rule and Emperor Rule in India extended their influence beyond their borders in terms of political, economic and cultural aspects. Both regions rarely overlapped each other due to limited politica and cultural interaction between India and China. Later in the twentieth century, when both countries confronted each other then both had to face difficulty to evolve their foreign policy with each other.

India began its relationship with China in a very friendly way. India was one of the first countries to recognise the Communist government after the Chinese revolution in 1949. Nehru strongly supported and helped China in International forum. Despite the concern of Vallabhbhai Patel, Nehru never had suspicion of attack from China. India-China borders for a very long time were guarded under the para-military forces instead of army. The joint declaration of Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence) between Nehru and the Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai on 29th April, 1954 marked the strong relationship between the countries. The Chinese Invasion 1962 The relationship between India and China strained because of the following factors In 1950, China annexed Tibet which removed a historical buffer between two countries. Initially, India didn't oppose it openly, but later it resented this issue when information regarding Tibetan culture suppression came up. Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader sought and obtained political asylum in India in 1959. China opposed this move by declaring that India is supporting anti-China activities. China and India were involved in a border conflict in 1962 over competing territorial claims principally in Arunachal Pradesh and in the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh. The conflict of 1962, in which India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for India-China relations.

Relations after Chinese Invasion India took military assistance from US and Britain to move over the crises. The Soviet Union remained neutral during this invasion. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were downgraded until 1976. Thereafter, relations between the two countries began to improve slowly. After the change in China's political leadership from the mid to late 1970s, China's policy became more pragmatic and less ideological. So, it was prepared to put off the settlement of contentious issues while improving relations with India. A series of talks to resolve the border issue were also initiated in 1981. Since the end of the Cold War, there have been significant changes in India- China relations. Their relations are now based upon strategic as well as an economic dimension. Both view themselves as rising powers in global politics, and play a major role in the Asian economy and politics. Rajiv Gandhi's visit to China in December 1988 provided the impetus for an improvement in India-China relations.

Since then both governments have taken measures to contain conflict and maintain 'peace and tranquillity on the border. They have also signed agreements on cultural exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, and opened four border posts for trade. With India- China trade growing at 30 per cent per year since 1999, a more positive perspective on relations with China has emerged. Bilateral trade between India and China has increased from $338 million in 1992 to more than $84 billion in 2017. ✓ At the global level, India and China have adopted similar policies in international economic institutions like the World Trade Organisation. Consequences of Chinese Invasion The China war tarnished (spoiled) India's image at home and abroad. India had to request military assistance from US and British. The USSR remained neutral during the war. It caused a sense of national humiliation and also strengthened the spirit of nationalism at the same time. Some of the top army commanders either resigned or were retired. Nehru's close associate and then Defence Minister, V Krishna Menon had to resign from the cabinet. Nehru's own reputation suffered, as he was criticised for lack of military preparedness and inexperienced assessment of the Chinese intention. For the first time, a no-confidence motion against Nehru's government was moved and debated in the Lok Sabha. Besides, the Congress also lost some key by-elections to Lok Sabha. The Sino-Indian conflict created differences between pro-China and pro-USSR factions of CPI (Communist Party of India). This party later in 1964 split into CPI and Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPI-M). The China war also captured the attention of Indian leadership to the condition of North-East region. The attempts have been made to resolve the challenge of national integration through reorganisation process soon after China war.

Nagaland was granted statehood and Manipur and Tripura were given the right to elect their own legislative assemblies.

India Israel Relations India's Foreign policy with Israel remained unexplored notwithstanding the two nations gaining independence from the British colonial rule in 1947 and 1948 respectively. Both countries share historical and cultural ties from the past. But the formal diplomatic relations developed between the two after the opening of Israeli Embassy in India in 1992. Since then the bilateral relationship between the two countries has prospered at the economic, military, agricultural and political levels. After the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the relations between the two countries started gaining firmness in 1996 and 1998 onwards. India has become one of Israel's largest trading partners, many of the world's leading high-tech companies in Israel and India are forging joint ventures that are successfully competing in the tough international marketplace. Trade and cooperation between the countries now centres primarily on security-related deals and aid in areas such as agriculture and water desalination. The relations between the two democratic nations are further intensified with the visits of the two heads of government i.e. PM Narendra Modi to Israel in 2017 and PM Benjamin Netanyahu to India in 2018. The two nations have started cooperation in various fields like cultural exchange, security, defence, counterterrorism, space research, water, energy and agricultural development. Multiple collaborative agreements were signed between Indian and Israel during Modi's visit. Like for instance, The Israel Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organization signed an agreement to foster partnership in the development of electric propulsion systems for small satellites, and creating systems to accurately measure the extreme conditions of outer space.

India's Relations with Its Neighbours

India's relations with its neighbours not only depend upon developments in individual countries but also the broader trends which shape the region as a whole. India's relationship with neighbouring countries are discussed below in detail. War and Peace with Pakistan After the partition, dispute between both these countries started over the issue of Kashmir. A proxy war broke out between India and Pakistan forces in Kashmir in 1947,

Although, this didn't led to a full-scale war. On the other hand, cooperation between India and Pakistan was not stopped due to Kashmir dispute. Both the governments worked together to restore the abducted women to their original families during the partition. A long-term dispute about the sharing of river waters was resolved through mediation by the World Bank. India-Pakistan Indus Water Treaty was signed by Nehr and General Ayub Khan in 1960. In 1965, a serious armed conflict between these two countries came into existence when Pakistan started the armed attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Rulers of Pakistan were hoping to get support of local people but it didn't happen. To ease the pressure on Kashmir front, Lal Bahadur Shastri (then PM) ordered Indian troops to launch a counter-offensive strategy on the Punjab Border and successfully Indian army reached near to Lahore. The conflict came to an end with the interference of UN. Later in January 1966, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistan's General Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent Agreement under the mediation of USSR.

present Issues of Conflict Cross-border Terrorism Terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan's control remains a core concern in bilateral relations. India has consistently stressed the need for Pakistan to take credible, irreversible and verifiable action to end cross border terrorism against India and fulfil its assurances. Kashmir Issue This is one of the most sensitive issues between India and Pakistan. There was no forward movement in bilateral ties in 2020 due to the mistrust between the two countries, especially on the Kashmir issue. India-Bangladesh Relations Bangladesh is critical for India's security, the development of the North-East and the success of its 'Look East Policy. The two countries have had a troubled relationship since the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in 1975. But later, bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown steadily. Bangladesh is India's biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh. The multi-dimensional cooperation between the two countries ranges from traditional sectors of tourism, health and education to frontier technologies of nuclear science, space and information technology. The relationship between both the countries is based on sovereignty, equality, trust, understanding and partnership that goes far beyond a strategic partnership. In the last couple of years, the relationship has been further strengthened including through cooperation in new and high-technology areas.

India-Nepal Relations other. The frequent high level visits by the leaders of the two Both India and Nepal enjoys excellent bilateral ties with each countries at different points of time and the interactions constitute the hallmark of the ties between the two countries. India has been a key economic development partner of Nepal. Strong support and solidarity from the Government of India in advancing its home-grown peace process as well as in the process of writing the Constitution through the elected Constituent Assembly is provided. In terms of trade, India is Nepal's largest trading partner. India has provided transit facility to Nepal for the third country trade. Both public and private sectors of India have invested in Nepal. Both Nepal and India have common approach to regional and multilateral institutions and hence, work in tandem in the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement and other international forum on most of the important international issues. India- Sri Lanka Relations In recent years, the relationship has been marked by growing trade and investment, cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defence, as well as understanding on major issues of international interest. Bilateral exchanges at various levels over the past year and significant progress in implementation of developmental assistance projects has helped to enhance friendship among both the nations.

Trade between the two countries grew particularly rapidly after the entry into force of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement in March 2000 Tourism also forms an important link between India and Sri Lanka and India is the largest source market for Sri Lankan tourism. India and Sri Lanka also enjoy a growing defence relationship built on extensive training and Service-to-Service linkages. The commonality of concerns of both countries, including with respect to the safety and security of their sea lanes of communication, informs their bilateral exchanges in this field. India-Myanmar Relations The geographical proximity of the two countries has helped develop and sustain cordial relations and facilitated people-to people contact. India and Myanmar share a long land border of over 1600 km and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. A number of agreements enhancing bilateral Cooperation have been signed between the two countries. Institutional mechanisms for facilitating regular dialogue on a range of issues of bilateral interest have also been established. High level visits have been a regular feature of India-Myanmar relations for several years. Myanmar is also the beneficiary of a duty-free tariff preference scheme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). India is also providing assistance in setting up institutions for higher learning and research, namely Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education, Myanmar-India Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills, India-Myanmar Industrial Training Centres. On the other hand, Internal Security is a major concern for India; Indo-Myanmar border is porous and lightly policed which is exploited by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups from North-Eastern part of India e.g. Supply of trained cadres, arms trafficking. India's Nuclear Programme The first Nuclear explosion was carried out by India in May, 1974. Nehru had great faith in science and technology for building modern India rapidly. An important part of his industrialisation plans was Nuclear Programme in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J Bhabha.

Nehru was against nuclear weapons. So, he advocated for comprehensive nuclear disarmament in the world. When Communist China conducted nuclear test in October 1964, the five nuclear-powered and permanent members of UN Security Council- USA, USSR, UK, France and China (Taiwan representing China) imposed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) on the rest of the world. India termed NPT-as discriminatory and had refused to sign it. India wanted to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes. When India conducted the first nuclear test, it was called as peaceful explosion. India asserted that it was committed to the policy of peaceful use of nuclear power. The period of conducting the nuclear test was a challenging period in domestic politics. There was economic turmoil and high inflation in India due to high rising of oil prices.caused by Arab-Israel War of 1973. Numerous agitation, demonstration and nationwide strike by railway union and trade union were going on. There are minor differences among political parties about how to conduct external relations, Indian politics is generally marked by a broad agreement among the parties on national integration, protection of international boundaries and on questions of national interest. During the decade of 1962-1971, when India faced three wars or even later, when different parties came to power from time to time, foreign policy has played only a limited role in party politics. India's nuclear policy has always been peace-oriented, whose clear impression is reflected in the form of the policy of 'No First Use'. But as per the contemporary regional security challenges, the government led by PM Narendra Modi held that policy of no first use can be reviewed and changed in accordance to the regional and national security In addition to this, India is committed to ensure its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and opposes the unjust treaties like CTBT and NPT