Explain the philosophical foundations of India's foreign policy.

Core Philosophical Influences

Several key philosophical strands have shaped India’s foreign policy:

• Hinduism: The concept of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam*, originating in the Upanishads, promotes a universal outlook and interconnectedness of all beings. This translates into a belief in the inherent dignity of all nations and a preference for cooperative rather than confrontational approaches.
• Buddhism: Buddhism’s emphasis on non-violence (*Ahimsa*), compassion (*Karuna*), and peaceful resolution of conflicts has profoundly influenced India’s approach to international disputes. India’s historical role in promoting peace and stability in its region, particularly in mediating conflicts, reflects this influence.
• Gandhian Thought: Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of *Satyagraha* (truth force) and non-violent resistance provided a moral framework for India’s foreign policy. This is evident in India’s consistent advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution and its commitment to disarmament.
• Non-Alignment Movement (NAM): While a political movement, NAM was philosophically rooted in the desire to avoid entanglement in bloc politics and to promote an independent, objective worldview. It reflected a rejection of the Cold War’s binary logic and a belief in the agency of developing nations.

Translating Philosophy into Foreign Policy Approaches

These philosophical influences manifest in several key aspects of India’s foreign policy:

• Panchsheel: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence) – formalized in the 1954 Sino-Indian Agreement – are a direct application of Buddhist and Hindu principles.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): India’s proactive provision of HADR to neighboring countries, particularly during natural disasters, reflects the Buddhist principle of *Karuna* and the Hindu concept of selfless service (*Seva*). Examples include assistance to Nepal after the 2015 earthquake and to Sri Lanka during the 2004 tsunami.
• Emphasis on Multilateralism: India’s strong commitment to multilateral institutions like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the G20 stems from a belief in collective security and global governance, aligning with the interconnectedness emphasized in its philosophical traditions.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: The promotion of Indian culture, yoga, and Ayurveda globally is a form of soft power diplomacy rooted in the belief that shared values and cultural understanding can foster stronger international relations.

Evolution and Contemporary Relevance

While these philosophical foundations remain central, India’s foreign policy has evolved in response to changing geopolitical realities. The rise of China, the increasing importance of economic interdependence, and the emergence of new security challenges have necessitated a more pragmatic approach. However, the underlying principles of peaceful coexistence, non-interference, and multilateralism continue to guide India’s actions. The ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, for instance, prioritizes strengthening ties with neighboring countries, reflecting the ancient Indian concept of *Mitra Bhasha* (friendly relations with neighbors).

Philosophical Influence	Foreign Policy Manifestation
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam	Emphasis on multilateralism, humanitarian assistance
Ahimsa	Advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution, disarmament
Gandhian Thought	Non-violent approaches to diplomacy, promotion of sustainable development