CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

The concluding remarks are the essential part of the whole study that give the
essence of the study. We reach this conclusion after making the study on of this
subject.

Foreign policy is the pattern of behavior which is adopted by one nation state
to persue its national interest, objectives and safeguard its defence and national
security. Thus foreign policy is determined by the national interests. Its first principle
is to create and maintain a favourable international environment for those interests.
The personality and predilections of leaders of a nation make an effective contribution
to this. The foreign policy of independent India is impossible to discuss without
starting with Jawahar Lal Nehru. It was no more accident that during his long innings
as Prime Minister he was always his own Foreign Minister. Because he played such a
profound and overriding role in formulating, administering and articulating India’s
foreign policy. No wonder then that he had laid down the basic tenets of Indian
foreign policy even before the country was fully free.

Post independence in 1947, India needed a powerful foreign policy which

could fulfil the national objectives. However, the seed of Indian foreign policy were
sown during the Indian freedom movement. This is fact that Indian National
Congress, after its establishment in 1885, played an important role to express India’s
international outlook through passing the resolutions from time to time. However,
after the end of First World War, India’s international outlook got a momentum. It
was accepted by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in his book “The Discovery of India”. No
doubt, it was Nehru who played a significant role in the making of Indian foreign
policy. A revolutionary change occurred in the international outlook of India. The
period of 1920 to 1946 was accepted very important from the point of Indian foreign
policy. During this period the framework of Indian foreign policy was defined by
Gandhiji while its orientation and details were made by Nehru.

While India got independence, the whole responsibility was shed on the
shoulders of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He had served his country as a first Prime
Minister as well as foreign Minister of India. At that time the international
circumstances as well the internal situation of India were passing through changes and
challenges. The trend of Cold War started and it was on climax because the whole

259
world was divided in two blocs led by USA and USSR. There was big challenge in
front of India that what type of foreign policy should be adopted by India to fulfill its
national interest.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as a chief architect of India took a very bold step and
initiated the policy of medium path later which was called “the policy of Non-
alignment”. The whole world was astonished on this decision. Nehru had the view
behind adopting this policy that it would maintain the freedom of taking decisions on
both level. This was the policy of judging the issue on its merit. This is true that it was
criticized by west but it proved itself as a boon to the newly independent countries of
Asia and Africa and other third world countries.

No doubt, it attracted worldwide attention at that time because it was a

independent policy from the clutch of the two power blocs and developed by a large
and important country. This is true that this policy admirably served the national
interest of India. It offered an international profile to India larger than its strength and
military power. It provided prestige and power to India.

As a founder member of the United Nations, India has always played a

significant role in the maintenance of international peace and security. It has always
supported the UN activities and measures against apartheid and colonialism. Its
wavering commitment to the cause of multilateralism and rich comparison to the
debates on development and human rights standout as outstanding successes of the
role played by India in UN. From its inception India has not only given importance
to its national interest but also it has always cared for other third world countries. He
was the pioneer of pro-Afro-Asian policy of India. In this context his role had started
before independence. He convened an Asian relations conference in March 1947
which sought to establish future guidelines for Colonial Asia. Second time ARC was
convened by him which helped Indonesia to independence the worked to bring close
Asia and Africa to each other. In true sense he was the first International humanitarian
who thought for whole mankind.

The decision of establishing relationship with commonwealth was bold but

needy step which was taken by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru at the time. It was
considered that India would not make any relationship with commonwealth because
India hardly had got rid of the yoke of colonialism of Britain. Noticing all the

260
circumstances he decided that India would take the membership of the
commonwealth. This had also served the national interest of India. However, in the
case of China and Kashmir issue, Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru showed
too much idealism. The result was that China stabbed India by making massive attack
in October 1962. It was attack not only of Indian territory but also on the hearts of
Indians. It also personally hurt Mrs. Nehru too much. Later on, he expressed his
grieve on this jolt given by China to India. To refer the Kashmir issue proved an err of
that time on the suggestion Mountbatten. During that period, India was in such strong
position that this matter could be dealt at bilateral level.

