- Emerging from the partition of British India into two separate nations along religious lines, India faced unprecedented challenges: a vast population to govern, minimal experience in global diplomacy, and uncertainties about its international standing.
- From the initial days of non-alignment and socialist leanings to the present-day strategic autonomy and de-hyphenation, India’s foreign policy reflects its growth as a nation on the global stage.
- The democratization of foreign policy discourse and the pragmatic approach towards international relations signify India’s maturity and readiness to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.
A unique blend of historical, geopolitical, and ideological factors has marked India’s foreign policy journey since gaining independence. Emerging from the partition of British India into two separate nations along religious lines, India faced unprecedented challenges: a vast population to govern, minimal experience in global diplomacy, and uncertainties about its international standing. Despite these hurdles, India has navigated its foreign policy landscape with evolving strategies that reflect both its domestic priorities and global aspirations.
Non-Alignment and Its Ideological Underpinnings
One of the seminal decisions early on was the adoption of a policy of non-alignment. At its core, non-alignment aimed to steer clear of the Cold War power struggles between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, despite its avowed neutrality, India exhibited a discernible tilt towards the Soviet bloc. This alignment was not solely a product of strategic foresight but also echoed India’s domestic socialist leanings. The country’s commitment to centralized economic planning, government control over heavy industries, and scepticism towards capitalist economies mirrored its diplomatic preferences.
This intertwining of domestic ideology with foreign policy objectives often blurred the distinction between strategic calculations and ideological predispositions. Such a fusion, though not uncommon in the annals of global diplomacy, has posed significant challenges and unnecessary complications in maintaining a foreign policy that could transcend domestic political considerations.
Strategic Interests Versus Ideological Disparities
Despite ideological antipathy, during World War II, the capitalist United States and the socialist Soviet Union forged a pragmatic alliance against common adversaries. Similarly, Pakistan’s enduring relationship with the United States, despite stark ideological differences and internal governance challenges, illustrates how strategic interests can outweigh ideological disparities in international relations.
Early Foreign Policy Missteps
The roots of independent India’s initial foreign policy confusion can be traced back to pre-independence movements such as the Khilafat movement, led by Gandhi. Gandhi’s involvement, although primarily aimed at appeasing certain communities domestically by trying to protect the Turkish Caliphate when the people of Turkey were willing to become a republic, has been critiqued. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar rightfully said, “The (Khilafat) movement was faith, which might have surprised many Mohammedans themselves. Many people doubted the ethical basis of the Khilafat movement and tried to dissuade Mr Gandhi from taking any part in the movement, the ethical basis of which was so questionable” (Pakistan or Partition of India, pages 146-147). He further noted that the movement ignited the spirit of Dar-ul-Islam among Muslims.
The continuation of such naive outlooks on geopolitical realities can be further seen in India’s dealings with the People’s Republic of China when India let go of the opportunity to be a permanent member of the security council of the newly formed United Nations in favour of China. This decision is regrettable even to this day, with many resolutions against terrorism that India desperately wants to pass being blocked by China, which often sides with Pakistan.
The 1971 War and Kashmir Issue
Even during the 1971 war, the government of the day was initially reluctant to acknowledge the incursions despite ample proof. This blind optimism, with little proof of reality, can also be witnessed in the case of Kashmir. The initial government, in its euphoria for the newly formed United Nations, brought the matter of Kashmir incursion by Pakistan to the UN. In its enthusiasm, it failed to recognize that although the UN was a potent body, it had little power or mandate to take action against a sovereign nation, especially one with considerable military might.
Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy
Thankfully, India has come a long way from the initial days, learning many valuable lessons along the way. Until recently, geopolitics was seldom a topic of discussion in the public sphere but was only a topic within a select few. However, lately, foreign policy has truly become democratic, with common citizens taking a personal interest in it. The government must be given its due credit for this development. Events like the G20 and engaging the Indian diaspora have sparked the imagination of many on the subject.
Strategic Autonomy and De-hyphenation
India, as a country, has started to de-hyphenate its relationships and impose its strategic autonomic rights. Previously, in a bid to maintain a good relationship with Russia, the erstwhile Soviet Union, India had somehow managed to alienate the US and its European allies. Now, not only is its relationship with Russia better than ever, but it has managed to improve its relationship with NATO nations too. In a bid for strategic autonomy, India has managed to import Russian oil during the Ukraine war without facing significant sanctions from Western countries.
Tectonic Shifts: Relations with Israel and the Middle East
Another tectonic shift is concerning India’s relationship with Israel. Until recently, India was reluctant to get close to Israel, fearing it might offend not only the Middle-Eastern Islamic nations but also the domestic vote bank. Now, India has convincingly managed to differentiate between the two, with clear strategic importance and goals with both. The improved relationship with Israel is evident in defence collaborations and technology transfers, marking a significant departure from past hesitations.
Modern Developments and Public Engagement
India’s current foreign policy is characterized by strategic autonomy and a pragmatic approach to international relations. The government’s initiatives to engage with the Indian diaspora and the general public through G20 events and other international platforms have democratized foreign policy discourse. Common citizens are now more informed and interested in India’s role on the global stage, leading to a more inclusive and robust foreign policy framework.
Conclusion
India’s foreign policy journey since independence has been marked by significant ideological leanings, strategic missteps, and evolving pragmatism. From the initial days of non-alignment and socialist leanings to the present-day strategic autonomy and de-hyphenation, India’s foreign policy reflects its growth as a nation on the global stage. The democratization of foreign policy discourse and the pragmatic approach towards international relations signify India’s maturity and readiness to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. As India continues to assert its strategic autonomy, it is well-positioned to play a significant role in shaping global politics and addressing contemporary international challenges.
(The author has an M.Sc. in Psychology and serves in NIMHANS. He writes regularly on politics, society, international affairs and technology. Views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of SamvadaWorld or its staff)
Balaji Subramanian 
Alok Virendra Tiwari 
Parag Gilada