INTRODUCTION
In the 21st Century it is impossible for any country to stay in isolation. For all round development of a country one needs to create friendly relations with other states. The policy adopted by the state keeping in mind the protection and security of the nation and establishing economic, political, social and cultural relations with other states is known as foreign policy.
DETERMINANTS OF FOREIGN POLICY OF INDIA :-
- GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION :- The location of India is the biggest determinant of foreign policy as it is important to keep in mind which countries surround it. Neighbouring nations affect the foreign policy.
- ECONOMIC CONDITIONS :- Economic condition of a nation is also seen during the formulation of its foreign policy. After independence India developed its trade and exports to stable the economy and built trade relations with many countries.
- NATIONAL INTEREST :- It is very important to keep in mind the national interest of the nation. Any policy which is formulated should be favouring the nation. Non alignment for example was adopted by India during the cold war to serve the national interest.
- INTERNATIONAL SCENARIO :- The situation of the world also affects foreign policy. If war is going or any crisis occurs then foreign policy is formulated accordingly for example during cold war non aligned was adopted looking at international conditions.
- RELATIONS WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES :- During the formulation of foreign policy it is important to keep the relations with neighbourhood nations in mind. Any policy which goes against the nations can create clashes among nations.
BASIC PRINCIPLE OF FOREIGN POLICY OF INDIA :-
- NON - ALIGNMENT :- The most important principle of foreign policy of India is nonalignment which was adopted during the cold war. It was the policy of not getting aligned with any military alliances while actively participating in moderating the situation. The major aim of NAM was to follow independent foreign policy and oppose colonialism, imperialism and racialism.
- PEACEFUL CO EXISTENCE :- It is the hallmark of Indian foreign policy. India always supports the policy of oneness and peaceful existence. It taught the values of tolerance and patience.
- PRINCIPLE OF PANCHSHEEL :- FIVE principle of panchsheel are also included in foreign policy of India:
- Non interference
- Non aggression
- Peaceful coexistence
- Mutual cooperation
- Maintain territorial integrity.
- FAITH IN UNITED NATIONS :- Being one of the founding member nations of the UN, India has always shown faith in its all agencies and organisations. India signed the UN Declaration in 1942. India also participated in the UN conference of International organisation at San Francisco in 1945. India also used NAM and G-77 to raise voice for economic and political order in developing countries while India sent more than 244,500 Indians in 49 out of 71 UN peacekeeping missions, there are many more examples which describe India's faith in the UN.
- OPPOSITION OF MILITARY ALLIANCES :- India during the cold war opposed the military alliances and supported the independent foreign policy. India also helps in reducing the tension of cold war by acting as mediator between two blocks.
CONCLUSION
India always supported the free and Independent foreign policy. India supported human rights and worked for the development of developing nations. It always opposed military alliances and terrorism. India supported peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation.