4.1. International context

India was born as an independent nation-state in a very trying and challenging international context. The world had witnessed a devastating war and was grappling with issues of reconstruction; yet another attempt to establish an international body was underway; many new countries were emerging as a result of the collapse of colonialism; and most new nations were trying to come to terms with the twin challenges of welfare and democracy.

After gaining independence, India faced a world that was still recovering from the impact of World War II. Many nations were struggling to rebuild, while colonial empires were disintegrating, leading to the rise of new countries. These nations were focused on establishing systems that favored both welfare and democratic governance amidst the ruins of colonialism. This global context was crucial as it shaped India's own approach to international relations.

Think of this situation as a young adult moving out for the first time into a world of chaos—everyone around is trying to find their footing in life after a major crisis. They are not just worrying about their own path but also how they can support each other in building a better future.

Apart from these factors at the global level, India had its own share of concerns. The British government left behind the legacy of many international disputes; partition created its own pressures, and the task of poverty alleviation was already waiting for fulfilment. This was the overall context in which India started participating in world affairs as an independent nation-state.

In addition to global challenges, India had its internal issues to contend with. The British colonial rule had left numerous unresolved disputes, particularly as a result of the partition which created tensions. India was also grappling with extreme poverty, necessitating immediate action. All of these factors played a significant role in how India approached its early foreign relations.

Imagine a new manager stepping into a company that has just gone through a major merger; there are many unresolved conflicts, employees are anxious about job security, and immediate measures are needed to improve morale and productivity. This manager must navigate these internal complexities while also considering how the company fits into the larger industry landscape.

As a nation born in the backdrop of the world war, India decided to conduct its foreign relations with an aim to respect the sovereignty of all other nations and to achieve security through the maintenance of peace.

India aimed to shape its foreign policy based on mutual respect for other nations. This meant promoting sovereignty, which refers to the authority of states to govern themselves without outside interference, and fostering peace as a pathway to security. India's approach sought to create a stable environment for development both locally and internationally.

Think of it like a group project in school—if every student respects each other's ideas and contributions, the group can work together harmoniously to achieve a good grade. If one member tries to dominate or disregard others, it can lead to conflict and undermine the success of the project.

Just as both internal and external factors guide the behaviour of an individual or a family, both domestic and international environment influence the foreign policy of a nation.

Similar to how an individual’s actions can be influenced by both their personal life and the world around them, a nation's foreign policy is shaped by its internal dynamics and external pressures. Developing countries, like India, often face limitations in resources, which affect their ability to strongly advocate for their interests on the international stage. As a result, they may prioritize regional peace and development.

Consider a teenager asking for a later curfew—if they can prove they are responsible at home (no missing tasks or chores), it might be easier to negotiate with their parents. Conversely, if they’re struggling at school or with friendships, those external pressures might result in their parents being less flexible.

In the period immediately after the Second World War, many developing nations chose to support the foreign policy preferences of the powerful countries who were giving them aid or credits. This resulted in the division of countries of the world into two clear camps—under the influence of the United States and its western allies, and the Soviet Union.

After World War II, many developing countries had to align themselves with either of the two superpowers, the USA or the USSR, often based on where they received aid. This led to a global division, complicating international relations as countries navigated their own national interests within this binary framework.

It's like being in a school where two opposing clubs dominate—students may feel pressured to join one of the groups for social benefits, rather than being able to comfortably find their own identity. They might elect to follow the club whose benefits they are currently receiving, which influences their actions and alliances.

There was also the experiment called Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in which India had played an important role. However, the end of the Cold War changed the context of international relations entirely.

India was instrumental in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which aimed to provide developing countries with a platform to avoid choosing sides in the Cold War. This was an attempt to maintain sovereignty and promote peaceful coexistence. However, as the geopolitical landscape transformed with the Cold War's conclusion, India's position had to adapt to new realities.

Think of a student who decides to be independent and not join the school cliques but rather form their own group based on shared values and interests. However, as time goes on and the school’s dynamics change, they need to reassess their relationships and perhaps find a way to work collaboratively with established groups to thrive.

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