Examine the Indian National Movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India's foreign policy.

Historical Determinants: The Legacy of the National Movement

The Indian National Movement, spearheaded by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, fundamentally shaped India’s worldview. Key aspects include:

• Anti-Colonialism: The experience of British rule fostered a strong aversion to power politics and a commitment to self-determination, influencing India’s support for decolonization movements globally.
• Non-Alignment: Nehru’s vision of non-alignment, articulated in the Bandung Conference (1955), aimed to steer clear of Cold War blocs and forge an independent path. This was rooted in the belief that alignment with either the US or the USSR would compromise India’s sovereignty.
• Panchsheel: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) – mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence – became cornerstones of India’s foreign policy.
• Emphasis on International Cooperation: The movement’s internationalist outlook, fostered by leaders who engaged with global movements, led to India’s active participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.

Geographical Determinants: India’s Strategic Location

India’s geographical location presents both opportunities and challenges:

• Strategic Importance of the Indian Ocean: Controlling vital sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean is crucial for India’s trade and security. This necessitates a strong naval presence and engagement with littoral states.
• Land Borders and Border Disputes: Sharing land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar presents complex security challenges, including unresolved border disputes (e.g., with China and Pakistan).
• Proximity to Major Powers: India’s proximity to China, the US, Russia, and the Middle East influences its strategic calculations and necessitates balancing relationships with these powers.
• Vulnerability to Maritime Threats: A long coastline makes India vulnerable to maritime terrorism, piracy, and smuggling.

The Interplay of History and Geography

The interplay between these determinants is evident in several key foreign policy decisions:

• The 1962 Sino-Indian War: The war, triggered by border disputes, led to a reassessment of India’s non-alignment policy and a closer relationship with the Soviet Union.
• The Indo-Pakistan Wars (1965, 1971, 1999): These conflicts shaped India’s security concerns and its approach to regional security, leading to increased defense spending and closer ties with friendly nations.
• The Look East Policy (1991): Initiated by Narasimha Rao, this policy aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian countries, leveraging India’s geographical proximity and recognizing the region’s economic potential. Later evolved into the Act East Policy.
• The Neighborhood First Policy: Prioritizes relations with neighboring countries, recognizing their importance for India’s security and economic development.

Determinant	Impact on Foreign Policy	Example
Indian National Movement	Emphasis on non-alignment, anti-imperialism, peaceful coexistence	India’s role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Geographical Location	Focus on maritime security, border management, regional engagement	India’s naval expansion and engagement with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)