At the time of Independence in 1947, India had special conditions and challenges.
Hence, in formulating the immediate foreign policy under given elements have great importance:
1. At the time of independence the whole world was divided into two opposite groups. So India decided to keep itself away from group politics. The all round development and economic development was the first priority of India. For this, it needed the co-operation of all nations of the world. It created the platform for a new concept of Non-Aligned movement.
2. By strengthening arrangement, it was very important to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.
3. Geographical elements have their own importance in deciding the foreign policy of India. Regional security is the most prior target of any nation. On one side India is near to the powers of East, Russia and communist China, and on the other hand its South East and South West part is surrounded by the oceans. Hence, India’s self security is dependent basically on self-defence, peace and friendship.
4. There is a great impact of ancient culture of India on its foreign policy. Brotherhood, peace, humanism are our inspiring values right from past. Philosophy of leaders of Indian national movement (freedom movement) has also put a great impact on Indian foreign policy.
