Semester-2 Political Science

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat

1st Year B.A. L.L.B. (HONS.) Project

Foreign Policy

Submitted By : Submitted To :
Name- Sumit Yadav Prof. Narendra Kaushik
Roll No.- 2301093 Political Science
Section – B
Semester – 2nd
Batch- 2028

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 INDEX
S. No. Title Pg. No.
1. Acknowledgement 3.

2. Introduction 4.

3. Object Indias foreign Policy 5.

4. Principles of Indias Foreign Policy 5-8.

5. Why 1990 is important for structural change in 8-9.

7. Conclusion 15.

8. Reference 15.

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 Acknowledgement

This project is a result of great amount of time and hardwork put under the guidance of Prof. Nrendra
Kaushik . I am truly indebted to Prof. Narendra Kaushik. for his guidance and support in detailing every
aspect of the project. His constant support and detailed overview of how research needs to be done helped
me throughout. I would also like to thanks my parents and friends who supported me all time
wholeheartedly express my gratitude to the university digital library, which allowed me to access variety of
online database for in depth study and valuable information. Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge
the authors whose works I referenced and cited in this project. Their contributions have been instrumental in
shaping the ideas presented herein.
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in making this project possible.

SUMIT YADAV

DR. B.R. Ambedkar National law university

Sonipat

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 Introduction

Briefly examine India’s Foreign Policy since 1990?

This paper analyze the India’s foreign policy since 1990. It also analyze the India’s foreign
policy principles, objects and national interests. This paper analyze the political, economic,social and security
condition after the 1990 in India. Foreign policy plays very important role as wheels for international
relations. Every sovereign country has its foreign policy. Foreign policy refers to the sum total principles,
objects and interests which country promotes when it interact with other country. The foreign policy of country
is determined by several factors such as history, culture, geography and economy. In case of India these type
several factors has been responsible for the shaping the principles and objects of the foreign policy. No state
can live without relations with other states. After the cold war, the world changes rapidly. Some countries lost
power and many countries got power. Countries tried to make good relationship with other sand they try to
develop a peacefully and cooperation world. Some issues and conflict such as refugee problem, environmental
degradation, terrorism and others are emerge with new world.The main aim of Foreign policy is to protect and
promote its national interests. The key national interests are defend the territorial integrity and soverginity,
economic relations, promote profitable trading relations with others countries, increase
political power. The foreign policy is always changeable but the national interests do not change. Before
the cold war, India did not interact with western countries but after the cold war, India is tried to interact with
west and other countries such as US and did not become a part of any blocks, USSR and US.
India’s role is very important in international context. India is emerging a power in Asia and global status in
few decades and become a most developed country among developing countries. This paper analyze the Indian
foreign policy with its national interests in present time and future.

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 Objects of India’s foreign policy

Foreign policy makers set out certain objects before they proceed to determine principles of foreign policy.
Several these objects are down basic principles and formulate principles. The primary propose of
any country’s foreign policy is to promote its national interests such as ensure to its security, achievement of
world peace, disarmament, economic development. The goal of India’s foreign policy are promotion
of international peace and security.
India’s foreign policy objects maintain friendly relations with other countries and avoid military alliance.

Principles of India’s foreign policy

a) Non-alignment

The policy of non-alignment is main contribution of India to world Immediately, after the ended of Second
World War, a new tension developed between the erstwhile friend and allies. This tension called “the cold
war”.
The world divided into two parts, United States and Soviet Union. India did not want to join any of the power.
India’s decision to follow independent foreign policy. India want to friendly relation with all and pursuit of
world peace. India want to develop its economic, so India needed friendly relationship with big power and
neighbours. India made it clear that it would reserve the right to freely express its opinion on international
problem without any pressure.

