India’s external relations

The chapter says that India’s policy of non-alignment let it stay independent of both blocs and still get aid and assistance from members of both the US and Soviet camps. So the statement is true.

The chapter shows that India’s relations with its neighbours were not strained from the beginning. For example, India’s relations with China began on a friendly note, and India and Pakistan also cooperated on some issues like restoring abducted women and the Indus Waters Treaty. So the statement is false.

The chapter explains that the Cold War affected India’s relations with Pakistan because Pakistan joined the US-led military alliances, and the US supported Pakistan during later conflicts. So the statement is true.

The chapter says India signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union in 1971 to counter the US-Pakistan-China axis, not because of closeness to the USA. So the statement is false.

From the chapter:
- The goal of India’s foreign policy in 1950–1964 was preservation of territorial integrity, sovereignty and economic development.
- Panchsheel means the five principles of peaceful coexistence.
- The Bandung Conference later led to the establishment of the NAM.
- The Dalai Lama is the Tibetan spiritual leader who crossed over to India.

So the correct matching is a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i.

Nehru saw foreign relations as the real test of independence because if another power controlled a country’s external relations, that country would not be truly sovereign. He said that foreign relations are what distinguish real freedom from mere local autonomy.

Two reasons with examples:
1. Protection of sovereignty: India had to conduct its own foreign policy after Independence so that no outside power could decide for it. Nehru wanted India to remain outside the control of either the US-led or Soviet-led bloc.
2. Preserving territorial integrity and national interest: India faced international problems left behind by the British and by Partition. So independent foreign relations were needed to deal with issues like Kashmir, Tibet, and the wider Cold War pressures on India’s policy.

Thus, for Nehru, foreign policy was not just one part of independence; it was a direct measure of whether the country was truly free.

One example from the 1960s is the 1971 Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union.

- Domestic compulsion: India was under pressure because of the Bangladesh crisis, the burden of about 80 lakh refugees, and the possibility of war with Pakistan.
- International climate: The US-China rapprochement and support for Pakistan from the US and China changed the global balance.

Because of this domestic and international situation, India signed the treaty with the Soviet Union to secure support if attacked. This shows that foreign affairs were shaped by both internal needs and the external environment.

If I were a decision maker, I would like to retain:

1. Non-alignment — It allowed India to keep independence in foreign policy and avoid being tied to military blocs.
2. Commitment to peace and cooperation — India’s support for the UN, peaceful coexistence, and settlement of disputes by negotiation are valuable for stability.

I would like to change:

1. Overdependence on any one superpower at a time — India should keep stronger balance and avoid the appearance of tilt towards any bloc.
2. Weakness in military preparedness — The chapter shows that lack of preparedness hurt India in 1962, so defence planning should be stronger.

These choices would protect national interest, maintain independence, and reduce the chances of future crises.

India’s nuclear policy was based on the idea that nuclear energy should be used for peaceful purposes. Nehru supported science and technology and helped begin India’s nuclear programme under Homi J. Bhabha. India opposed nuclear weapons and pleaded for comprehensive nuclear disarmament.

India also opposed the NPT because it was discriminatory and favoured the existing nuclear powers. When India carried out its first nuclear explosion in 1974, it called it a peaceful explosion. Later, India adopted the doctrine of credible minimum nuclear deterrence, with no first use and support for a nuclear weapons-free world.