Question

Answer the following question in 150 to 200 words with reference to the given points:

Discuss relations of India with foreign countries.

1. America
2. Russia
3. China
4. Pakistan
5. Bangladesh

Answer 1

1. America:
   • At the time of India’s independence, ties between India and the U.S. were friendly. President Franklin D. Roosevelt backed India’s independence during talks for the Atlantic Charter.
   • Post-independence, India’s disapproval of the U.S.'s involvement in the Vietnam War caused tensions. Additionally, the U.S. stance on Kashmir, along with its closeness to Pakistan and China, has strained relations.
   • After the Cold War, the U.S. opposed supplying space technology to India. It imposed sanctions on India after the 1998 nuclear tests.
   • Towards the end of the 20th century, India supported America’s anti-terrorism initiatives, improving bilateral understanding, especially regarding Kashmir.
   • Following the 2001 Parliament attack in India, the U.S. asked Pakistan to act against cross-border terrorism.
   • In 2008, the two nations signed the India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.
   • Presently, the U.S. views India as a major strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, especially in trade, investment, and defense. The two also participate in multilateral platforms such as India-U.S.-Japan or India-U.S.-Japan-Australia groupings.
2. Russia:
   • Historically, India and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) enjoyed a deep and strategic partnership. Russia offered technological aid and low-interest loans for India’s heavy industry and public sector.
   • It also supplied defense equipment and engaged in joint production initiatives with India.
   • In the 1990s, both nations agreed to jointly develop Sukhoi aircraft and BrahMos missiles, and Russia helped India’s nuclear energy sector by supplying reactors.
   • Russia transferred an aircraft carrier (now INS Vikramaditya) to India.
   • Continued defense collaboration, including weapons supply, forms the backbone of their relationship.
   • Both nations collaborate in energy security, particularly in shared oil field projects like Sakhalin-I.
3. China:
   • India recognized China's sovereignty over Tibet through a 1954 agreement, following the 1949 Chinese Revolution.
   • Relations deteriorated in the late 1950s due to border disputes, especially over Aksai Chin (Ladakh) and Arunachal Pradesh (NEFA).
   • The 1962 border war was a diplomatic setback for India, after which China criticized India’s asylum to the Dalai Lama.
   • Efforts to improve relations occurred under Prime Ministers Morarji Desai and Rajiv Gandhi through agreements on border peace.
   • In the 21st century, despite being a major trade partner, unresolved border issues continue to strain ties.
   • Trade routes like Nathu La in Sikkim have reopened.
   • China's strong ties with Pakistan are a persistent source of concern for India.
4. Pakistan:
   • After its creation in 1947, Pakistan’s relations with India have remained tense, especially over Kashmir.
   • The first Indo-Pak war (1947-48) and subsequent wars, like the 1965 conflict, were fought over Kashmir.
   • Terrorism became a major issue in the 1990s, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism.
   • Despite diplomatic efforts, such as the 1972 Shimla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Agreement, Pakistan’s support for terrorism has hindered long-term peace.
5. Bangladesh:
   • India initially shared friendly ties with Bangladesh. However, relations soured during Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tenure.
   • Disputes over maritime boundaries and Teesta river water-sharing strained relations.
   • In recent years, land border issues were resolved, and agreements like the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty improved cooperation.