Chapter 4: India's External Relations.

Q1. What were the immediate concerns soon after India's independence? Or what was the overall
context in which India started participating in world affairs as an independent nation state?

A. International concerns.
India was born in a very trying and challenging international context.
1. The world had witnessed the devastation of World War II, and was grappling with issues of
reconstruction.
2. Attempts to establish the United Nations successive to the League of Nations were underway.
3. Many new countries were emerging as a result of the collapse of colonialism.
4. Most new nations were trying to come to terms with the twin challenges of welfare and democracy.
5. Some states were emerging as Nuclear power states.

B. National concerns.
1. The British government left behind the legacy of many international disputes.
2. Partition had created many pressures.
3. The task of poverty alleviation was already waiting for fulfilment.

This was the overall context in which India started to become a nation state.

Q2. What was the basic aim of India's foreign policy? Has this aim been listed in the Indian
Constitution? OR List out the provisions of Article 51 of India's Constitution?

As a nation born in the backdrop of the world war, India decided to conduct its foreign relations with an
aim to respect the Territorial Integrity and sovereignty of all other nations and to achieve security and
economic development through the maintenance of peace.
Yes, this aim has been listed in the Indian Constitution in the Directive Principles of State Policy, Part IV
under Article 51 on ‘Promotion of international peace and security’.
“The state shall endeavour to
a) Promote international peace and security.
b) Maintain just and honourable relations between nations.
c) Foster respect for international law and treaty obligation in dealing with organised people with one
another.
d) Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration."

Q3. What were the goals adopted by the developing countries in the context of their foreign policy
and international relations?
Developing countries that lacked the required resources to effectively advocate their concerns in the
international system pursued more modest goals than the advanced states.

1. They focussed more on peace and development in their own neighbourhood.

2. Their economic and security dependence on the more powerful states occasionally influenced their
foreign policy, forcing them to support foreign policy preferences of the powerful countries who were
giving them aid or credit.
3. Some of these countries were desirous of pursuing independent foreign policy adopted the policy of
non-alignment. That is, not support either of the alliances and voice their opinion independently on
international issues and conflicts.

Q4. What was INA? Who founded it?

The Indian National Army (INA) was created by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose during World War II.
It was the clearest manifestation of the linkages established between India and overseas Indians during
the freedom struggle.

Q5. "India's leadership had to pursue its national interest in the prevailing international context"
Comment. OR “The foreign policy of a nation reflects the interplay of domestic and external
factors” Comment.
OR “The conduct of foreign affairs is an outcome of a two-way interaction between domestic
compulsions and prevailing international climate”. Take one example from India’s external
relations in the 1960s to substantiate your answer. (For this Q you can explain only pt A- Adoption
of NAM as an eg.)

The foreign policy of a nation reflects the interplay of domestic and external factors. Therefore the noble
ideals that inspired India's freedom struggle as well as the prevailing international context influenced the
making of India's foreign policy.

A. Adoption of Non-Alignment in the Cold War era.

One of India’s objectives in the 1960s was rapid economic development and alleviation of poverty. It
needed financial and technical assistance to achieve its objectives. Thus it followed a policy of NAM.
India did not join either of the military alliances ie US led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the
Soviet led Warsaw Pact that came into existence and therefore could get aid and assistance from
members of both the blocks.

The International situation also influenced India’s foreign relations. During the 1962 Indo-China war, India
had to approach the Americans and the British for military assistance to tide over the crisis. The Soviet
Union remained neutral during the conflict. However, during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Soviet Union
brokered the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966. The twenty years treaty of Peace and Friendship with
the Soviet Union in 1971 was also a result of the US- Pakistan- China axis.
India advocated Non-Alignment as the ideal foreign policy approach to serve both its domestic and
International interest.

As a nation born in the backdrop of the world war, India decided to conduct its foreign relations
with an aim to respect the Territorial Integrity and sovereignty of all other nations and to achieve
security and economic development through the maintenance of peace. Thus the following
became a part of its foreign policy initiatives.

B. Support for Decolonisation.

India was a major supporter of decolonisation as a part of its support to the
1. Movement for expansion of democracy.
2. It was appointed as the first Chairman of the Decolonisation Committee.
3. India ceaselessly struggled for an end to Colonialism.
4. India sponsored and promoted numerous resolutions in the UN on decolonisation and played a
significant part in the freedom of the French colonies of Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.

C. Support to the UN as an international body.

India supported the UN as an international body with an aim
1. To promote international peace and security and resolve conflicts.
2. India became a member of the UN in October 1945 and has since contributed human resources to the
UN Peacekeeping operations.

D. Promotion of Afro- Asian Unity.

India has worked towards ending racial discrimination for Afro-Asian unity and alleviation of global
poverty. The Afro-Asian conference held in the Indonesian city of Bandung (commonly known as the
Bandung Conference) marked the zenith of India's engagement with the newly independent African and
Asian nations. The Bandung Conference later led to the establishment of the NAM.

Q6. What were the 3 major objectives of Nehru's foreign policy?

The 3 major objectives of Nehru's foreign policy were:

1. To preserve the hard earned sovereignty of India after nearly 200 years of foreign rule won after a long
and difficult freedom struggle.
2. To protect the territorial integrity from all internal and external threats.
3. To promote rapid economic development for the alleviation of poverty, to be achieved by a mixed
economy with predominantly socialist views.
He tried to achieve these objectives by following the policy of Non- Alignment and promotion of Afro-
Asian unity.

Q7. Name the parties and groups which supported a pro US foreign policy and why? OR what was
Dr. Ambedkar’s view about India’s Foreign policy? OR Why were the BJS and the Swatantra Party
in favour of a pro- US foreign policy?
Leaders like DR. B R Ambedkar and parties like the Bharatiya Jan Sangh and the Swatantra Party
supported a pro US foreign policy.
1. They believed that India should be friendlier with the block led by the US because that block claimed to
be pro democracy.
2. Parties such as the Bharatiya Jan Sangh and Swatantra Party wanted India to follow a pro US policy,
since they were opposed to communism.

Q8. What was Nehru's role in formulating India's foreign policy? OR Why is Nehru known as the
architect of India's foreign policy? OR How does political leadership of a Nation affect its foreign
policy? Explain, with reference to India’s foreign policy.

India’s first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru played a crucial role in setting the national agenda.
He was the Prime Minister as well as the Foreign Minister, and exercised profound influence in the
formulation and implementation of India's foreign policy from 1946 to 1964.

A. Objectives.
The 3 major objectives of Nehru's foreign policy were:
1. To preserve the hard earned sovereignty of India after nearly 200 years of foreign rule won after a long
and difficult freedom struggle.
2. To protect the territorial integrity from all internal and external threats.
3. To promote rapid economic development for the alleviation of poverty to be achieved by a mixed
economy with predominantly socialist views.

B. Non-alignment.
PM Nehru tried to achieve these objectives by the policy of Non- Alignment.
1. India chose Non-Alignment as a third alternative to joining the military alliances ie US led NATO and
Soviet led Warsaw Pact.
2. Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru along with President Tito, President Nasser, President
Sukarno and Prime Minister Nkrumah established the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
3. Non-Alignment emerged as a collective movement in world politics, which emerged against polarised
and block oriented policies and politics. It was a movement of solidarity of the newly liberated countries
aspiring to a position of independence and equality in a highly interdependent world.
4. It was a difficult balancing act for India.

C. Afro-Asian unity.
Given its size, location and power potential, Nehru envisaged a major role for India in world affairs and
specially in Asian affairs. Nehru's era was marked by the establishment of contacts between India and
other newly independent states in Asia and Africa. Through the 1940s and 1950s, Nehru had been an
ardent advocate of Asian unity.
1. Under his leadership, India convened the Asia Relations Conference in March 1947, 5 months ahead
of attaining its independence.
2. India made earnest efforts for the early realisation of freedom of Indonesia from the Dutch colonial
regime by convening an international conference in 1949 to support its freedom struggle.
3. India was a staunch supporter of the decolonisation process and firmly opposed racial discrimination,
specially apartheid in South Africa.
4. The Afro-Asian conference held in the Indonesian city of Bandung (commonly known as the Bandung
Conference) marked the zenith of India's engagement with the newly independent African and Asian
nations. The Bandung Conference later led to the establishment of the NAM. The first summit of NAM
was held in Belgrade in September 1961. Pt. Nehru was a Co-founder of NAM.

Addl Q. What was Pt. Nehru’s role in promoting Afro- Asian Unity?

(Give only pt C. Afro- Asian Unity, of the previous answer.)

Q9. Discuss the principles of India’s foreign policy under PM Nehru.

The following are the principles of India’s foreign policy
1. Adoption of Non-Alignment
a. India chose Non-Alignment as a third alternative to joining the military alliances ie US led
NATO and Soviet led Warsaw Pact.
b. Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru along with President Tito, President Nasser, President
Sukarno and Prime Minister Nkrumah established the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
 c. