Chapter 4 – India’s External Relations
Q1. What was the basis of India’s foreign policy after independence?
India followed non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and respect for sovereignty, aiming to build international goodwill and safeguard national interest without joining any Cold War bloc.
Q2. Why did India adopt the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)?
To avoid Cold War politics, protect sovereignty, promote peace, and gain support from both blocs while staying out of military alliances.
Q3. How did India maintain neutrality during the Cold War?
India stayed away from military alliances, supported peaceful negotiations, and promoted NAM as a platform for developing countries to voice their concerns.
Q4. What are the main objectives of India’s foreign policy?
Preserving national sovereignty, promoting regional cooperation, supporting international peace, encouraging economic development, and securing India’s strategic interests.
Q5. How did the 1962 war affect India-China relations?
The war created long-lasting mistrust, led to border tensions, and a halt in diplomatic relations, which slowly resumed with economic cooperation in later decades.
Q6. What was the Tashkent Agreement?
It was a peace agreement signed in 1966 between India and Pakistan after the 1965 war, brokered by the USSR to restore peace and withdraw troops.
Q7. What was the Simla Agreement?
Signed in 1972 after the India–Pakistan war, it emphasized peaceful resolution of disputes and recognized the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Q8. What was India’s role in the Bangladesh Liberation War?
India supported the Bengali freedom movement, provided refuge to millions, and militarily intervened in 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Q9. How did India’s nuclear tests affect its foreign relations?
India’s 1974 and 1998 nuclear tests drew global criticism and sanctions but also established it as a nuclear power, leading to strategic dialogues later.
Q10. What was Pokhran-II?
Pokhran-II refers to India’s series of nuclear tests in 1998, demonstrating its nuclear capabilities and asserting its right to strategic security.
Q11. What is the significance of India-US relations?
Ties improved post-Cold War through trade, defense cooperation, civil nuclear agreement, and shared democratic values, making the US a strategic partner.
Q12. What is the India–Russia relationship based on?
Historic defense ties, cooperation in space, energy, and diplomatic support in global platforms make India-Russia relations strong and time-tested.
Q13. How are India-China economic relations?
Despite political tensions, India and China have strong trade relations, with China being one of India’s largest trading partners, though the trade balance favors China.
Q14. What challenges exist in India–China relations?
Border disputes, strategic rivalry, trade imbalances, and China’s support for Pakistan create friction, despite economic cooperation.
Q15. What was the Look East Policy?
Initiated in the 1990s, it aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, enhancing India’s regional presence.
Q16. What is the Act East Policy?
An upgraded version of the Look East Policy, it focuses on active engagement in Southeast Asia, strengthening ties in trade, culture, and security.
Q17. What is India’s position on the Israel-Palestine issue?
India supports a two-state solution, maintaining friendly ties with both nations, historically backing Palestine while developing strategic relations with Israel.
Q18. How has globalization affected India’s foreign policy?
India shifted towards economic diplomacy, building trade partnerships, attracting foreign investment, and participating in global forums like WTO and G20.
Q19. What are India’s relations with the Gulf countries?
India has strong economic ties, energy dependence, and a large Indian diaspora in Gulf countries, contributing to remittances and mutual cooperation.
Q20. How has SAARC impacted India’s foreign policy?
SAARC provides a platform for regional diplomacy, though political differences, especially with Pakistan, limit its effectiveness for India’s regional goals.
Q21. What is strategic autonomy in India’s foreign policy?
India maintains independence in decision-making, avoiding entangling alliances while collaborating globally for trade, defense, and strategic benefits.
Q22. What was the India–Sri Lanka Accord (1987)?
It aimed to resolve the Tamil ethnic conflict through devolution of powers and deploying Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), though it had mixed outcomes.
Q23. Why is the Indian Ocean important for India?
Strategically vital for trade, energy routes, and defense, India seeks to ensure maritime security and regional influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Q24. What is the India–Nepal relationship like?
India and Nepal share deep cultural, economic, and political ties, but face occasional tensions over borders and domestic politics.
Q25. How does India handle border disputes?
India uses diplomacy, negotiations, and military preparedness to manage disputes with China and Pakistan while seeking peaceful solutions.
Q26. What is the civil nuclear deal with the US?
Signed in 2008, it allows India access to nuclear technology and fuel despite being outside the NPT, boosting energy and strategic ties.
Q27. What is India’s role in the United Nations?
India supports UN peacekeeping, development, and reform of the Security Council to include permanent membership for emerging powers like itself.
Q28. How is India engaging with Africa?
India enhances trade, development aid, and political partnerships with African nations through summits and investment, promoting South-South cooperation.
Q29. What is the Quad?
The Quad is a strategic alliance between India, US, Japan, and Australia to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering China’s assertiveness.
Q30. How does India use diplomacy in global politics?
India leverages soft power, strategic partnerships, and multilateral platforms to safeguard interests, promote peace, and strengthen global presence.