The Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy Since 1947

On August 15, 1947, India gained independence from colonial rule. The new sovereign nation faced the challenge of establishing itself on the global stage. As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, a look at the evolution of its foreign policy reveals its strategic vision, resilience and adaptability.

From the idealistic non-alignment of its early years to the pragmatic multi-alignment of today, it is important to examine the evolution of India’s foreign policy since 1947 as the country celebrates its 77th Independence Day. Reflecting on India’s diplomatic journey highlights the country’s growth from a post-colonial power to a major global player. It emphasizes the strategic shifts, landmark decisions, and evolving global relationships that have shaped India’s current international position.

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The evolution of Indian foreign policy since 1947

Nehru’s Vision (1947-1964)

After India gained independence in 1947, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, India developed a visionary foreign policy based on anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism, and peaceful coexistence. Nehru’s approach was rooted in the ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which aimed to keep India and other newly independent countries out of the Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Non-Aligned Movement was formally established at the Bandung Conference in 1955, with Nehru as its leading figure. The movement was a collective stance against superpower conflict, advocating independence and non-alignment. Nehru articulated this policy in a 1956 speech to the Indian Parliament: “We propose to stay as far away from powerful blocs as possible… Our foreign policy is independence and non-alignment, so that we can exercise our own judgment freely.”

In 1954, India and China signed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty and nonaggression, the agreement was a bold statement of India’s commitment to peaceful diplomacy. However, the 1962 Sino-Indian War exposed the limitations of these principles and challenged Nehru’s vision.

Post-Nehru Era (1964-1990)

Transformation under Indira Gandhi

Image: ORF

Indira Gandhi succeeded Nehru and made major changes to India’s foreign policy. Under her leadership, India launched the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, which resulted in a decisive victory over Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh, establishing India as a major power in the region.

In 1971, Gandhi also signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, which solidified India’s strategic partnership with the Soviet Union. Historian S. Gopal noted: “Indira Gandhi’s foreign policy was characterized by confidence and strategic depth, which was crucial in a period of regional turmoil.”

Rajiv Gandhi’s diplomacy

Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev; photo: @RusEmbIndia

Rajiv Gandhi came to power in 1984 with the aim of modernizing India’s economy and military. His tenure marked a thaw in India’s relations with the United States, and his visit to the United States in 1985 eased Cold War tensions and strengthened economic and technical cooperation.

India played a key role in the formation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985. SAARC aims to promote cooperation among South Asian countries despite regional rivalries.

Rajiv Gandhi also advocated global peace, presenting a comprehensive disarmament plan at the 1988 United Nations General Assembly that reflected India’s commitment to nuclear disarmament.

Liberalization and globalization (1991-2000)

In the early 1990s, India underwent a major transformation under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. Faced with an economic crisis, Rao introduced major economic reforms, including liberalizing trade policies, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and opening up to foreign investment. This move not only resolved the economic crisis, but also recalibrated India’s foreign policy from non-alignment to multilateral alignment, effectively engaging with the United States, Russia, and China.

In 1991, Rao launched the “Look East” policy, which aimed to strengthen India’s economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. The policy was intended to counterbalance China’s growing influence and enhance India’s presence in the region.

21st Century and Beyond

Vajpayee and Singh era

India made significant progress in the early 2000s under the leadership of Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. Vajpayee’s proactive foreign policy emphasized strengthening ties with Southeast Asia through the “Look East” policy, highlighted by his 2001 visit to Japan. The Vajpayee government also laid the foundation for improved Indo-US relations, punctuated by President Bill Clinton’s historic visit to India in 2000. In 1998, under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership, India conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear test, marking a major shift in India’s strategic posture. Despite international scrutiny, the Vajpayee government insisted on India’s right to nuclear capability and technological advancement.

Manmohan Singh’s term (2004-2014) further advanced India’s foreign relations, especially with the United States. The 2008 US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement marked an important milestone in India’s integration into the global nuclear order. The Singh government transformed the “Look East” policy into “Act East”, focusing on strategic engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. During this period, India also signed a number of free trade agreements (FTAs) with ASEAN countries.

The Modi Era (2014-Present)

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, India’s foreign policy has taken a more assertive and strategic stance.

In 2011, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged India to shift from “Look East” to “Act East” and to play a more active role in the Asia-Pacific region. The call resonated, prompting Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to declare in 2014 that India was ready to “Act East”, a stance reiterated by Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

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Prime Minister Modi’s “Act East” policy has deepened engagement with the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing strategic partnerships with Japan and Australia and contributing to the Quad security alliance with the United States, Japan, and Australia. The Quad aims to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and its 2021 summit emphasized joint efforts on security and maritime issues.

Prime Minister Modi has also positioned India as a leader in global climate initiatives. The establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015 and the ambitious climate targets announced at the 2021 COP26 summit reflect India’s proactive stance on climate change. Prime Minister Modi’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 and increase non-fossil fuel energy to 50% by 2030 underscores India’s commitment to global climate action.

What factors drive India’s foreign policy today?

In the past, foreign policy was often seen as a matter of elite concern, a topic of debate among intellectuals, diplomats and policy analysts. The complexities of international relations, the subtleties of diplomacy and strategic maneuvers on the global stage seemed distant and abstract to the average Indian citizen, whose concerns were more immediate and closer to everyday realities. Today, however, the landscape has changed dramatically. Discussions about India’s role in the world have permeated every level of society, from casual discussions at the dinner table to debates in the local community. India’s foreign policy is no longer the domain of the elite, but a topic of national interest, reflecting the country’s growing confidence and ambitions on the global stage.

Modern India’s foreign policy is driven by a combination of historical legacies, strategic imperatives and contemporary global challenges. The evolution from Nehru’s principle of non-alignment to the current proactive stance reflects the evolution of India’s foreign policy since 1947.

Strategic Autonomy and Multilateral Alignment: One of the core pillars of India’s foreign policy today is the pursuit of strategic autonomy. While the principle of non-alignment laid the foundation, India has adapted it to the modern environment by adopting a policy of multilateral alignment. This approach has enabled India to engage with a variety of global powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, without being constrained by any single group. This flexibility is essential in navigating a complex and often turbulent international landscape, allowing India to protect national interests while maintaining sovereignty.

Economic Diplomacy: Economic interests are at the core of India’s foreign policy. Since the economic liberalization of the 1990s, India has placed increasing emphasis on trade, investment, and technological cooperation in its international relations. India’s emphasis on economic diplomacy is reflected in its efforts to secure free trade agreements, attract foreign direct investment, and expand its economic footprint in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Policies such as “Look East” and “Act East” emphasize India’s commitment to promoting economic ties and balancing the influence of other major powers, especially China.

Security Issues: India’s foreign policy is also influenced by its security needs. Challenges posed by neighboring countries such as Pakistan and China, as well as the broader threat of terrorism, necessitate a strong defense and strategic policy. The strengthening of alliances such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (composed of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India) highlights India’s focus on regional stability and its desire to play a leading role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. In addition, India’s defense modernization efforts and increased defense cooperation with key partners reflect its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Global Leadership and Norm-Setting: Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has sought to become a global leader, particularly in areas such as climate change, renewable energy, and digital governance. The establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and India’s active participation in global climate negotiations highlight its leadership in promoting sustainable development. India’s advocacy for digital inclusion and cybersecurity in international forums further demonstrates its ambition to shape global norms in emerging areas.

Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power: India’s foreign policy today also leverages its rich cultural heritage and soft power. The global appeal of Indian culture, yoga, and cinema has become a valuable tool for enhancing India’s international image and fostering goodwill. Initiatives such as International Yoga Day and promotion of Indian culture abroad are an integral part of India’s strategy to build people-to-people ties and strengthen diplomatic relations.

Technology and Innovation: As India positions itself as a hub for technology and innovation, its foreign policy is increasingly focused on leveraging these sectors for strategic and economic gain. India’s collaboration with countries such as the United States, Israel, and Japan in space exploration, cybersecurity, and digital technology demonstrates its determination to be at the forefront of the global technological revolution.

Moreover, India’s foreign policy is now increasingly influenced by domestic factors. Public opinion, economic needs, and national security concerns are all closely tied to foreign policy decisions. India’s foreign policy is now a dynamic and multifaceted endeavor, driven by economic aspirations, security needs, geopolitical ambitions, and domestic factors.

All in all, this reflects a confident and determined India, keen to shape its own destiny on the global stage while continuing to respond to the needs and aspirations of its people. As India continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, its foreign policy is likely to evolve further, striking a balance between tradition and innovation, ambition and pragmatism.

Also read: India’s journey to becoming a space power since independence

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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