Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer by introducing the foreign policy of India.
• Discuss the evolution of India’s nationalist foreign policy during the late 19^th century.
• Analyze India’s nationalist foreign policy during the first half of the 20^th Century.
• Conclude as per the requirement of keywords.

Introduction

India's nationalist foreign policy has undergone significant evolution from the late 19^th century to the post-independence period. This transformative journey reflects the country's struggle for independence, its emergence as a sovereign nation, and its quest for a distinct identity in the global arena.

Body

Evolution of India’s Nationalist Foreign Policy:

Late 19^th Century - Early 20^th Century:

• Early Nationalist Perspectives:
  • In the late 19^th century, Indian nationalists primarily focused on gaining political autonomy from British colonial rule.
  • Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Bal Gangadhar Tilak highlighted the economic drain caused by colonial exploitation, setting the stage for a discourse on India's place in the world.
• Formation of Early Alliances:
  • During World War I, Indian leaders like Annie Besant and Gopal Krishna Gokhale advocated for Indian support to the British war effort in exchange for political concessions.
  • This marked the beginning of India's engagement with global powers for its nationalist cause.

Interwar Period:

• The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms:
  • The 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms introduced limited self-governance in India, leading to the emergence of a more assertive nationalist sentiment.
  • However, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in the same year intensified anti-British feelings and shaped India's approach towards international relations.
• Non-Cooperation Movement and International Solidarity:
  • Under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, India adopted non-cooperation as a means of protest against colonial rule.
  • This movement saw the emergence of international solidarity, with global anti-colonial movements and leaders, such as the solidarity with the African-American civil rights movement.

World War II and the Quit India Movement:

• Impact of World War II:
  • The war had a profound impact on India's nationalist foreign policy.
  • While some leaders saw an opportunity to extract concessions from the British in exchange for support, others, notably the Quit India Movement leaders, viewed the war as an occasion to demand immediate independence.
• The Quit India Movement and Global Support:
  • The Quit India Movement of 1942 witnessed a shift in India's foreign policy, as leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose sought support from Axis powers to free India from British rule.
  • This phase marked a departure from the earlier strategy of seeking support from the Allies.

Post-World War II and Independence:

• Role in International Organizations:
  • Post-World War II, India played an active role in international organizations like the United Nations, advocating for decolonization and the rights of newly independent nations.
  • Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized the importance of a just world order.
• The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM):
  • The 1950s saw the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement, a cornerstone of India's foreign policy.
  • Nehru, along with leaders like Tito and Nasser, championed the cause of neutrality and non-alignment in the Cold War, emphasizing sovereign decision-making.
• The Panchsheel Agreement with China:
  • Nehru's foreign policy also included efforts to foster good relations with neighboring countries.
  • The Panchsheel Agreement with China in 1954 aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, reflecting India's commitment to resolving the disputes.

Conclusion

India's nationalist foreign policy underwent a dynamic evolution from the late 19th century to the early post-independence period. The early focus on political autonomy transformed into a nuanced approach during World War II, culminating in the principles of non-alignment and diplomatic engagement that continue to shape India's global interactions today.