As regards India’s relations with big powers, they were influenced with
prejudices in initial years. As regards USA, apart from being two largest democracies,
their relations began in zig zag way. Behind this, the reason was the political interest
of both countries. India emerged as a champion of third world countries supporting
their interests while due to its hegemonic ideology America visualized itself as the
“controller of world politics. Thus, the US interests commanded it to make opposition
against Indian efforts to become the dominant power in South Asia. However, during
the John F. Kennedy, the President of USA, efforts were made to ease the relations
but there was no much gain. On the other side, the relations with USSR, apart from
the establishment of diplomatic relations in April 1947, had been strained in initial
years. However the convergence of their interests made them compliment to each
other. Post Stalin’s era, an era of cooperation and friendship started.

Nehru’s name will always shine like polestar on the horizon of Indian foreign
policy. It was not easy to frame an independent foreign policy in the confronting
trends which were prevailing at that time. However, this can’t be ignored that Nehru
paid much attention to global affairs rather than solving the regional issues. India,
therefore, had paid for this in the case of India Indo-China war and Kashmir issue.

Post-Nehru era, an era of realism with idealism started. Since 1964 to 1990,
the initiatives were taken under influence of realism. However India followed the
same foreign policy objectives but now the foreign policy makers started to consider
in realistic way. The regional issues had also been accepted as important as
international issues. India gave importance to neighbourly relations. Lal Bahadur
Shastri, in spite of short duration, proved a worthy successor to Jawahar Lal Nehru in
many respects. Winning the Indo-Pak war in 1965, he brought back the morale of

261
Indians which were shattered after 1962 debacle as well as to make feel the capability
of India as powerful nation on international level. Diplomatically, it was the win over
Pindi, Peking and Jakarta axis. He will always be remembered for Tashkent
Agreement because he tried to establish cordial relations with Pakistan however he
had lost his life after this agreement.

Post Shastri era, Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s era was memorable for the Indian
foreign policy. She emerged as a real politician in this context. Her decisions were full
of realism however she remined that she would follow her father’s foreign policy. No
doubt, she efforted but whenever the question was concerned with Indian national
interest she took very progressive initiatives and proved herself as a great diplomats
among the leaders of that period in the world. Its best example were the treaty of
Peace, Friendship and Cooperation of 1971 with USSR and the war with Pakistan.
She did not bend down before any pressure of any power also. She made clear that
India’s policy of non-alignment would be followed same as before. She showed
statementship with Pakistan when the Shimla Agreement was signed. India returned
thousands miles territory into return some miles. This was a great achievement for
Indo-Pak relation when she ruled out the intervention of any third party in bilateral
relations. One of the most of courageous tasks was the nuclear explosion in May 1974
at Pokharan, she astonished the world and replied the prevailing challenges that
emanated due to the axis of USA Pakistan and China during that period. This is true
she was a far sighted woman and carried on the Indian foreign policy on the climax.

In 1977, the Janata Government came into the centre under Mr. Morarji Desai.
He followed the continuity with some changes. He maintained the continuity in the
foreign policy with some changes. The first emphasis of his government was on the
policy of bilateralism and the normalization of foreign relations with the neighbouring
countries. Second emphasis was on “genuine” non-alignment. Its effect was noticed in
the relations of India and America. For example, the supply of enriched nuclear fuel
for the Tarapore Atomic power plant was restored by Carter, the then US President.
But on the nuclear policy, Indian attitude was same as before. As, it is well known
that the policy of ‘genuine’ alignment was propounded by this government to make
balance or to check more inclination towards USSR. But after some time, due to Geo-
strategic circumstances India and USSR felt the necessity to each other. This was
clear that no change occurred in the geo-circumstances with the change of

262
government. However, India’s relations with Pakistan were on the high climax during
the Janata Government. India’s relations improved with Nepal and Bangladesh. This
is true that the assumptions of regional policy of his government had been adopted by
India post cold war.

