Here are 20 important Questions and Answers from CBSE Class 12 Political Science (Politics in India Since Independence), Chapter 4: India’s External Relations as per the 2026–27 syllabus.
Q1. What were the basic principles of India’s foreign policy after Independence?
Answer:
After Independence, India adopted a foreign policy based on peace, independence, and cooperation. The main principles included Non-Alignment, anti-colonialism, support for decolonisation, and opposition to racial discrimination. India decided not to join either of the two power blocs led by the USA and USSR during the Cold War. Instead, it focused on maintaining sovereignty in decision-making. Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among nations. India also supported disarmament and the United Nations. These principles reflected India’s need to safeguard its national interests, economic development, and global peace. They formed the foundation of India’s external relations for several decades.
Q2. What is the policy of Non-Alignment?
Answer:
Non-Alignment was the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy during the Cold War period. It meant that India would not formally align with either of the two major military blocs led by the United States or the Soviet Union. Instead, India chose an independent path in international politics. Non-Alignment did not mean neutrality or isolation; India actively participated in global issues and supported peace and decolonisation. The policy was initiated by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Josip Broz Tito, and Gamal Abdel Nasser through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). It helped India maintain sovereignty, avoid military alliances, and focus on economic development while promoting world peace.
Q3. What were the objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)?
Answer:
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) aimed to provide a platform for newly independent countries to maintain independence in foreign policy. Its main objectives included preventing war, especially nuclear conflict, supporting decolonisation, and promoting global peace and cooperation. NAM also sought to reduce Cold War tensions by not joining military blocs. It encouraged economic development among developing nations and opposed imperialism, racism, and foreign domination. India played a key role in its formation and leadership. NAM provided moral and political support to countries struggling for independence and helped developing nations assert their identity in global politics while maintaining strategic autonomy.
Q4. Why did India support decolonisation?
Answer:
India strongly supported decolonisation because it had itself suffered under colonial rule for nearly 200 years. After independence, India believed that all nations had the right to self-determination and freedom from foreign control. It actively supported liberation movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. India raised its voice in the United Nations against colonialism and apartheid. This policy was also based on moral principles and solidarity with oppressed nations. India’s leadership in NAM further strengthened this stand. Supporting decolonisation helped India build friendly relations with newly independent countries and promoted global justice and equality in international politics.
Q5. How did the Cold War influence India’s foreign policy?
Answer:
The Cold War between the USA and USSR had a major impact on India’s foreign policy. Both superpowers tried to influence developing countries to join their blocs. India, however, chose Non-Alignment to avoid pressure from either side. Despite this, India sometimes leaned towards the Soviet Union for economic and military support, especially after 1962 and 1971. The Cold War created global tensions, but India used it as an opportunity to maintain strategic autonomy. It also helped India act as a mediator in international conflicts. Thus, India balanced relations carefully while focusing on national development and sovereignty.
Q6. What was India’s relationship with the USA during the Cold War?
Answer:
India’s relationship with the USA during the Cold War was often tense and complicated. The USA viewed India’s Non-Alignment policy with suspicion, believing it favored the Soviet Union. Differences arose over issues like Pakistan, economic aid, and nuclear policy. The USA supported Pakistan in several conflicts, which further strained relations. However, India did receive economic assistance and food aid from the USA under programs like PL-480. Over time, relations improved gradually, especially after the end of the Cold War. Despite differences, both countries maintained diplomatic ties and later developed strong strategic and economic cooperation.
Q7. What was India’s relationship with the Soviet Union?
Answer:
India developed a strong and friendly relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The USSR supported India in areas such as defence, industrialisation, and technology. It also backed India in international forums like the United Nations, especially on the Kashmir issue. India purchased military equipment and received economic assistance from the Soviet Union. The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation marked a significant milestone. This relationship helped India strengthen its security and economic development. However, India maintained its Non-Aligned status despite close ties, ensuring strategic independence in foreign policy decisions.
Q8. What role did India play in the Non-Aligned Movement?
Answer:
India played a leading role in the formation and development of the Non-Aligned Movement. Jawaharlal Nehru was one of its key founders, along with leaders like Tito and Nasser. India hosted several NAM conferences and actively participated in shaping its policies. It promoted peace, disarmament, and economic cooperation among developing nations. India used NAM as a platform to oppose colonialism and apartheid. It also helped smaller nations raise their voices in global politics. Through NAM, India strengthened its global image as a peace-loving country and leader of the developing world, while maintaining independence in foreign policy.
Q9. How did India respond to the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)?
Answer:
India played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The crisis began when East Pakistan demanded independence due to political and economic discrimination by West Pakistan. Millions of refugees entered India, creating a humanitarian crisis. India supported the liberation movement led by Mukti Bahini. Eventually, India intervened militarily in December 1971, leading to a war with Pakistan. The conflict ended with the creation of Bangladesh. India’s actions were based on humanitarian concerns, security interests, and regional stability. The war significantly strengthened India’s position in South Asia.
Q10. What is the significance of the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty?
