Question

“The foreign policy of independent India has pursued the dream of a peaceful world.” Support the statement with any three suitable arguments.

Answer 1

India's foreign policy since it became independent has been based on the idea of a peaceful world:

1. India tried to avoid Cold War armed alliances with the US and USSR. India chose non-alignment as its main foreign policy stance to stay out of conflicts with the US-led NATO and the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. India's important role as a mediator during the Korean War (1950–1953) shows that being “non-aligned” did not mean it was neutral or out of world politics.
2. Nehru wanted India to play a big part in world events, especially those in Asia. During his time in office, India started to have formal ties with newly independent countries in Asia and Africa. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Nehru fought hard for Asian union. India held the Asian Relations Conference in March 1947, months before it became independent, with his help.
3. India and China got along well at first because India was one of the first countries to recognize China’s communist government after the 1949 revolution. On April 29, 1954, Nehru and Zhou Enlai, the premier of China, signed the Panchsheel, which means “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.” This was the first step toward closer ties between the two countries.

Answer 2

India's foreign policy since independence has strongly reflected its commitment to global peace and cooperation. This vision is evident through the following points:

1. Policy of Non-Alignment: India was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which aimed for independence from the two superpower blocs during the Cold War. This approach encourages peaceful cohabitation and discourages armed conflict.
2. Advocacy of Global Disarmament: India has long advocated for nuclear disarmament and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. It supports international arms control treaties and strives for a nuclear-free world.
3. Panchsheel and Peaceful Coexistence: India’s foreign relations follow the Panchsheel principles, which include mutual respect, non-interference, equality, and peaceful dispute resolution. These ideals prioritise diplomacy above conflict and encourage international collaboration. These approaches demonstrate India’s strong commitment to supporting global peace and stability.