Indias Foreign Relations and Their Effect on

Its Peace and Security

Indias foreign relations have been in existence ever since the inception of
civilization. Its vast resources and a promise of prosperity, spiritual powerhouse,
have attracted many foreign rulers and outlanders and pilgrims as well. The Indus
valley civilization had a harmonious relationship of trade with Mesopotamia. The
Aryans, the Muslim rulers and finally the British were all influenced by the countrys
potential of providing them with opportunities of a prosperous settlement, rich
resources and trade respectively. The Indian National Movement and many of its
ideals were also motivated and often guided by Russian, French revolution and alike.
India has successfully catapulted itself from almost a miniscule role before
independence to a torchbearer of democracy in the world centre stage in the 21 st
century. It now enjoys a wide recognition as a country driven by ideals of democracy
and as an economic powerhouse. Although this achievement can be attributed to its
carefully designed foreign policies which not only spared it from the cold-war rivalry
but also helped it recover from several crises like the scarcity of food grains in 60s
and the balance of payments problem in early 90s. However, the country also is
surrounded by several rivals like Pakistan and China dealing with whom necessitates
a lot of diplomatic diligence. India has also been facing a long standoff with regard
to the Kashmir issue which still contributes to the delicate geopolitical structure in
South Asia.
Foreign Relations Evolution
The pre-independence era foreign relations had largely to do with garnering support
for the cause of Indias independence from foreign domination. Post-independence,
India supported independence of various other countries of Africa and Asia. India
also had to deal two wars with the newly formed Pakistan on account of Kashmir
conflict and another war with China. With cold war looming large post World War II,
the then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru had aptly recognized Non-Alignment as a
better way to project Indias foreign policy. However, the country found a very good
strategic friend in USSR which provided it with extensive military support.
After the break up of USSR, foreign relations have taken a major turn and the
country now seeks to strengthen its ties with the United States of America, the
Peoples Republic of China and the European Union, Israel, Japan and Brazil. It has
also put dedicated efforts in securing strong relations with major groups like
Association of South East Asian Nations, the African Union, the Arab League and
Iran.

Having established a strategic partnership with the United States, the country now
seeks to focus on improving its foreign relations within the Asian region with its
Look East and Act East policy.
Drivers of Foreign Relations
Article 51 of Indian Constitution says that the state shall endeavor the promotion of
international peace and security. It heralds the internationalist view envisaged by
the architects of the constitution. Having realized the importance of freedom, the
country played an active role in the Bandung Conference 1946, which united Asian
countries and demanded Indonesian independence from Dutch that eventually
happened in 1948. This shows that the principles of national sovereignty and
democracy lay deep in the countrys international relations.
National interests also form the core of foreign relations of any country and India is
no exception. Challenges of poverty, human development and conflicts like Kashmir
and border disputes have shaped our foreign relations with various countries. To
pursue economic growth the country has unshackled itself from being a closed
economy to that of a globalised and liberalized one. Objectives of energy security,
border defense and economic development are driving Indias foreign relations. The
country has nuclear deals with U.S, France, Russia and long term deals for
petroleum exports with Iran, the Middle East. With terrorism and hostile atmosphere
surrounding the Indian subcontinent both on the western and eastern frontier, the
country has concluded various defense and associated technological deals.
Effect of Foreign Relations on its peace and security
Kashmir conflict continues to pose a big challenge in establishing harmonious
relation with Pakistan. This single unresolved issue coupled with border disputes
with China has remained a concern. Terrorism and radicalization of the youth are
posing new dangers to the countrys security. On the one hand the country has to
deal with increased expenditure on defense to combat terrorism and the continued
standoff with the neighbors; on the other hand the country also has to pursue its
economic and development goals. Border issues with Bangladesh have also been a
cause of concern due to smuggling and human trafficking crimes. However, the
prudent decision of the present government of swapping enclaves within each
others borders is expected to bring these down.