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.
Foreign policy of any nation is a result of interplay of number of factors. With regard to India’s foreign policy, there are certain aspects that must be considered.:
1) Anti-Imperialism & Anti-Colonialism: Anti-Imperialism is a principle of India’s foreign policy developed out of India’s own experience. This made her condemn all forms of imperialism. India openly supported the Anti-Colonial movement in many parts of Asia and Africa. India also raised her voice against Pakistan when the latter was trying to crush the aims and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh in 1971.
India also did not approve of the Soviet intervention in Hungary in 1956. It strongly criticized the Chinese attack on Vietnam in 1979. As a country born out of the experience of imperialism, India would and should never engage and harbour imperialistic eyes on other nation states.
2) Support given to United Nations: The UN was formed at a time when the world was passing through devastating impact caused by the Second World War. It was set up with purpose of maintaining peace and security and to resolve disputes peacefully. It has always been India’s effort to see that the UN becomes a powerful and an influential body. India has always supported and given unhindered allegiance to the UN. For example, India sent its forces to Congo on an appeal by the UN. It has also served the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon and Cyprus. I would want India to continue supporting the UN and make pressing claims for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Following are the two aspects of India’s foreign policy that I would like to change:
a. Policy of NAM: NAM was a specific product of a specific situation. Since the end of the Cold War, the position and role of NAM has come under scrutiny and has been questioned. Although, India followed a policy of NAM, there were situations when India’s stand was criticised. We may give example of how during 1971, India signed a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union, countering Pakistan’s proximity to the US and China. Presently, India must focus on strengthening institutions like the UN, SAARC, ASEAN and BRICS.
b. India must take a tough stand on Kashmir issue and must not prolong it further. It must enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities to counter new type of security threats like terrorism.
1) Anti-Imperialism & Anti-Colonialism: Anti-Imperialism is a principle of India’s foreign policy developed out of India’s own experience. This made her condemn all forms of imperialism. India openly supported the Anti-Colonial movement in many parts of Asia and Africa. India also raised her voice against Pakistan when the latter was trying to crush the aims and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh in 1971.
India also did not approve of the Soviet intervention in Hungary in 1956. It strongly criticized the Chinese attack on Vietnam in 1979. As a country born out of the experience of imperialism, India would and should never engage and harbour imperialistic eyes on other nation states.
2) Support given to United Nations: The UN was formed at a time when the world was passing through devastating impact caused by the Second World War. It was set up with purpose of maintaining peace and security and to resolve disputes peacefully. It has always been India’s effort to see that the UN becomes a powerful and an influential body. India has always supported and given unhindered allegiance to the UN. For example, India sent its forces to Congo on an appeal by the UN. It has also served the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon and Cyprus. I would want India to continue supporting the UN and make pressing claims for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
a. Policy of NAM: NAM was a specific product of a specific situation. Since the end of the Cold War, the position and role of NAM has come under scrutiny and has been questioned. Although, India followed a policy of NAM, there were situations when India’s stand was criticised. We may give example of how during 1971, India signed a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union, countering Pakistan’s proximity to the US and China. Presently, India must focus on strengthening institutions like the UN, SAARC, ASEAN and BRICS.
b. India must take a tough stand on Kashmir issue and must not prolong it further. It must enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities to counter new type of security threats like terrorism.
