Political Science | India’s External Relations (Politics in India Since Independence)

The chapter “India’s External Relations – Politics in India Since Independence” in CBSE Class 12 Political Science examines the international context of India’s foreign policy, Nehru’s role, the policy of non-alignment, and India’s interactions with China and Pakistan. It also covers India’s nuclear policy and its position in global politics.

International Context or Relations:

• Post-independence, India aimed to respect the sovereignty of other nations and achieve security through peace.
• The Cold War divided the world into two blocs: the US and the Soviet Union.

The Policy of Non-Alignment:

• India chose to stay out of military alliances and pursued national interests independently.
• Non-alignment allowed India to receive aid from both power blocs and maintain an independent stance.

Nehru’s Role:

• Nehru was the architect of India’s foreign policy, focusing on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic development.
• He pursued a strategy of non-alignment despite some Indian leaders’ preference for a pro-US policy.

Distance From Two Camps:

• India maintained an independent stance on international issues and developed relations with both the US and the USSR.
• This approach led to some unease in Indo-US relations during the 1950s.

Afro-Asian Unity:

• Nehru fostered relations with newly independent Asian and African states.
• India convened the Asian Relations Conference in 1947 and supported decolonization and anti-racism efforts.
• The Bandung Conference in 1955 marked the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Peace and Conflict with China:

• India initially had friendly relations with China, recognizing its communist government early.
• The Panchsheel Agreement of 1954 aimed at peaceful coexistence.
• Tensions arose over China’s claim on Tibet and the asylum given to the Dalai Lama by India.
• The Chinese invasion in 1962 damaged India’s image and led to significant conflict over disputed territories.

Wars and Peace with Pakistan:

• India and Pakistan have had ongoing conflicts, primarily over Kashmir.
• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and the Tashkent Agreement (1966) were significant peace efforts.
• The Bangladesh War in 1971 led to the creation of Bangladesh and the Shimla Agreement (1972).

India’s Nuclear Policy:

• India’s nuclear program began in the 1940s under Homi J. Bhabha.
• Nehru advocated for nuclear disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• India refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), considering it discriminatory.
• India conducted nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, demonstrating its nuclear capability.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter “India’s External Relations – Politics in India Since Independence”

1. Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the policy of non-alignment on India’s relations with the US and the USSR during the Cold War.
2. Research Project: Investigate the significance of the Panchsheel Agreement and its impact on India-China relations.
3. Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement in contemporary global politics.
4. Chart Creation: Create a timeline of major events in India’s foreign policy from 1947 to 1972, highlighting key agreements and conflicts.
5. Role Play: Conduct a mock international summit where students represent different countries discussing nuclear disarmament and India’s stance on the NPT.

Conclusion

The chapter “India’s External Relations – Politics in India Since Independence” in CBSE Class 12 Political Science provides a comprehensive understanding of India’s foreign policy challenges and strategies. It highlights India’s efforts to maintain sovereignty, promote peace, and achieve rapid economic development through non-alignment, while managing conflicts with neighboring countries and addressing nuclear policy issues.