India has always tried to maintain cordial and mutually constructive relations with its neighbouring countries. Although the main element of Indian foreign policy is to keep good relations with neighbouring countries, but it is said for doing so, mutual trust and cooperation is necessary. For this, India has always shown good faith, but cannot sit silent over intrusion, thus if countries invade our border, India has to reply.
India and Pakistan :
In 1947, at the time of partition, India and Pakistan came into being. Soon after independence, Kashmir topic was raised and on this basis, war started and Pakistan had to face defeat. In 1965 after the end of war and Tashkent agreement of 1966, war of 1971 and Shimla agreement of 1972, followed. The aims of both agreements were to establish peace, but all efforts remained a failure in that direction. Pakistan is causing problem on the basis of Jehadi crusade across the border. Intrusion and terrorist activities have become common.
In short it can be said that between India and Pakistan, Kashmir problem is permanent. Besides, on religious bases, Pakistan always behaved like an enemy. In Pakistan a democratic regime rarely lasts. Mostly army holds the power. Illiteracy unemployment, and poverty are rife in Pakistan and it has always caused head ache for India. Pakistan’s internal and global conditions are a threat to India.
India and Nepal :
Nepal is a buffer state situated among the Himalayas. World’s only Hindu nation has democratic secular ruling system. Nepal wants to keep good relations with both India and China and seeing its situation,it is justified. After occupation of China on Tibet, Nepal’s political importance increased for India. Today India’s security in the north depends upon Nepal’s security. The invisible international border hence remained between India and Nepal. Nepal is the only nation whose citizens are recruited in Indian army.
But unfortunality, at present Nepal’s attitude towards India is getting unfriendly.
Its main causes are:
1950 India Nepal treaty, river water dispute, profit-making Indian businessmen, India’s support to Nepal’s monarchy and India’s outlook towards Maoists. India also has some problems with Nepal such as smugglers and terrorists who seek shelter in Nepal, increasing closeness of Nepal and China, etc.
In this reference, change should come in India’s outlook. Although regarding China and Pakistan, doubts of India are justified, but it is also true that on the base of past memory, future relations cannot be decided. In changing situation, change in outlook is as must.
India and China :
In the decade of 1950, India-China relations were cordial, but in 1962 a sudden attack by China, cleared China’s intentions towards India. Between India and China Mac Mohan line was never accepted by China. There remained other disputes between both countries – river water dispute, Tibet issue, China’s expansionist policy and agreements where the Chinese made a treaty with Nepal about Everest summit, and Kathmandu-Lhasa highway. Not only this, both Pakistan and China, are establishing military and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, and pushing India from all sides.
At present situation, there is need for India to change her foreign policy and undoubtedly, it is doing so, India’s hard attitude against Pakistan is a clear proof of this.