b) Panchsheel and peaceful co-existence

Panchsheel is an important part of India’s foreign policy. Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam
promotes “world is one family”, it means that peoples
belonging to different religion and social systems can live together in place, while eachfollows own system.
After signing Sino-Indian agreement of April 26, 1954, for trade and intercourse between the Tibetan region of
china and India, India started to follow Indian philosophy. The five principles known as Panchsheel mentioned
in this agreement Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Mutual non
aggression,Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,
Equality and mutual benefit Peaceful co-existence.
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c) Freedom of dependent peoples (anti-imperialism)

India has always opposed all forms of colonialism and imperialism. It decided to give support to the cause of
freedom of dependent peoples in Asian and African countries such as indo-china, Malaya, Libya, Algeria,
Tunisia, gold coast (new Ghana). One of the first decision taken by Nehru’s government was to recall the
Indian troop which send the British to suppress the freedom struggles in the Dutch and French colonies. India
supported Indonesia to fighting the Dutch to get freedom. India give fully supported to Namibia which
prolonged colonial rule of racist South Africa to get freedom.

d) Opposition to racial discrimination (anti-racism)

Indian policy always believe in equality of all human beings. Its policy always opposition to all form of racial
discrimination. South Africa was the most of worst example of discrimination against the colored peoples
including the people of India origin. India givefully support to the peoples who are fighting against the racism
discrimination.

e) Foreign economic aid and India’s independent policy

India believed that economic development of country is very important. After independence, India tried to
develop all areas. India was aware of the lack of adequate resources and lack of better technology, so it tried to
develop its economy.

f) Peacefully settlement of international disputes

Only two method of settling international disputes are war and peacefully settlement. International community
and all states have goal that peacefully settlements of disputes. During the pre-historic, war was the main
method of deciding disputes.

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g) The Gujral doctrine

This doctrine is expression of the foreign policy. It is started by the Inder Kumar Gujral, the foreign minister in
Deve Goda Government which assumed in office in June 1996.After he also became the prime minister of
India (1997-1998). Under the Gujral doctrine, set up five principles to guide the foreign relations with India’s
near neighbors
India does not ask with its neighbours such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka for
mutuality but gives and accommodates what it can good faith and trust.

No south Asian country should allow to use its territory for against the interest another country of the reign.

No country should allow to interfere in the internal affairs of another country.

All south Asian countries must be respect each other’s territorial integrity and soverginity.

They should settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations.

h) Nuclear policy of India

During the period of Jawaharlal Nehru, the research in atomic energy started. India want to develop atom for
peace, or atomic energy use for peaceful propose. India seriously thought about nuclear weapons after the
Bangladesh crisis (1971). India conducted first nuclear test in 1974. It was conducted only “Peaceful Nuclear
Explosion”. India refused to sign the discriminatory non-proliferation treaty (1968).

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Why 1990 is important for structural change in international politics

The berlin wall, the symbol of the cold war fall down in 1989. The fall of berlin wall brought many changes in
international politics. After end of cold war, gained get not only western countries but also Asian countries
such as India and China also got profit. Suddenly collapse of USSR (Soviet Union) brought a great strategic
advantages for China. Some countries lost power but many others countries got power after cold war. After
cold war, Asia became main creditor and economically power with fast growing market, fastest rising military
power and most variable hot spots, .European’s countries also get power but not more than Asian’s countries.