In August 1979, the Janata Government collapsed. Once again, Indira Gandhi
was re-elected Prime Minister of India. She followed same policy as her previous
durations. She faced internal disturbance. During this duration, she got a diplomatic
win to conclude an agreement with France in 1982 concerning immediate supply of
lighter enriched uranium for Tarapore plant. With China, efforts were made to make
normal relations but there was no much progress. No doubt is in this fact that during
her era, India emerged as the leading force in the non-aligned movement. India took
realistic stand on major issues which were faced by the world in general and the non-
aligned countries in particular. In this context, the 7th Non-aligned conference was
held in New Delhi. Her contribution was that she called for an international
conference on money and finance for development, which was not weighted in favour
of North. Other achievement of that conference was that first time there was demand
for the strengthen the machinery of United Nations. It was a voice against the role of
America which was trying to settle the position of UN.

She had outstanding merit to recognize the situation. In the conference she
evolved multidimensional attitude for the NAM. She evolved an approach which was
based on the concrete understanding of colonialism and neo-colonialism which,
according to her, came “wraped in all types of packages”. Her role in NAM, was
appreciated by Fidel Castro. This is a fact that during her period Indian foreign policy
touched new heights in international relations. Her foreign policy, diplomatic
behavior and capability of taking accurate decisions were very effective. She not only
contributed for fulfillment of the Indian national interest but also voiced for third
world countries’ interests, she was great leader of great intension. The golden period
of her foreign policy ended with her assassination in October 1984.

Post-Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister. He followed the

policy of Non-alignment and normalization with neighbours. But one thing was very
clear that to a large extent, his foreign policy was different from the previous
governments. This was not burdened too much with history. He said that India would
maintain wide ranging and time tested relationship with the Soviet Union as well the

263
multifaceted relationship would be increased with United States. He gave new
direction to maintaining balance in relations with both superpowers. He did not only
maintain relations with superpowers but also at the regional level he tried to create
positive environment to make good relations. No doubt, during his era even the old
international trends were changing and new tendencies were taking place on
international scenario. He understood the changing circumstances and took initiatives
in realistic way and established a coordination with the changing trends of global
politics. He provided new dimensions to Indian foreign policy. Three of them were
very significant from the point of view Indian foreign policy. He would always be
figured in any chronicle of India’s foreign policy for these path breaking trends. These
were as - proposing a time bound proposal in UN conference on disarmament to
destroy Nuclear weapon. The path breaking visit to China and sending IPKF in Sri
Lanka. However, on the Sri Lankan issue India’s position was criticized but it should
never be forgotten that all this was done from the point of view India’s security and
the whole Indian continent in order to hold the intervention of external powers. In
totality, he followed a such policy which was free from burden of precedent
prejudices.

V.P. Singh and Chandra Sekhar’s era, there was no great achievement to
Indian foreign policy. The basics of foreign policy were same as before. V.P. Singh
called back the IPKF from Sri Lanka and tried to establish smooth relationship with
Nepal. Chandra Sekhar’s government provided facility to fuel the US aircrafts from
Indian airports during the Iraq Kuwait war. These initiatives increased the
normalization in the relationship with US.

The end of the cold war and the disintegration of USSR were most dramatic
incidents of twentieth century which changed all the game of International relations.
All the barriers were break down due to the process of Globalisation. USA emerged
as a unipolar centre but on the economic level other new centres were emerging like
Japan, China, Singapore etc. The trend of regionalism emanated vigorously from the
ruin of cold war. It is true that the inception of any substantial course of action or
strategy does not take place overnight or in a vacuum. Certain factors stimulate the
evolution and it is utterly relevant to foreground the material circumstances
influencing the emergence of the policies.

