Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Non-alignment, a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, has undergone a significant transformation since its inception during the Cold War. Non-Alignment 1.0, championed by Jawaharlal Nehru, aimed to carve out an independent path amidst the bipolar world, avoiding military alliances. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of a unipolar world, and subsequently a multipolar one, India’s approach has evolved, often termed Non-Alignment 2.0. This new iteration, while retaining the core principle of strategic autonomy, exhibits a greater willingness to engage with major powers and pursue pragmatic partnerships, reflecting a more complex and interconnected global order.
Non-Alignment 1.0 (1947-1991)
This phase was characterized by:
- Core Principles: Avoiding military alliances (NATO, Warsaw Pact), promoting peaceful coexistence, anti-colonialism, and advocating for the concerns of the developing world.
- Key Drivers: Nehru’s ideological commitment to socialism and anti-imperialism, India’s limited economic and military capabilities, and a desire to maintain independence in decision-making.
- Key Relationships: Strong ties with the Soviet Union (due to Western alignment with Pakistan), fostering relationships with other newly independent nations through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) established in 1961.
- International Context: The Cold War rivalry between the US and the USSR, decolonization, and the emergence of the Third World.
Non-Alignment 2.0 (Post-1991 – Present)
This phase is marked by:
- Core Principles: Strategic autonomy remains central, but with a greater emphasis on pragmatic engagement and multi-alignment. Focus on national interest and economic growth.
- Key Drivers: The end of the Cold War, India’s economic liberalization (1991), rising economic and military power, and a changing global landscape with the rise of China and other powers.
- Key Relationships: Strengthened strategic partnership with the US (including civil nuclear agreement in 2008), closer ties with Russia (despite Western pressure), expanding engagement with China (economic ties), and deepening relationships with Japan, Australia, and European nations. The ‘Look East’ (now ‘Act East’) policy and ‘Neighborhood First’ policy are prominent.
- International Context: Globalization, the rise of China, terrorism, climate change, and a multipolar world order.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | Non-Alignment 1.0 | Non-Alignment 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Ideological Basis | Strong ideological commitment to anti-colonialism and socialism | Pragmatic, focused on national interest and economic growth |
| Alliance System | Strict avoidance of military alliances | Willingness to forge strategic partnerships and limited alignments |
| Major Power Relations | Closer ties with the Soviet Union | Multi-faceted engagement with US, Russia, China, and other powers |
| Economic Policy | State-led, inward-looking | Liberalized, outward-looking |
| Focus | Political solidarity with developing nations | Economic development and security concerns |
However, some continuities exist. Both versions prioritize independent decision-making and resist being dictated by external powers. Both also emphasize South-South cooperation, though the nature and scope have evolved. The current approach is less about moral posturing and more about maximizing India’s strategic space.
Conclusion
Non-alignment has demonstrably adapted to the changing geopolitical realities. While Non-Alignment 1.0 was a product of the Cold War constraints and ideological preferences, Non-Alignment 2.0 reflects India’s growing power and its need to navigate a complex, multipolar world. The core principle of strategic autonomy remains, but it is now pursued through a more flexible and pragmatic approach, characterized by multi-alignment and a focus on national interests. Successfully balancing relationships with multiple major powers will be crucial for India’s future trajectory.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.