Question 4 of 8advanced⚖️ EvaluateLong Answer6 marks

Identify any two aspects of India's foreign policy that you would like to retain and two that you would like to change, if you were to become a decision maker. Give reasons to support your position.

Correct Answer

If I were to become a decision maker, I would like to retain and change the following aspects of India's foreign policy:

Aspects to Retain:

First, I would retain the policy of non-alignment. This strategy, championed by Nehru, was designed to preserve India's hard-earned sovereignty, protect territorial integrity, and promote rapid economic development. Non-alignment allowed India to gain assistance from both USA and USSR during the Cold War period, without compromising its independence by joining either camp.

Second, I would retain the Constitutional principles laid down in Article 51. These Directive Principles emphasise promoting international peace and security, maintaining just and honourable relations between nations, and fostering respect for international law. These principles, along with Panchsheel (five principles of peaceful coexistence), provide a strong moral foundation for foreign policy.

Aspects to Change:

First, I would work to improve strained relations with neighbours. The context indicates that India's relationship with her neighbours has been strained from the beginning. A decision maker must prioritise building trust and cooperation with neighbouring countries for regional stability.

Second, I would address the gap between peaceful principles and actual conflicts. Despite India's foreign policy being built around peace and cooperation, India fought three wars between 1962 and 1971. This suggests the need for stronger diplomatic mechanisms and conflict resolution strategies to ensure that India can conduct its foreign policy peacefully and avoid international conflicts, as originally envisioned.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 5 | (Page 17)
For More Understanding

Explanation

This question requires students to critically evaluate India's foreign policy using the provided context. The answer draws from multiple aspects mentioned in the textbook: Nehru's objectives of preserving sovereignty and territorial integrity through non-alignment, the Constitutional principles under Article 51, the Panchsheel principles, and the challenges India faced including strained neighbourly relations and three wars between 1962-1971. Students should demonstrate understanding of both the strengths and limitations of India's foreign policy.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify two positive aspects from context - non-alignment policy and Constitutional principles of peace

  2. Step 2: Provide reasons for retention - non-alignment helped gain assistance from both blocs; Constitutional principles provide moral foundation

  3. Step 3: Identify two problematic aspects from context - strained neighbour relations and wars despite peaceful policy

  4. Step 4: Provide reasons for change - need for regional stability and better alignment between principles and practice

PreviousNext