264
 India could not also untouched the implications of the fall of USSR because
India had lost a reliable, strategic and time tested friend on the international scenario.
However, it gave new opportunities to India to establish new relationship within Asia
and outside. India had to make shift in its foreign policy perceiving the prevailing
circumstances. India started to defy the challenges and win over them through its
pragmatic decisions. As a great strategist, Late Prime Minister Mr. P.V. Narasimha
Rao took many pragmatic initiatives. However some of them are considered
milestones for Indian foreign policy. He declared to new economic reforms policy to
revive the economy and liberalise Indian economy to overcome over serious balance
of payment crisis under the International monetary fund. The economy was meant not
only to avail the opportunities emanating from globalization and liberalization but to
confront the challenges posed by the New World order. This is true that the economic
circumstances propelled to India to announce its “Look East Policy” or maintain
relations to south East Asian countries. It was a farsighted initiatives which has
proved itself beneficial to India not only in economic field but it has strategically
provided boost to Indian interests. India and ASEAN have found themselves
compliment to each other to hold the expansionism of China. In IInd phase, the area
of ‘Look East Policy’ was increased. It has also provided good gains to both parties.
Apart from some irritants with China, this relationship with ASEAN and other east
Asian countries has positively moved on. However China has not been favour in India
inclusion in EAS, but its all efforts had been in vain. In initial days, due to the
declaration of these policies, India’s policy of non-alignment was questioned, India
strongly defended this policy and announced that non alignment policy is the soul of
Indian foreign policy. It is way of taking freely decisions on every issue related to
Indian National interests or international issues. Therefore, its relevance could not be
ignored in Indian foreign policy as well international politics. This was true, some
shifts were made but the basic structure not changed.

The another much awaited initiative taken by the Rao’s government was to
establish the diplomatic relations with Israel. Because till the cold war, the Indian
foreign policy had been pro-Arab policy. This ground reality can’t denied that some
internal ideological reasons were responsible for this change, mainly ‘Pakistan had
been as a compelling factor to make pro-Arab policy. The other reasons was also that
India did not favour against the separatism. However, the seismic developments of

265
late 1980s and early 1990s fundamentally altered the status quo. The prevailed
circumstances changed with the passing of time and India evolved the policy of
bilateralism with Israel. No doubt, Israel policy of India has been the most
controversial contentions and argued issue in its foreign policy. The normalization of
relations at first did not receive a positive reaction but gradually India had been
successful to manage evolving resemblance of a consensus on this issue. This is
noticeable that after normalization Israel has been exception in this context that it has
evoked enormous interest in India. In other fields relations of both countries have
been cordial and progressive.

No doubt that the military security ties have emerged as the most prominent
and widely talked about dimension of the bilateral relation. In this increase of
cordiality, the role of NRIs have also been significant. Due to emotional admiration,
religious animosity or ideological bandwagoning, many Indians have keenly followed
the developments surroundings Israel and by extension of the bilateral relations. This
trend has proved fruitful to India.

South Asia is characterized by asymmetry. In size, population, economic and

military power, India is larger than all the other countries. The major objectives of
Indian foreign policy in the region has been: ensuring peace, stability and
development, prompting regional economic integration; and securing its strategic and
economic interests. It can not be denied that due to some decisions (however all were
taken due to circumstances), India’s image had become as bullying state. However, in
the Post Cold war era, India tried to maintain a coordination in the relations with the
countries of subcontinent. The Gujral Doctrine was promulgated to blow new wind of
trust among these countries. The fundamental departing point of Gujral doctrine was
that India would not insist on the principle of reciprocity. Other point of view of
Gujral behind this was that without maintaining cordiality with neighbours India
would not be global power. The five points were included in the doctrine were like the
panchsheel to ensure regional peace and security. Unfortunately, it got mix reactions
on regional level. This was true that the Gujral Doctrine generated new hope of peace
and stability but it was not pursued seriously. Indeed, it gave a new dimension to the
foreign policy of India in relationship with Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The far-reaching changes in both the domestic and global milieu had
compelled India not only to re-look at the basic postulates of its foreign policy, but

266
also adopt fundamental shift in the world outlook. It was reflected in the relations
with big powers – US and Russia. In the Post cold era India’s relations with US
started to improve but due to its Hobesian theory on the issue of nuclear policy of
India, the relations got setback. The initial years of Clinton Administration the
difference on the nuclear issue affected this relationship. However Kargil war brought
a wind of positive change in this negative mindset to each other. A process started of
cordiality in relations. However, the policy on nuclear agenda had been same during
Clinton Administration. A dramatic change in US mind set occurred relating to
nuclear policy of India during Bush Administration. On this matter the Bush
administration adopted a liberal point of view towards India. More than that the two
reasons were responsible for this change. First, was the emergence of India as a
nuclear weapon country in 1998 and the booming of Indian economy with much
higher growth that’s why India had been seriously taken by world powers. Second
was that, the frightful incident of 9/11 changed all the prejudices about India. On the
strategic front, after 9/11, Indian cooperated with the global war on terrorism and its
proactive stand on the counter terrorism had been applauded by universally and
specially by US also. Third was that Bush administration saw India as big challenger
to contain China’s presence in Asia pacific. Due to all this, a dramatic but positive
change occurred in US nuclear policy towards India. Accepting India (not openly) as
a nuclear power, Bush signed a nuclear deal on July 18, 2004. Finally, it took its solid
existence in December 2008. This was historic in this sense that within 4 years, this
process passed through a lot of criticism or debate in both states, but ultimately with
the efforts of heads of both countries – Prime Minister of India and the President of
USA, the deal was finalized. This trend, started with negative attitude but in the
beginning of 21st century, it got a appropriate and positive gesture. It proved fruitful
of growing trust to each other.