Answer:
The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation was significant for India’s foreign policy. It ensured Soviet support for India during the Bangladesh crisis and acted as a deterrent against possible intervention by other powers, especially the USA and China. The treaty strengthened India’s defence and diplomatic position. It also deepened Indo-Soviet relations in trade, technology, and military cooperation. However, India continued to maintain its Non-Aligned status. The treaty showed India’s ability to form strategic partnerships without compromising independence, marking a major development in India’s external relations.
Q11. What were India’s concerns regarding nuclear weapons?
Answer:
India has consistently expressed concerns about nuclear weapons and advocated global disarmament. It believes nuclear weapons pose a serious threat to humanity and world peace. India opposed nuclear arms races during the Cold War and called for the elimination of nuclear weapons. However, India also developed its own nuclear programme for peaceful purposes and national security. In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, calling it a “peaceful nuclear explosion.” India’s policy reflects a balance between promoting disarmament and ensuring national security in a hostile international environment.
Q12. Why did India oppose the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?
Answer:
India opposed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) because it was seen as discriminatory. The treaty divided the world into nuclear “haves” and “have-nots,” allowing only five countries to possess nuclear weapons. India argued that it did not promote complete disarmament and instead legitimised inequality in global power. India also believed it violated the principle of sovereign equality of nations. Therefore, India refused to sign the NPT and advocated for universal and non-discriminatory disarmament. This position reflects India’s commitment to fairness and global security in international relations.
Q13. What is India’s position on disarmament?
Answer:
India has consistently supported the idea of global disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament. It believes that reducing and eliminating weapons of mass destruction is essential for global peace and security. India has raised its voice in international forums, including the United Nations, for complete and universal disarmament. However, India also maintains that disarmament must be non-discriminatory and applicable to all countries equally. At the same time, India ensures its national security by maintaining a credible defence capability. This balanced approach reflects India’s pragmatic and peace-oriented foreign policy.
Q14. What was India’s policy towards China after independence?
Answer:
After independence, India initially followed a friendly policy towards China, based on the principle of peaceful coexistence. The slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” symbolised this relationship. However, disputes over the border region of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh led to tensions. The situation worsened, resulting in the Sino-Indian War of 1962, in which India suffered a setback. After the war, relations remained strained for many years. India focused on strengthening defence and border security. Over time, efforts were made to improve relations, but border disputes continue to be a sensitive issue.
Q15. What are the main features of India’s Look East (Act East) policy?
Answer:
India’s Look East Policy, later upgraded to Act East Policy, focuses on strengthening economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asia and East Asia. It aims to enhance trade, investment, cultural ties, and connectivity with countries like ASEAN members, Japan, and South Korea. The policy also seeks to counterbalance China’s influence in the region. It promotes infrastructure development, regional cooperation, and maritime security. This approach reflects India’s shift towards a more active role in Asia-Pacific affairs and integration with the global economy.
Q16. How did India contribute to United Nations peacekeeping?
Answer:
India has been one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Indian soldiers and officers have served in conflict zones across the world, including Africa and Asia. India’s participation reflects its commitment to global peace and security. It has provided troops, medical assistance, and logistical support in various UN missions. India believes in resolving conflicts through dialogue and cooperation rather than war. Its active involvement has earned it international respect and strengthened its position as a responsible global power.
Q17. What challenges did India face in its early foreign policy?
Answer:
In the early years after independence, India faced several challenges in foreign policy. It had to maintain independence during the Cold War while dealing with pressure from superpowers. India also faced border disputes with China and Pakistan. Economic weakness limited its global influence. Refugee crises and regional conflicts added to difficulties. Despite these challenges, India adopted Non-Alignment and focused on peaceful diplomacy. It aimed to protect sovereignty while promoting development and international cooperation.
Q18. What is the significance of Panchsheel?
Answer:
Panchsheel refers to five principles of peaceful coexistence agreed upon by India and China in 1954. These include mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. Panchsheel formed the basis of India’s early foreign policy, especially with neighbouring countries. It reflected India’s commitment to peace and cooperation in international relations. However, the 1962 war with China weakened its practical implementation. Despite this, Panchsheel remains an important ideal in India’s diplomatic philosophy.
Q19. How has globalization affected India’s foreign policy?
Answer:
Globalisation has significantly transformed India’s foreign policy. After the 1990s, India liberalised its economy and increased integration with the global market. It strengthened relations with major economies like the USA, EU, and East Asian countries. Foreign policy became more focused on trade, investment, technology, and energy security. India also expanded its role in international organisations. Globalisation made India more interdependent with other countries, leading to a pragmatic and development-oriented foreign policy approach.
Q20. How does India balance national interest and global cooperation in foreign policy?
Answer:
India’s foreign policy balances national interest with global cooperation by maintaining strategic autonomy while engaging actively with the world. It prioritises economic development, security, and sovereignty. At the same time, India participates in international organisations, peacekeeping missions, and global initiatives like climate action. It forms partnerships with different countries without joining permanent military alliances. This flexible approach allows India to protect its interests while contributing to global peace and development.