Question

Which of the following is not a part of contemporary Indian foreign policy in relationships with its neighbours?

• A. Look East Policy for lining up with South East Asia via Myanmar
• B. Panchsheel
• C. Non-alignment
• D. SAARC

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Non-alignment

It was in the context of cold war politics that non-alignment was proclaimed as an alternative to big power rivalry and competition. The newly emerging Afro-Asian nations were categorised as third world countries which were either developing or underdeveloped, found they had a common interest in peace and disarmament. They considered peace and disarmament extremely essential for their economic development and nation building. It was rightly perceived that any involvement in the arms race and bloc competition would have perpetuated underdevelopment, and the foremost task of national reconstruction would have suffered a, set back. In the post-cold war period, the NAM has become almost defunct as most of its foundational ideologies such as national independence, territorial integrity, and the struggle against colonialism and imperialism have become irrelevant after end of colonisation.

SAARC is an association of South Asian countries, Panchsheel used as guiding principles in the India- China relations. Look East Policy is an effort to cultivate extensive economic and cultural relatons with the nations of South East Asia.