India has a long and significant history in the realm of international relations and foreign policy. As an original member of the League of Nations in 1920, India was already taking steps towards participating in global affairs. The country played an active role in the creation of the United Nations in 1945, signifying its commitment to global cooperation and peace. Even before gaining independence, India's leaders, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, sought to foster friendly relations with all nations and support the freedom struggles of other Asian countries.
One of the fundamental pillars of India's foreign policy is non-alignment. Contrary to neutrality, non-alignment does not imply detachment from international issues; rather, it emphasizes a balanced and principled approach to global affairs. India has consistently expressed its views on international disputes without fear, aligning with what it perceives as just and fair. Nehru considered non-alignment inherent to India's unique circumstances during its struggle for freedom.
India places great importance on the principles of "Panchsheel," a policy of peaceful coexistence and respect for sovereignty that was formulated in the agreement between India and China regarding Tibet in April 1954. Through non-alignment and Panchsheel, India has advocated for world peace, actively contributing to various peacekeeping missions under the United Nations' umbrella. It sent troops to supervise prisoner repatriation in Korea, participated in inspection teams in Indo-China, and contributed military observers and troops to peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, the Congo, and Somalia.
India's role in the Bandung Conference of Asian countries in 1955 demonstrated its commitment to anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism. Alongside other members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India vehemently opposed apartheid in South Africa and advocated for greater representation of Third World countries in the UN Security Council.
India's stance on nuclear issues has also been noteworthy. While it was one of the first countries to sign the limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963, it has not yet joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) due to the nuclear capabilities of its neighbors. India has actively called for a freeze on nuclear weapons and has emphasized the need for disarmament and global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
India has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, advocating for a peaceful and expeditious resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It has stressed the importance of respecting the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
In regional cooperation, India is an active member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), aiming to promote peace and goodwill among its member nations. Alongside Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, India seeks to enhance regional collaboration and address shared challenges.
India's foreign policy reflects its commitment to peace, non-alignment, and regional cooperation. The country's leaders have navigated complex international dynamics while steadfastly upholding their principles and advocating for justice and harmony on the global stage. As India continues to evolve as a major player in international affairs, its commitment to these foundational principles remains at the core of its diplomatic endeavors.