Nehru era Indian foreign policy
AnswerIndian foreign policy is considered to be the product of the mind of Pt. Nehru. ShriNehru had presented a combination of idealism and pragmatism in his foreign policy.According to the Indian situation at that time, Shri Nehru assimilated the foreign policy ofnon-alignment, non-intervention, co-existence, peace, imperialism and anti-colonialism.His foreign policy was based on the principles of Panchsheel.The foreign policy adopted by Pt. Nehru can be divided into three parts.(1) Indian foreign policy of the era from 1947 to 1950, at that time a foreign policy inclinedtowards the western bloc was adopted, there were many reasons for it.(1) At this time the formation of the Indian army was completely on the British method, soIndia had to take the help of the western world.(2) India was dependent on Britain to protect the 300 km long coastline. (3) Theeducated Indian class at this time was influenced by western education-idea and way of life.(4) In the beginning, most of our trade was with western countries. India neededmore and more foreign aid at this time. This aid could have come fromBritain, France and America.(5) In the early period, India had strained relations with the Soviet Union.During this time the Soviet Union refused to recognize India. Mahatma Gandhiwas criticized in Soviet literature. Stalin's approach was anti-India.As a result, India's policy was a policy inclined towards the westerncountries. At this time, India had declared Korea an invader in support of theWestern powers. India recognized West Germany and refused to recognize communist EastGermany.
(2) Indian foreign policy from 1950 to 1957- India's foreign policy changedaccording to the situation and between 1950 and 57, Indian foreign policy was a foreign policyinclined towards the Soviet Union. there were many reasons(1) Stalin had passed away. (2)There was a mixture of liberal elements in the Soviet system.(3) There was a change in the attitude of the Soviet Union towards India.(4) With the explosion of the atomic bomb, the Soviet Union emerged as apowerful military power.In(5) Gandhi was praised in the new Soviet literature. (6)In the 20th session of the Soviet Congress, 'peaceful coexistence' was declaredas the main objective of Soviet foreign policy.(7) Pt. Nehru was greatly influenced by the economic achievement of the communist system.(8) Indo-Soviet friendship was the need of the hour in the context of India-China differencesand growing close relations between Pakistan and America.India got the benefit of leaning towards the Soviet Union when western countriesrefused to help India in the field of steel production. The Soviet Union helped in setting upthe Bokaro Steel Plant at such a time. Seeing the Indian aid to the Soviet Union, thewestern countries automatically came forward and helped India. Britain Durgapur and WestGermany helped India in setting up Rourkela Steel Plant. It is clear from these examples howrealistic the Indian foreign policy was. India Soviet because of its policy of non-alignmentAnd could get benefit from both the western factions.During this, India supported the Soviet Union in the 'Hungarian dispute'. Nehru visitedRussia. At the same time, President Khrushchev visited India, trade between India and Russia alsodeveloped tremendously.(3) Indian Foreign Policy of 1957 to 1963 Era Between 1957 to 1963, Indianforeign policy again seemed to move closer to the Western countries and away from the Soviet Union.There were several reasons for thischange. (i) The General Elections of 1957 made it clear that communist influence was increasing in India.The communist government had also been established in the state of Kerala.(ii) India faced famine in 1957. Influenced by the Soviet example, the firstfive-year plan, which was adopted, proved unsuccessful. As a result India wasattracted to America.(iii) There was an increase of people influenced by the right wing ideology in the Indian Congress.At the same time, Nehru also visited America.The policy of India away from the Soviet Union is reflected in some examples which aregiven below.(i) India at this time opposed the Soviet Union in the matter of Korea.(ii) America and England helped India in the 1962 Indo-China war, butThe Soviet Union adopted a neutral policy and adopted China as a brother and India as a friend.