The economy of Asia continent is growing very fast. Asian’s countries face complex security, energy and
development challenges with larger interstate competition in this era of globalization. After the cold war and
berlin wall crisis, the development was shift from the military power to a significant role for economic power
in extending international geopolitics. The global power was not shifted by the military triumphs or geopolitics
reassessment rather a unique factor played very important called “rapid economic growth”.
During the industrial revolution, economic growth played very important role. After the end of cold war,
increase their foreign investment and trade with other global institutions.
It was emergence with the world’s biggest trade surplus, largest foreign reserves and highest steel production.
After the “Tiananmen Square massacre” which was considered as an anti-government movement that
happened in the capital
China brought many changes in the world scenario. It withdrew western countries from trade withchina. But
despite this weak relation with the western world, China had seen a tremendous economic growth through
trade and commerce with Afro Asian countries. Today, china is set to displace Japan as the second largest
economy in the world.
The economy of India also changed after the end of cold war. India’s economy rise as new economy huge.
India was mostly did trade with the USSR (Soviet Union) and its communist allies in Eastern Europe. The
trade between USSR and India was commodity exchange, not cash. After the end of cold war, when USSR
started to divide into many parts then, India had to starting pay for imports in cash.
Then, India’s modest foreign exchange reserves decrease rapidly. Result, India faced severe balance of
payments crisis in 1991. After, this financial crisis, forced to India for start radical economic reforms. These
economic reforms helped to rise economy of India. In 1989, the emblematic defeat of Marxian allowed to
Asian countries such as India and China for overtly follow capitalist policies. While, under the Chinese
communist party, leader of Deng Xiaoping, china’s economic modernization reforms already started.

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He helped to create great wealth, which helped to get good economic growth for china. The activity of
communist party in china, helped to get good position of communist parties in other parts of Asia and beyond.
Cold war play very important role Indian foreign policy. Cold war helped to rise the Indian’s policy of non-
alignment. After the end of cold war, the Indian’s policy of non -
alignment became redundant. India faced terrible development challenge. The end of cold war brought a
foreign policy crisis for India by the India’s most significant partner, the USSR (Soviet Union).But, in
economic view, that crisis brought positive effect for India. That crisis helped to India for recover its foreign
policy. That crisis, forced to India for leave traditional activity. After the cold war, India started to make a
mutuality and beneficiary relationship such as Indo-US relationship, with the significant countries and Asia
such as Japan and beyond such as European power and it is not easy that Russia remains India’s good friend.

In recent years, Indian’s economy paid attention to world for its economic growth. The fall of berlin wall, India
get opportunities for new relationship and partnerships and keeping old friends.
It was biggest challenge that it’ strusted partner and friend “USSR (soviet union) left. USSR was very
important for India because it supplied weapons, spare parts, diplomatic support on Kashmir issues and other
issues. The economic crisis forced to India for restart and liberalize its economy and open market for private
sector for investment. These factor seriously put effect on Indian politics and economy.

The end of cold war and the collapse of the USSR (Soviet Union) set a great path of Asian’s countries
profile in international level.
Fall of berlin wall and end of cold war, India emerged as an identity country. These activity helped to India to
go closest with Europe and US. World become a one parts, so India and western countries came together at one
place. The end of cold war helped India to transform from a developing countries to an emerging
power/economies. It is big challenge for India to become a great power in Asia because it’s get big challenge
with another Asian countries such as China and Japan. Kashmir issues become a big challenge for India
n’s foreign policy because Pakistan and many others countries put blamed on India for violence on human
beings. Fall of berlin wall and end of cold war, were not a signaled an end of conflict and problems and spread
political and economic liberalism in the world. All countries is coming together to fight new conflict and
problems such as climate change, terrorism, nuclear problem and other problems. It helped to set up new
kind of global politics. After the changes in regional and global level, two Asian power rise, china and India
with strong economic performance and growing political power and changing Asian power structure. India sits
on big reserves of power but there is some limit which put effect on this power. India faces some serious
challenges such as poverty, population explosion, lack of good infrastructure. These challenges put effect
on India to making soft power.

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6. India’s national interests

Every nation have some goal and ambitions such as better political, security, economic, and soon. They try to
achieve these goal and ambitions. India have interest on to achievement a fastest, sustained socio-economic
development of the country. Indian foreign policy is connected with
the India’s core national values and ideas such as
multilateralism, peaceful coexistence, justice, freedom, equality and dynamic adaptation for change the
international environment. The main
objects of Indian’s foreign policy is a assuring peaceful and secure neighborhood, pally
and balanced relationship with the main powers and friendly beneficial partnership with developing countries.
India try to close and better neighborly relations with all its neighbors which depend on the fundamental
principles of equality and mutual respect.

