Foreign Policy in the Indian Constitution

The subject of International Relations in the Constituent Assembly was addressed with deliberations on Article 51 under Directive Principles. This article provides that States shall endeavour to:

• Promote international peace and security
• Maintain just and honourable relations between nations;
• Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one another
• Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

These provisions were seen as homage to Gandhi and were hailed as “substitute for war”, “an article neatly encapsulating India’s spiritual heritage”, the “Mission of India” and “The Mission of Peace” etc.

However, there were critics also for this article. For example, Gandhian KT Shah said that instead of “firm moral commitment”, this article was making a vague promise. He said that there was a need to pledge ourselves as people against any type of warfare and stand to maintain and uphold peace and international security for all countries of the world including our. Similarly, Mahavir Tyagi argued that Article 51 was little more than a ‘pious wish’. As per him, international disputes need guns and aeroplanes not arbitration because mighty nations would not accept unfavourable judgements. A former soldier, Tyagi said that India must be prepared to use force when necessary.