In the case of India’s relations with Russia this is true that during the cold war,
these relationship had been based on time tested friendship. In the Post Cold War era,
this perception changed due to the changing circumstances. Globalsiation and the new
world order had reset the agenda for Indian Russian bilateral relations. It was true that
these two states had to research for creative responses to the new trends in order to
serve their vital interests and cope with external pressures.

267
 For the advancement of technology and capital, Russia turned to west. On the
other side India’s decision to open its economy for globalization after a balance of
payment crisis in 1991, there was a shift in attitude. Therefore, a shift in structural
ideology comparatively protected their interest but after sometime, both realized need
to come close to each other in this globalized world. Somewhere their interests were
converging to each other. On the other side, Russia felt that no respect was given to it
by West for which it was liable. However, after becoming Vladimir Putin as a
President of Russia, the understanding had increased between both countries. Both
realized that returning of the old days Indo-Soviet friendship is not possible, but they
could become good partners in this globalized world. This realization became greater
basis for indo-Russia relationship than with newer partners. No doubt both countries
have realization of the cooperation and friendship of the days of cold war and their
relations have prominent place to each other’s perception.

This is true that the end of Cold War opened the door for a new engagement
with China. In spite of having different ideologies, the beginning was very cordial in
initial days of independence of both countries. However, the behaviour of China has
been influenced with Mechiavialism that the own interest is supreme rather than
other’s. But, international relations are dependent on coordination and cooperation,
while India has always believed in “Vasudhaivkutumbkum” and cares also about
other’s interests. After 1962, India’s dream of Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai brokedown and
distrust and prejudices got room in their relationship. However, during Mrs. Indira
Gandhi and Morarji Desai’s era, the efforts were made to recover the relation but
there was no more progress in this direction. No doubt, with the break through visit of
late Indian Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi in December 1988 started a new trend in
the relationship. Somewhere, the cloud of misperception scattered to some extent but
not in full scale.

In the Post Cold war era with the changing orientations in world scenario, it
became imperative to both countries to grow their engagement. Their relationship, no
doubt, has been running on track but it can’t be ignored that their mistrust and
prejudices to each other on every level, have created a competition. In this context,
China’s behavior has been more suspectable towards India. There are two prominent
narrow ideologies behind this objective of China. One is that China does not want to
see India’s emergence as a global power and that is why it has adopted a policy of

268
encirclement of India through land and sea with other neighbour countries of India.
Other is that it has perceived the growth of indo-US relationship with suspicion
against it. However both countries have same ideology on many international issues
as on the climate change and the agricultural rights of farmers in the international
conferences. However, India has also started to reply to China in its language through
the ASEAN, BIMSTEC and MGC etc.

No doubt, China has been as a big brother behind Pakistan’s hostile behaviour
toward India. That is why, this dual policy of China for India and Pakistan creates
mistrust between two countries. It seems that apart from having good relationship, this
is the most intricated relationship rather than rather India and Pakistan’s relation.
Hope is rest for better realization to each other.

In the present age, India and EU have emerged as two prominent actors in
world politics. Their relationship, however, had started with establishment of
European community in 1960s. The qualities of unity in diversity and pluralism have
played a significant role to come close to each other. In the Post Cold war declaration
of economic reforms by India promoted the EU to have more cooperation with India.
No doubt, India has always been attractive place to the Europeans. Even spiritual and
material wealth attracted the EU. After all, its process in information technology and
massive market have attracted it. Time to time, initiatives had been taken to grow this
relationship. However, a little gap emerged due to the nuclear explosion by India but
very soon it was sorted out.

