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India’s External Relations NCERT Political science CBSE class 12 Notes Humanitas

CBSE Class 12 Political Science NCERT Chapter Notes for India’s External Relations Humanitas
24 April 2025 by
India’s External Relations NCERT Political science CBSE class 12 Notes Humanitas
Humanitas

India’s External Relations NCERT Political science CBSE class 12 Notes Humanitas

CBSE Class 12 Political Science NCERT Chapter Notes for India’s External Relations Humanitas


India has always tried to maintain good relationships with other countries since it became independent. Throughout the complex post-independence era, India's strategic decisions have had far reaching implications for global and regional dynamics. Despite being a developing nation, India has charted a unique path emphasising collective peace, non-alignment with superpower blocs and regional development. This approach was influenced by the country's history of colonialism and cold war. India's interaction with China and Pakistan, efforts to resolve long-standing disputes and development of its nuclear program shows its commitment to sovereignty and global influence. 

Despite being a resource constraint developing nation, India chose not to align with either of the power blocs, thereby prioritising peace and development within its region over potential alliances with superpower blocs. 

India's decision to not align with either of the power blocs, and lead a non-alignment movement, is not rooted in isolation. India supported Non-alignment as a part of its worldwide struggle against colonialism and imperialism, which engulfed the entire globe and intersected with cold war tensions. 

Afro-Asian Unity

Under the cold war struggle, it was important to focus on developing unity among nations with similar causes. 

  • India was very passionate to develop cordial relations with countries. Therefore during the 1940s and 1950s, Nehru passionately championed the cause of Asian unity. He led India into organizing the Asian Relations conference 1947, which aimed to bring Asian countries closer together. 
  • India also played a key role in supporting Indonesia's fight for independence from the Netherlands , hosting a major conference in 1949 to rally international support. 
  • As part of its efforts towards decolonisation, India also condemned racism, especially the unfair apartheid system in South Africa. 
  • In 1955, India played a key role in the Afro-Asian conference in Bandung, indonesia. This conference also known as Bandung Conference was a major milestone in India's efforts to build solidarity with other Asian and African nations. 
  • This conference laid the foundation for the Non Aligned movement (NAM), which held its first summit in Belgrade in 1961. This further cemented India's commitment to global cooperation and staying neutral in international conflicts. 

India-China Relations: A Historical Perspective

  • In the initial phase, India's relationship with China was characterised by a spirit of friendship. After China's communist revolution in 1949, India quickly recognised the new government, marking a cordial beginning to their relationship. 
  • However, beneath the surface concerns regarding potential Chinese aggression developed prompting India's vigilance. A noteworthy aspect of this period was the deployment of paramilitary forces rather than the regular army to secure the Chinese border. 
  • India and China's relationship achieved a milestone with the signing of the Panchsheel agreement the Five Principles Of Peaceful Coexistence in 1954. It was signed between Indian Prime Minister Nehru and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, portraying mutual cooperation. 
  • However, things took a turn for the worse when China took over Tibet in 1950, removing a buffer zone. Then, in 1959, the then Dalai Lama fled to India, which made things even more complicated between the two countries. 
  • Moreover, border disputes especially over Aksai chin and Arunachal Pradesh kept tensions high. Despite correspondence, the differences remain unresolved. 
  • These differences escalated to such a level that in 1962, China launched a surprise invasion resulting in capture of parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which later culminated into ceasefire and withdrawal, giving rise to a relationship of suspicion. 

India-Pakistan Relations: Complex Dynamics and Conflicts

India-Pakistan relationship has been the most complicated and sensitive one in the world. Since they gained independence in 1947, two countries have had a dynamic relationship, where the moments of peace were punctured by tensions and conflicts. 

  • Kashmir has been the bone of contention for the two nations since the beginning. There have been several proxy confrontations over Kashmir since 1947. However this didn't stop the two nations from collaborating for partitioned women's restoration and river water sharing, thereby showcasing instances of cooperation. 
  • In 1965, the two countries again engaged into a conflict over Kashmir, which was followed by the UN-mediated ceasefire, and the Tashkent agreement in 1966. 
  • The 1971 war marked a watershed moment in India's history, as it triumphed over Pakistan's forces, paving the way for Bangladesh’s liberation. This showed India's growing strength as military power. 

India's Nuclear Journey: Pursuit of Self-Reliance

  • India's nuclear journey began with a bold move in 1974, when the country conducted its first nuclear test. It was rooted into the country's industrialisation endeavour headed by Homi J Bhabha. Since then India has worked tirelessly to develop its nuclear capabilities driven by a desire for energy independence and national security. 
  • But this move was not without controversy. India refused to sign the Non-proliferation treaty because of its discriminatory nature. This test happened at a tense time, with India facing domestic troubles and the world grappling with economic fallout from the Arab-Israeli war. 
  • These key moments in history shows how India has made careful choices in the diplomacy and strategy, always keeping in mind it's goal of self-reliance and its desire to be a major player in the world stage.

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