Influence of Freedom Movement on India’s Foreign Policy
The foreign policy of independent India was strongly influenced by Pre-independence stance of Indian National Congress and its leaders, which was based on four basic principles as mentioned earlier viz. opposition to imperialism and colonial rule; active sympathy and support to the people fighting for independence; opposition to militarism, war and devotion to peace, and avoiding foreign entanglements for India.
Needless to say, Free India’s foreign policy is the natural outgrowth of the past thinking and activities of the Indian National Congress (INC). Most of the resolutions of the Indian National Congress on foreign policy were drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru. In those resolutions, the cause of democracy was advocated and imperialism and colonialism were denounced. Under Jawaharlal Nehru, India later became founder member of the Non-aligned Movement and torchbearer of Third World radicalism also. India played an active role in strengthening the Movement and making it an effective voice in representing the collective aspirations and interests of the developing countries on such vital issues as development, peace and stability.
Further, it was focussed against menaces fascism, apartheid, imperialism, racism etc. The foreign policy of the country strived for world peace, arms race reduction, diplomatic resolution of conflicts, disarmament etc.
What was the outcome was an Indian Foreign Policy based on these principles:
- A belief in friendly relations with neighbours and all countries of the world
- The resolution of conflicts by peaceful means
- The sovereign equality of all states
- Independence of thought and action as manifested in the principles of Non-alignment
- Equity in the conduct of international relations.
- Improvement of bilateral relations and strengthening of regional co-operation
- Strong advocacy of general and complete disarmament
- Firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations
Further, Gandhian ideals of truth, nonviolence, tolerance and Idealism mixed with notion of Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam; Nehruvian rhetoric of socialist development at democratic front and policy of non-alignment became the cornerstones of India’s foreign policy.
