Author: Kashish Varshney, Barkatullah University, Bhopal
To the Point
Foreign policy is a country’s strategy for managing its relationship with other nations. The thrust of foreign policy keeps on changing according to changing international relations. India’s foreign policy is shaped by several factors, including its history, culture, geography, and also its economy. India’s early foreign policy was largely shaped by the British and its founding leaders, especially Jawaharlal Nehru. From decolonization and non-alignment in the 20th century to engaging in multilateral forums in the 21st, India’s diplomatic journey reflects a blend of continuity and change. This article traces the journey of India’s foreign policy through landmark events, highlighting how India has balanced moral leadership with national interest.
The Proof
The Panchsheel Agreement
The Panchsheel Agreement, signed between India and China in 1954, laid down five principles of peaceful coexistence:
Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
Mutual non-aggression
Mutual non-interference in internal affairs
Equality and mutual benefit
Peaceful coexistence
These principles were meant to guide bilateral relations and promote global peace.
United Nations Membership
India became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and played a key role in the organization.
Non-Alignment
It has been regarded as the most important feature of India’s foreign policy. Non-alignment aimed to maintain national independence in foreign affairs by not joining any military alliance with the USA or USSR.
Key objectives of NAM:
Preserve sovereignty and independence
Avoid entanglement in power bloc rivalries.
Promote South-South cooperation
South-South Cooperation
India places a strong emphasis on fostering company among developing countries, known as south-south cooperation.
The 1974 Nuclear Test: Pokhran-I
India conducted its first nuclear test on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran, Rajasthan. Codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” this test marked India’s entry into the nuclear club.
Why it mattered:
Asserted India’s technological and strategic capabilities
Responded to regional threats, especially from China’s 1964 nuclear test
Pokhran-II (1998): Declaring Nuclear Status
Under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India conducted five nuclear tests in May 1998. These tests:
Declared India a nuclear weapons state
Prompted global sanctions but also led to strategic dialogue with the US
Post-1991 Economic Reforms and Foreign Policy Shift
The 1991 economic liberalization transformed India’s foreign policy from inward-looking to globally engaged. Key changes included:
Strengthening ties with the US, EU, and ASEAN
Launching the Look East Policy – strengthens ties with Southeast Asia.
Expanding energy diplomacy in West Asia and Central Asia
Engaging in multilateral forums like WTO, BRICS, and G20
The Indian-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2010 to strengthen trade and investment.
India’s foreign policy became more economically driven, focusing on trade, investment, and technology partnerships.
From 2014 onwards
In recent years, India has adopted a more assertive and multi – aligned foreign policy, strengthening ties the countries in Indo- Pacific regions, and with the traditional partners like USA and Russia.
Neighborhood 1st Policy – strengthen relations with South Asia and Indian Ocean region.
Act East Policy
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Membership
Quad Alliance with the USA, Japan, and Australia.
Events that shaped India’s assertive foreign policy
India’s foreign policy has increasingly reflected a shift from moral diplomacy to strategic assertiveness, especially in response to terrorism.
Pulwama Terror Attack 2019
On 14 February 2019, a suicide bombing in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, killed 40 CRPF personnel. The attack, claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, marked a turning point. India responded with the Balakot airstrike, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control. This was the first time since 1971 that the Indian Air Force crossed into Pakistani airspace, in response to terrorism.
Pahalgam Terror Attack 2025
On 22 April 2025, a deadly attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 civilian lives. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territory. The operation lasted four days and was followed by a five-point diplomatic and strategic retaliation plan, including:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Closure of the Attari-Wagah border check post
Cancellation of SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistan
These actions reflect India’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism, as articulated by Prime Minister Modi: “Terror and talks cannot go together. Terror and trade cannot go together. Water and blood cannot flow together.”
Restrictions on Bangladesh
In May 2025, India imposed new restrictions on imports from Bangladesh, allowing certain goods to enter only through sea routes—specifically via the Nhava Sheva and Kolkata ports. This move is widely seen as a response to Bangladesh’s trade restrictions on Indian goods.
Impact
About 42% of Bangladeshi exports to India—worth over $770 million—are affected.
The ready-made garment sector, which includes exports for brands like H&M and Zara, is expected to feel the brunt.
Abstract
India’s foreign policy has come a long way—from idealistic beginnings rooted in Panchsheel and non-alignment to a more confident, strategic presence on the global stage. Over time, India has responded to challenges with a blend of diplomacy, defense, and decisive action. Events like the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks reshaped its security posture, sparking cross-border strikes and even suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and have reinforced a policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism. Meanwhile, India is actively engaging in world affairs—leading global climate efforts, hosting summits for the Global South, and strengthening ties with key partners in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and beyond. Whether it’s rethinking trade routes with neighbors like Bangladesh or finding balance in global conflicts like Ukraine, India is charting its own course with confidence and clarity. Today’s foreign policy blends tradition with pragmatism, and reflects a country determined to protect its interests while playing a responsible role in the world.
Case Laws
PASL Wind Solutions v. GE Power 2021
The Supreme Court upheld party autonomy in choosing foreign arbitration seats, aligning with global commercial norms.
TransAsia Capital v. Gaurav Dhawan 2024
The Delhi High Court reinforced India’s legal sovereignty in cross-border disputes.
Conclusion
India’s foreign policy today is a product of decades of strategic evolution, shaped by idealism, strategic realism, economic pragmatism, and a growing sense of global responsibility. From the moral high ground of non-alignment and Panchsheel to decisive actions after Pulwama and Pahalgam, from nuclear tests that asserted sovereignty to recalibrating trade with neighbors like Bangladesh—India has consistently adapted to the demands of an ever-changing world. The country has proven its willingness to defend its interests while maintaining its image as a responsible power that values peace, partnership, and progress.
Way Forward
Looking ahead, India’s foreign policy must continue to:
Balance multi-alignment with strategic clarity, engaging major powers without compromising autonomy.
Strengthen regional leadership by deepening ties with South Asian neighbors, while managing friction through dialogue and smart diplomacy.
Lead on climate and digital governance as a voice for the Global South.
Leverage soft power and diaspora diplomacy to amplify India’s global influence.
FAQS
What is foreign policy?
Foreign policy is the strategy through which a country manages its international relations. It helps safeguard national interests and promotes cooperation, security, and influence abroad.
Is India still non-aligned today?
India no longer uses the term “non-alignment” but follows a policy of multi-alignment—engaging with all major powers while maintaining strategic autonomy.
What is Panchsheel and why is it important?
Panchsheel refers to five principles of peaceful coexistence signed between India and China in 1954. It laid the foundation for India’s diplomatic philosophy of mutual respect and non-interference.
How has India’s foreign policy changed in the 21st century?
It has become more assertive, economically focused, and globally engaged. India now plays a key role in forums like G20, Quad, and BRICS, and actively promotes Indo-Pacific security.
What is India’s stance on the United Nations reforms?
India advocates for reforms in the UN, especially the Security Council, arguing for permanent membership to reflect today’s global power dynamics and represent the Global South.
