India has played an active role in international relations even before independence for e.g., as a signatory at the San Francisco Conference that gave shape to the United Nations Charter.
The primary objectives of India’s Foreign Policy are:
1. Maintenance of international peace and security.
2. Protection of the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
3. Maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries and with regional groups such as ASEAN.
4. Greater integration with the world economy in order to sustain a high growth rate
(a) USA – During the Cold War, relations between India and US were strained due to a number of reasons:
1. India kept out of US led military alliances like CENTO, etc., and cofounded Non- Aligned Movement.
2. India’s criticism of US intervention in Vietnam.
3. US position on the Kashmir issue and constant support to Pakistan.
Even after end of the Cold War, Indo-US relations did not immediately improve. The US brought pressure on the new State of Russia to stop supply of space technology to India. After India carried out its second nuclear testing in 1998 at Pokhran, the US not only imposed economic sanctions on India but also pressurized other nations like Canada, Japan, etc. to impose sanctions as well.
(b) Russia / Soviet Union – During the Cold War era, Soviet Union provided aid to India in the form of technology, weapons and low interest credit to India’s heavy industry projects in the public sector. Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty (1971) is considered a milestone in their bilateral relations. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia agreed to provide reactors for India’s Kudan kulam nuclear power plant and for joint ventures to produce Sukhoi fighter aircraft and Brahmos missiles. Both India and Russia have major Stakes in Russia oil fields such as Sakhalin-1 highlighting the importance of energy security.
(c) China – In 1949, the Communist revolution took place in China. India was among the first nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China. In 1954, India and China signed the Panchsheel Agreement and India also recognised Chinese Suzerainty on Tibet.
The main hindrances in Sino-Indian relations are:
1. 1962 Indo-China war and 2017 Dokhlam skirmish.
2. Border disputes in Aksai Chin and NEFA region.
3. China has been critical of India offering political asylum to the Dalai Lama.
4. Chinese support to Pakistan.
5. India’s apprehensions about China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
On the positive side India-China relationship has improved:
1. Agreement on maintenance of peace and tranquility along the LOC.
2. China has become among the largest trading partners of India.
3. India and China are part of BRICS and SCO.
4. In the late 1990s, Russia mooted the idea of a Trilateral Summit of Russia, China, India which was a recognition of India’s status as a major regional power.
