Indian Foreign Policy

Historical Background

India gained independence from British rule in 1947. Under its first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, India became a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement — refusing to join either the US or Soviet bloc during the Cold War.

Core Principles of Indian Foreign Policy

Strategic autonomy: India has traditionally avoided formal military alliances, preferring to maintain independence in its foreign policy choices.

Non-alignment (and now multi-alignment): India historically refused to align with either superpower. Today it maintains relationships with multiple major powers simultaneously.

Regional dominance: India sees South Asia as its natural sphere of influence.

Rising power aspirations: India seeks permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and greater influence in international institutions.

Key Relationships

Pakistan: The most difficult relationship. The two countries have fought three major wars (1947, 1965, 1971) and have an ongoing dispute over Kashmir. Both are nuclear-armed.

China: A complex relationship combining economic partnership and strategic competition, particularly over border disputes in the Himalayas and influence in South Asia.

United States: An increasingly close strategic partnership, especially through the Quad to counter China.

Russia: Historically a close relationship. India continues to buy Russian military equipment despite Western pressure after the Ukraine invasion.