Indian Foreign Policy refers to the set of rules, principles, and decisions that govern how India engages with the international community. The Indian foreign policy reflects the history, culture, economy, geography, and political values. It was after India’s Independence in 1947 that the Indian Foreign Policy was designed to protect India’s sovereignty, ensure security, promote development, and enhance India’s role in the world order.

In fact, in 2025, Indian foreign policy is more relevant than it has ever been. During this time, there are huge global challenges such as multipolar competition, climate change, digital transformation, and shifting trade dynamics, all of which demand clear strategies. Therefore, for UPSC aspirants, understanding the determinants, principles, and phases of Indian foreign policy is essential to analyse India’s global position.

What is Indian Foreign Policy?

Indian foreign policy is India’s official strategy to manage relations with other countries and international organisations. It includes political, economic, defence, and cultural interactions. It sets India’s position on key issues like global peace, terrorism, trade, nuclear security, and environmental protection. 

Listed here are some of the key objectives of Indian foreign policy: 

• The foremost objective of Indian Foreign Policy is to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The second objective is to promote economic growth through international cooperation. 
• The third objective is to maintain peace and stability in South Asia. 
• The fourth objective of Indian foreign policy is to expand India’s influence in global governance. 
• The fifth objective is to support sustainable development and climate responsibility.

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Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy

The determinants of Indian foreign policy are both domestic and international. They influence India’s decisions in foreign relations.

Internal Determinants

Geography: India shares a 3,488 km border with China and 3,323 km with Pakistan. Throughout these borders, India has seen several wars. In 1962, India had a war with China, and then had repeated wars with Pakistan in the years 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999. 

In fact, India also has a very long coastline of 7,500 km. This makes the Indian Ocean very important for trade, shipping, and energy security.

Historical Context: India became free in 1947 after British rule. Because of its own struggle, India felt close to other Asian and African countries that also gained freedom.

In 1961, India helped start the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which meant not fully siding with either America or Russia during the Cold War.

Economic Needs: Before 1991, India’s economy was closed, with very little foreign trade. After the 1991 reforms, India opened its markets, joined the WTO in 1995, and welcomed foreign investment.

By 2025, India’s economy will be worth $4 trillion, so trade, energy, and technology partnerships are vital.

Domestic Politics: India is a federal country, so states also matter in foreign policy.

For example, West Bengal affects India’s ties with Bangladesh through water-sharing deals. Tamil Nadu influences India’s policy toward Sri Lanka because of the Tamil issue.

Leadership Factor
Different leaders of India have dealt with different problems in several different ways. 

• Jawaharlal Nehru (1947–64): Throughout his tenure, he promoted peace, non-alignment, and signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954. 
• Indira Gandhi (1966–77, 1980–84): Took bold steps in the 1971 Bangladesh war and tested nuclear weapons in 1974.
• Vajpayee (1998): Carried out more nuclear tests and built better relations with the U.S.
• Recent leaders (2014–2025): Focus on multi-alignment, Act East policy, Quad group, and climate leadership.

External Determinants

Global Environment: During the Cold War (1947–1991), India stayed neutral and balanced between the U.S. and USSR.

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, India started building ties with many countries. By 2025, India will work with the U.S., Russia, EU, Japan, and ASEAN, while also handling challenges from China.

Principles of Indian Foreign Policy

The principles of Indian foreign policy serve as its guiding framework. They are rooted in India’s freedom struggle and leadership vision.

• Panchsheel: The Panchsheel Agreement was based on five main ideas that they respect each country’s freedom, don’t fight, don’t interfere in others’ matters, treat each other equally, and live together peacefully.
• Non-alignment to Multi-alignment: Earlier, India did not join any big power groups during the Cold War. Now, India works with all major countries but still makes its own independent decisions.
• Peaceful Settlement: India likes to solve problems by talking and using legal methods, not by fighting. It chooses peace talks and diplomacy over war.
• Primacy of National Interest: India’s foreign policy always puts the safety and progress of the country first. At the same time, it also supports fairness, equality, and growth for the whole world.

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Phases of Indian Foreign Policy

The phases of Indian foreign policy show how it has evolved in response to domestic and international factors.

India’s Foreign Policy Evolution

India’s foreign policy shows how the country changed its plans to match its own needs and world events. At first, India focused on peace and idealism, but over time, it became more practical and now follows a multi-alignment strategy (working with many powers while staying independent).

1947–1962: Peace and Non-Alignment (Nehru’s Time)

• At independence, India was weak in resources and military power.
• Prime Minister Nehru focused on peace, fighting against colonialism, and world cooperation.
• India helped start the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961, choosing not to side with either the U.S. or the USSR in the Cold War.
• Main focus: Panchsheel (1954), UN support, and friendship with new nations.
• But the 1962 war with China showed India’s weak defence.

1962–1971: Realism after Defeat

• The loss to China in 1962 made India realise the need for a stronger defence.
• Relations with the U.S. worsened because they didn’t help India much.
• India became closer to the Soviet Union.
• In 1971, India signed a peace and friendship treaty with the USSR, which supported India in the Bangladesh Liberation War.

1971–1991: Regional Power and Nuclear Policy

• India helped Bangladesh become independent in 1971, showing its strength in South Asia.
• India carried out its first nuclear test in 1974 (Pokhran).
• India also got involved in Sri Lanka (sending IPKF in 1987) and stayed active with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
• In the 1980s, challenges like the Punjab violence, the Siachen conflict, and Pakistan tensions affected India’s defence.

1991–2000s: Economy and Global Ties

• In 1991, India started economic reforms, linking foreign policy to trade and investment.
• India built ties with ASEAN (Look East Policy), the EU, and the U.S.
• India did another nuclear test in 1998 (Pokhran-II), proving its nuclear status despite sanctions.
• U.S. relations improved, leading to the 2005 Civil Nuclear Agreement.

2000s–2025: Multi-Alignment and Global Role

• India now works with many powers like the U.S., Russia, EU, Japan, and China at the same time.
• Active in groups like BRICS, G20, SCO, and Quad.
• Focus widened to climate change, digital economy, and counter-terrorism.
• Key policies: Neighbourhood First, Act East, and SAGAR (for security and growth in the region).
• By 2025, India is seen as a voice of the Global South, calling for changes in world organizations like the UN and WTO.

Also Read: Changing Dynamics Of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s Foreign Policy with Neighbouring Countries

The Neighbourhood First Policy ensures stability and cooperation in South Asia.

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• Bangladesh: India and Bangladesh work together in trade, power, and connectivity. River-sharing remains a sensitive issue.
• Nepal: The two countries share cultural and economic ties. Hydropower projects matter, but politics sometimes cause tension.
• Bhutan: India and Bhutan share a trusted partnership. Hydropower is a key area of cooperation.
• Sri Lanka: India supports Sri Lanka in recovery and infrastructure. Efforts also focus on Tamil reconciliation.
  Maldives: India works with Maldives on maritime and infrastructure projects. Domestic politics sometimes affect relations.
• Myanmar: India focuses on border security and connectivity with Myanmar. Instability often poses challenges.
• Afghanistan: India contributes through development projects. Political changes make cooperation difficult.
• Pakistan: Relations are shaped by terrorism concerns. Unresolved disputes add to the challenges.

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