A. Central Asia

India’s interest in central Asia is strategic, military, security and stability, cultural, energy and economic
development. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are good in oil and gas, sothey can provide oil and
gas to India. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are hold great
hydroelectric potential, so they can supply energy. Central Asia hold Islamic terrorists groups, they can find
way to India. If instability in central Asia and combined precarious situation in china, Bangladesh, Pakistan,
Afghanistan and other countries then it can create serious security problem in India, so it is very important that
the stability of central Asia. India can do economic cooperation with central Asian countries. That activity help
to improve economic growth. Many Asian countries hold similar cultural, so its help to improve cultural
activity in India. India surrounded by unstable countries such as Pakistan, if India make a positive and effective
relations with these countries. Then, the relationship between India and her unstable neighbor’s
countries, is not only good for India but also good for all countries. India also get markets for her
products. That activity help to progressing economic growth. Many companies come fromdifferent countries,
are investing in India, so it give benefit to economic growth.

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B. India’s Look East Policy

India’s look east policy lunched in 1991, because after the collapse of USSR (Soviet Union),India wanted to
improve her relations with all major power of the world. India focused mainly on South-East Asia because it
was growing market. India wanted to beyond the SAARC for benefit out of the economic potential of the south
east and East Asian reign. This policy help to economic, political, military, regional dimensions. This policy
help to get advantage in different areas such as education, democracy and culture. It is helping to improve
tourism in India. During the cold war, south Asian countries perceived china as a dangerous because of its
rising military power but some situation change.

C. South Asia

It is very important for India to make good relations with her neighbors. A peaceful neighborhood is help to get
good economic growth, security, political power.
India’s is providing some trade facilities such as the facility of the duty free access to Indian market for
imports products from her neighbors like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Sri Lanka is
supporting to India for India’s candidature to the permanent membership of the United Nations
Security Council.

D. East Asia

-Indian policy is always concerned on improvement in economic growth, political power, and security and
cultural. India’s interest to play effective role in the reign, even as an intermediately and emerge a global
power. India want to make a friendly relations with all countries of this reign. India’s interests to develop
economic, trade and investment ties and energy security with all countries of this reign. Many countries of this
reign hold energy resources such as oil, so it is good for countries economic. India has balanced view on Arab
countries. It does not want interfere in the internal affairs of Arab countries. India articulated a policy for its
neighbors. In that policy, India emphasis the advantage of buildings networks of inter connectivity,
trade and investment. They cooperation in many fields such as education, medical services, transport,

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telecommunication, civil aviation,
irrigation, power generation, ports, rail line, industry and others. These countries can benefit for India’s
rapid economic growth and rising prosperity.

E. ASEAN

The relation between ASEAN and India was not strong before 1990. During that time, India’s
search economy space, then Look East Policy came out. ASEAN help to recover the economy of India.
ASEAN countries and India signed a cooperation agreement for terrorism. India plan to more progress in
ASEAN-India partnership for peace, security and trade

F. Superpower countries

The main aim of India’s foreign policy is to achieve global status, so its interest to make good
relations with superpower like Japan, US, china, Russia, and European countries.

a)US (United States)

Before the cold war, US always ignored India as a regional power in south Asia. But, after cold war, India is
trying to good relation with US. India is expanding economic, technological, cultural and educational relations
with US.
India’s main interest is that US is help to convince the international community that India is good global player
and a balance power in Asia. US and India, both are working in several areas such as nuclear energy, Defense
and technology. The relationship between India and US, is very important for both economic, and regional and
global security.

b)Russia

Russia is good friend of India. Russia supply defense equipment and technology to India. Russia is very
important for India’s sectors such as economic, security and military.

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c) European Countries

India has very important partnership with European Countries. The most important part of this partnership is
that India have a fifth rank after the US, Canada, Russia and china whom European Countries established a
good balance. Under this partnership, trade and investment, protection for different sectors such as science and
technology, education, terrorism and democratization. This partnership help India to emerging economic
power and making good global status.

