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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate18 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
This chapter delves into India's development of its external relations post-independence, focusing on its policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, its complex relationships with neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan, and the evolution of its nuclear policy. It examines India's strategic autonomy and how internal politics influenced foreign policy decisions. The chapter also highlights significant historical events such as the wars with Pakistan and the role India played in the Non-Aligned Movement.
Key Topics
- •Non-Alignment Policy
- •Indo-Pak Wars
- •India's Nuclear Policy
- •Relations with China
- •Cold War Context
- •Development of India's Foreign Policy
- •Role of Nehru in Foreign Affairs
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the historical background of India's foreign relations.
- ✓Examine the principles of non-alignment and their implementation.
- ✓Assess India's military conflicts and their impact on foreign policy.
- ✓Analyze the evolution of India's nuclear strategy.
- ✓Evaluate India's geopolitical strategies during the Cold War.
- ✓Discuss the influence of domestic politics on foreign relations.
Questions in Chapter
Why did Nehru regard conduct of foreign relations as an essential indicator of independence? State any two reasons with examples to support your reading.
Page 70
Identify any two aspects of India’s foreign policy that you would like to retain and two that you would like to change, if you were to become a decision maker. Give reasons to support your position.
Page 71
Write short notes on the following. (a) India’s Nuclear policy, (b) Consensus in foreign policy matters.
Page 70
India’s foreign policy was built around the principles of peace and cooperation. But India fought three wars in a space of ten years between 1962 and 1971. Would you say that this was a failure of the foreign policy? Or would you say that this was a result of international situation? Give reasons to support your answer.
Page 70
Does India’s foreign policy reflect her desire to be an important regional power? Argue your case with the Bangladesh war of 1971 as an example.
Page 71
Additional Practice Questions
Discuss the role of the Non-Aligned Movement in India's foreign policy.
mediumAnswer: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was central to India's foreign policy in maintaining strategic autonomy during the Cold War. It enabled India to advocate for peaceful coexistence and economic cooperation without aligning with either superpower, the USA or the USSR.
How did India’s foreign policy evolve after the Cold War?
mediumAnswer: After the Cold War, India's foreign policy shifted towards economic liberalization and engaging more actively in global trade. The focus moved from non-alignment to strategic partnerships with major powers like the US, Russia, and China, emphasizing economic growth.
Evaluate the impact of the Indus Waters Treaty on Indo-Pak relations.
hardAnswer: The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has been a lasting example of cooperation between India and Pakistan despite ongoing tensions. It facilitated peaceful sharing of water resources, thereby contributing to regional stability.
Analyze the factors that led to the 1971 war between India and Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh.
hardAnswer: The 1971 war was primarily triggered by political unrest in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the demand for autonomy. India's involvement was in response to the humanitarian crisis and influx of refugees, leading to a military conflict and the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
Discuss the rationale behind India’s nuclear policy and its impact on international relations.
hardAnswer: India’s nuclear policy is grounded in achieving credible minimum deterrence and maintaining strategic autonomy. By not signing the NPT, India retains the option of nuclear capability for self-defense, impacting its diplomatic engagements with nuclear and non-nuclear states.