Question

This sounds like joining the Soviet bloc. Can we say that India was non-aligned even after signing the treaty with the Soviet Union?

Answer 1

Yes. The 20-year Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union, signed in 1971, was intended to assure India of support if it faced an attack, particularly amid the crisis in East Pakistan and the US-Pakistan-China alignment. It did not make India a member of the Soviet-led military bloc or require India to follow Soviet policy on every issue. However, the treaty did strengthen India’s relationship with the USSR and contributed to a pro-Soviet tilt. Non-alignment meant retaining independent judgement, not avoiding every close partnership.