G. Asia- Pacific countries

Japan and India have common economic partnership agreement. Japan trying to build up a stronger business
network in India. Japanese companies are investing money in Indian market for developing Indian economy.
India deal agreement for national security and energy such as nuclear agreements. India also sign indo-japan
cultural agreement. Japan is helping India to build up and reconstruction Universities and colleges such as
Nalanda and the campus of Indian institute of technology (IIT), Hyderabad.
India’s foreign policy interests to make good partnership in future for economic, political status and security.

b)South Korea

During economic crisis in India, South Korean companies believed on Indian economy. They helped to start
economic reform in that time.
India’s foreign policy interests is to promote good relation with South Korea in next years. Many
Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Daewoo are working in India. The trade and
investment between South Korea and India are increasing rapidly. South Korea is providing military
equipment and also manufacturing military equipment such as transfer of technology and coproduction to
India. Their armies are exercise together many times. South Korea also try to participation in shipbuilding in
India. India and South Korean, both are working together in, energy and nuclear sector.
India foreign policy will face big challenges such as neighbored policy, nuclear policy, climate changes,
maritime security, terrorism, economic stability. All these are put effect on economic growth, political status
and security. During the cold war, the foreign policy of India followed non-alignment policy to maintain
independence of its foreign policy without dominating any blocks. In the changed condition, India can
follow non alignment policy on its own risks. In this time and future, India compete with China in most of
sectors and in the global economy that may be for FDI or energy achievement. In present scenario, India

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need to rethink and reformulate its non- alignment policy for future international environment. The relations
between India and US is very important in future for India and challenging external status because this
relationship put impact on the way which India interact with other three important countries, china, Russia and
the Islamic world. After china, Russia and Pakistan, both are larger Muslim countries. India have larger
number of Muslim minority as well as Hindu people nationalist. US have a good relation with Pakistan (if we
leave US attack on Pakistani city, Abbottabad for killing Osama Bin Laden, few years before) and US can
directly interfere in Pakistan, then it can create serious problem for India. That is most serious challenge facing
Indian’s foreign policy in future to make a balance
between need to maintain and develop good relationship with US while US can put pressure in its struggle
countries like China, Russia and Islamic world. US also important for nuclear energy. This relation help to
become a developed countries in future. The geopolitics of energy
is become very important for developing countries need to secure energy supply to maintain theireconomic
growth. Energy (gas or oil) become a very important for economic growth,
regional power status. Myanmar is rich country in energy resources. India and china, both are growinginterest
in Myanmar, so it is become a sandwich between two powerful countries.
India’s relation with Myanmar is good in few years especially for energy issues. Myanmar energy resources
affected the relation between indo-china and indo-Myanmar. India need to make good relations with Myanmar
for energy resources and India build a gas pipeline for future.
India’s foreign policy make a good relation with its neighbor’s countries china and Pakistan for security issues,
economic and political status, immediately. India hold problem with china and Pakistan is North-East and
Kashmir. The stability of its neighbor’s countries also important for it’s economic,
political and security issues.

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Conclusion

Foreign policy cannot stable because it change with time and situation. After the end of cold war, geopolitics
was totally change. Some nations lost power and many nations became more powerful. The foreign policy
of India also changed after the end of cold war. Before the end of cold war, India mostly trade with USSR.
India did not have clear neighbored policy and he ignored her important neighbors such as Sri Lanka, Nepal,
Bangladesh and third world countries. During that time, India faced economic crisis. But after the cold war,
India started to trade with other countries as US. India’s foreign policy is changing rapidly.
It is time for India to work with developing countries in environmental, economic, energy and terrorism issues.
The improvement in economy over the past decade, India’s foreign policy will focus on how to dealing with
global challenges like countries instability, economic issues, climate change, and security issues.

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