1.2. Determinants: Actors and Factors Shaping India’s Foreign Policy

The foreign policy of any country as well as its success or failure is determined by many factors. To name a few:

♤ History: Political Tradition and philosophical basis as in case of India peaceful coexistence as well as non aggression are attributed to its history and culture and political tradition.

♤ Geography: location and resources- Geo-politics and Geo-strategy: Many rivers in India are transboundary e.g Ganges, Brahmaputra, Teesta. Himalaya and the Indian Ocean are crucial for India’s security.

♤ Economic development: the development needs and stage of a country contribute to its foreign policy choices and both in terms of means and ends.

♤ Domestic Milieu: Institutions, political atmosphere and consensus on National Interest, needs, ambitions and capabilities, Leadership, bureaucracy.

♤ International Milieu: War, peace and stability e.g. a peaceful external environment is conducive for economic growth and development.

In terms of means of foreign Policy Objectives on can count diplomatic tools, economic tools, and military tools. One can better appreciate the significance of the above discussion in light of the evolution of India’s foreign policy over the years.