< Previous | Contents | Next >
At the time of India’s independence the global situation was in flux. The world had just witnessed the devastations of the World War II, attempts of creating a new international body for peace had resulted in the formation of the United Nations, and a number of countries were undergoing the process of de-colonization to claim their place as sovereign members of international community. In the Indian context the legacy of British rule posed many difficult challenges. Upholding an independent voice befitting India’s size and civilization along with ensuring economic welfare guided the conduct of foreign policy in the initial years.
India's efforts to pursue an independent foreign policy were highlight of post 1947 politics. Nehru played a crucial role in setting the national agenda. He was his own foreign minister hence, both as the Prime Minister and the foreign minister; he exercised profound influence in the formulation and implementation of India's foreign policy from 1947 to 1964.
Nehru used foreign policy as an instrument to defend and strengthen India's independence and to safeguard her national interests, to develop the self-reliance, self-confidence and pride of the masses while serving the cause of world peace and anti-colonialism.
India decided to conduct its foreign relations with an aim to respect the sovereignty of all other nations and to achieve security through the maintenance of peace. This aim finds an echo in the Directive Principles of State Policy, in the Article 51 of constitution: "Promotion of international peace and security"
The state shall Endeavour to:
a) Promote international peace and security.
b) Maintain just and honourable relations between nations.
c) Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised people with one another.
d) Encourage settlement or international disputes by arbitration.