Why did Nehru regard conduct of foreign relations as an essential indicator of independence? State any two reasons with examples to support your reading.
Foreign policy is the sum total of the principles, interests and objectives that a state formulates while conducting its relations with other states. For a newly independent country, the task of shaping and conducting its own foreign policy and relations with an aim of preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty assumes much more significance as it is an essential indicator of the country’s independent’s stand on matters relating to foreign affairs and not being dictated by any super powers.
a. For any country, the task of shaping a foreign policy is colossal yet significant. It is essentially an exercise in the choice of ends and means on part of a nation-state in an international setting. Every state aims at preserving its own national interest, political independence and territorial integrity.
b. It is in this context, India framed its own foreign policy after due consideration of the circumstances in which an Independent India was born. For instance, birth of an independent India coincided with the end of the Second World War that had devastating effect on the humanity, with the rise of two super powers the US and the USSR and the resultant Cold War between them. This period also witnessed decolonisation process and the emergence of the Third World.
c. Thus, the geo-political strategy necessitated that India must tread its independent path of foreign policy and not be dictated by any of the power blocs.
d. Likewise, the country faced the challenge of nation building and dealing with religious minorities. The partition of the country had already left terrible imprints on its social demographics. India faced the challenge of economic growth and development alongside countering poverty and inequalities. All this necessitated an independent foreign policy and friendly relations with countries.
Thus, from the above examples, we can elucidate that following an independent foreign policy guided by its own national objectives was in the interest of the country. The country was determined in playing a pro-active role and in reducing tensions between the US and the USSR. NAM suited India’s present need of keeping her independent identity and sovereignty intact.
a. For any country, the task of shaping a foreign policy is colossal yet significant. It is essentially an exercise in the choice of ends and means on part of a nation-state in an international setting. Every state aims at preserving its own national interest, political independence and territorial integrity.
b. It is in this context, India framed its own foreign policy after due consideration of the circumstances in which an Independent India was born. For instance, birth of an independent India coincided with the end of the Second World War that had devastating effect on the humanity, with the rise of two super powers the US and the USSR and the resultant Cold War between them. This period also witnessed decolonisation process and the emergence of the Third World.
c. Thus, the geo-political strategy necessitated that India must tread its independent path of foreign policy and not be dictated by any of the power blocs.
d. Likewise, the country faced the challenge of nation building and dealing with religious minorities. The partition of the country had already left terrible imprints on its social demographics. India faced the challenge of economic growth and development alongside countering poverty and inequalities. All this necessitated an independent foreign policy and friendly relations with countries.
Thus, from the above examples, we can elucidate that following an independent foreign policy guided by its own national objectives was in the interest of the country. The country was determined in playing a pro-active role and in reducing tensions between the US and the USSR. NAM suited India’s present need of keeping her independent identity and sovereignty intact.
