The authors of the Indian Constitution chalked out the foreign policy of India on the basis of the method adopted by India to get independence from the foreign rule and for the economic stability of India. The principles of the foreign policy of India were clearly explained by the first prime minister of India, Shri Jawarharlal Nehru, in his speech to the American audience at the Columbia University.

The chief objectives of the foreign policy of India are as follows:

India wants to pursue peace, not through any military alignment with any major power or group of powers, but through an independent approach to controversial issues. She will assist the subject nations to get liberated and to become independent countries. She will maintain both national and individual freedom. She will work for the elimination of racial discrimination. She will also work for the eradication of poverty, disease and ignorance.

Many foreigners call India’s policy of non-alignment a weakness. To be non-aligned is like sitting in the fence. Calm objectivity is the spirit of non-alignment . But it is called an irresponsible, unreal and unmanly attitude. It is also called a short-sighted and negative policy. But, in fact, it is neither  a negative nor a neutral policy. On the contrary, it is vital and positive policy based upon the freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi’s teaching.

India wants peace, both inside and outside the country, for her economic developed. Peace is an absolute necessity for progress. But this peace should not be achieved through befriending evil and injustice or through preparing for war.Aggression should be suppressed because it endangers peace. If a country shows her aggression by warring against another country, she should be controlled. But it should be done through peaceful negotiation , not through war. The second world war taught the world war is an enemy of mankind and that it destroys man’s happiness and security on earth. It is foolish to follow the path of war to resist aggression. It divides the world into two hostile groups, intensifies the war between two nations and changes it into a global war instead of putting an end to war. Besides, it creates a terrible fear in the minds of the people and leads them to take to the wrong courses of action. Fear is the worst and most dangerous thing in man’s life.

India should attempt to lessen or remove this fear. But is cannot be done if the nations divide themselves, take sides and talk of war. India is a member of U.N.O. She knows her duties and obligations as a member of the U.N.O. But she will discharge them in her own democratic and non-violent way. She strongly believes in the democratic method. She wants to enlarge the boundaries if democracy in both the political and the economic field. India’s urgent need is the economic betterment which can be achieved only through assisting peace to reign over the world. India’s detachment from military alliances is not only for her own good but also for world peace and freedom. This detachment should not be misunderstood for isolationism, indifference or neutrality. When there is threat to peace or freedom, India cannot and will not be neutral for neutrality then will become an enemy to what India has fought for and stands for, namely, freedom.

Thank you,
R.Rajkumar