IDEALISTIC POLITICS:-(TILL

1962)-

These idealistic policies were influenced by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. Gandhi was a proponent of nonviolence and peaceful resistance, and Nehru was a strong believer in international cooperation.

Examples-

1.Panchsheel Agreement

2.Blind trust in china, leading Indo-China war

3.Championing Disarmament

The end of the idealistic phase in India’s foreign policy came in 1962, after the Sino-Indian War. The war was a major setback for India, and it led to a decline in India’s idealistic politics

PRAGMATIC POLITICS:-(FROM

1962 TO 1991)

In the aftermath of the war, India adopted a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy. This approach was based on the following principles:

Security: India’s primary focus was on

its security, and it took steps to strengthen its military capabilities.

Realism: India recognized that the world was a complex and dangerous place, and it was willing to make pragmatic choices in order to protect its interests.

Flexibility: India was willing to adjust its foreign policy to changing circumstances.

Examples-

1.Indo-Soviet Treaty 1971

2.Indo pak war and liberation of

Bangladesh 1971

3.India’s nuclear program- 1974

These are just a few examples of India’s pragmatic politics from 1962 to 1991. This period was marked by a number of challenges, but India was able to

navigate these challenges successfully and emerge as a stronger and more confident nation.

ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT(1991 TO 2008 (ECONOMICAL CRISIS))

India’s engagement from 1991 to 2008 was marked by significant policy shifts and developments.Examples –

• The New Economic Policy of

1991-The economic reforms of 1991saw the liberalization of trade, reduction of industrial licensing, and encouragement of foreign direct investment (FDI).

• India’s Look East Policy– India’s engagement with

Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Singapore, expanded significantly during this period.

• India-U.S. Bilateral Relations- India’s engagement with the United States grew, culminating in the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal in 2008.
• India actively participated in international organizations like the WTO,BRICS , BIMSTEC

advocating for its interests in global trade.

PROTECTIONISM(2008 TO 2014)

• The 2007-2008 global financial crisis had a profound impact on India’s economy. India took measures to counter its effects, including increasing government spending and introducing stimulus packages.
• India’s Trade Policy and Protectionism- During this period, India increased tariffs and imposed non-tariff barriers on various imports, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, to protect domestic industries.
• Energy Security-India actively pursued energy security by seeking access to energy resources in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
• India continued to assert itself on global issues, including climate change negotiations. It advocated for the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” to

address environmental challenges.

PRE PANDEMIC(2014 to 2020)

1.”Dehyphenation” in the context of Indian foreign policy refers to the deliberate effort to separate and pursue relationships with different countries or regions independently, rather than allowing one relationship to dominate or define India’s interactions with another.Examples-

• Engagement with Israel, balancing

RUSSIA-JAPAN with USA and JAPAN

• Membership in QUAD and Shanghai

Cooperation Organisation(SCO) Since both the groups consists diplomatic rivals.

2.India’s interest-based realistic foreign policy is a foreign policy approach that is based on the country’s national interests.Example-

• India decided to withdraw from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) due to Concerns About Trade Imbalances.

3.NEIGHBOUR FIRST AND ACT EAST

POLICY:- “Neighbourhood First” policy is India’s foreign policy approach that prioritizes fostering strong and cooperative relationships with its immediate neighboring countries.Example –

• India’s efforts to engage with Bangladesh through initiatives such as resolving land and maritime boundary issues, enhancing trade and connectivity, and addressing humanitarian concerns like the Rohingya refugee crisis demonstrate the Neighbourhood First policy.

4.Act East Policy:The “Act East” policy, an evolution of the previous “Look East” policy, seeks to enhance India’s engagement with countries in Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.Example-

POST PANDEMIC (2020 to

present)

1.INDIA BEING A VOICE OF

GLOBAL SOUTH-The Global South

refers to a group of developing and less-developed countries that share common economic, political, and social challenges. India has used its position to raise issues, advocate for reforms, and champion the interests of these countries.Example-

• Climate Change Negotiations as Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure supporting the Island nations in the dire time of climate crisis

2.INDIA BEING THE BIG

BROTHER IN INDO-PACIFIC:-

India has been viewed as a potential “Big Brother” due to its strategic and geopolitical position. Example –

• India supported Srilanka in their economic crisis also

GREATER MALE project in Maldives

•

India’s participation in the East Asia

Summit, strengthening ties with

ASEAN countries