No doubt a big trend began in India and the EU relationship in June 2000 at
Lisbon. Growing status of India on world level in many field impressed to the EU to
make new orientations in relationship. The strategic partnership with India in 2004
and the establishment of JAP in 2005, the inclusion of India in ASEM process proved
India’s significance to the EU’s interests. However, there have been some differences
on the issues as – the nuclear policy of India, rules and regulations of trade and transit
and the seat in the United Nation’s security council. However, both are compliment to
each other due to their democratic system, plural society, the same perception of
human rights and specially on the total end of terrorism. These qualities make them as
“Natural allies”. That’s why their coordination and cooperation to each other on the
international issues have very significant value to sort out any problem. No doubt

269
their presence at every level gives height to take decision to sort out any international
issue.

Lastly, the concluding observation is that as in the Post Cold war P.V.
Narsimha Rao took pragmatic initiatives to adjust the changing domestic and
international realities of the times. In the same way post 9/11, India took principle
stand to recover the relationships with other countries. Following a number of
determining factors such as economic growth, energy security, nuclear capability,
democratic tradition and soft power capability, India reformulated its foreign policy
accordingly.

With the end of Taliban regime in Afghanistan, India reinvolved to give

humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. It has been actively involved in the
reconstruction since 2001. No doubt, a prosperous and secure Afghanistan would be
appropriate to India. India did not participated in the US led ‘war on terror’.
Undoubtedly India’s strategic interests lie in the long term stabilization of the country.
It is like a bridge to reach the CARs: This is also true that in spite of a lot hurdles,
Indian humanitarian assistance continues. On the other side, Pakistan is against this
involvement and sees it with suspicion for itself, but Afghanistan believes in India
more than Pakistan. The Indian presence, here would be enable to prevent any form or
resurgent of Taliban in state and to limit the influence of Pakistan. Second is that it
would make enable India to build robust strategic and economic ties with the energy
rich CARs. While Pakistan, as before, wants to play Islamic card against India. This
fact can’t also denied that Afghanistanies have trust India rather than Pakistan. That is
most important factor which enable India to remain in Afghanistan. It is true that trust
is first condition to make existence of any relationship even in International relations.
In this context of USA’s AF-Pak policy, they would not bring any big implication to
India in negative way because India is capable to secure its national interests.

In the context of India’s engagement with central Asia, it may be concluded

that since ancient time the hearts and links have been connected. Even in the duration
of USSR regime, the relationship was cordial. However in the Post Cold War era,
India tried to maintain this trend yet, there could not be much progress in the relations
due to unvisibleness of direct link. Post 9/11, due to the ouster of the Taliban rule,
Afghanistan emerged as channel to make direct reach to the CARs and India re-
engaged creatively to Central Asia. There are three regions behind this – (a) India

270
considers Central Asia as its extended neighbourhood and attaches high importance
for its geo-political and geo-economic interests more specifically the location of
Central Asia next to Afghanistan makes it important not only in the India-Pakistan
context as also India needs its energy resources. Second, India wants to prevent
Pakistan to play its Islamic card against India. Third is that India with Iran does not
understand appropriate the much involvement of Western countries in this region. For
this reason, India is against the ‘Great Game’ theory. On the other side, India wants to
take membership of SCO and CARs can play a significant role to this. However, as a
‘time tested friend’ Russia is in favour to give full membership India but China, is not
in favour to give membership to India. Truly, the relationship of India and Central has
been beyond any suspicion and continuously increasing between both.

Undoubtedly, the historic Indo-US nuclear deal emerged as a big opportunity

to bring much cordiality and stability in the relationship of two largest democracies of
world. Signing of the civilian nuclear agreement between India and USA in 2008 was
a significant turning point in the foreign policy of India. Following this agreement,
India’s relations with the US took an upward swing. Truly, the meeting point of two
countries would bring many positive results to both countries as well as to the whole
world.

271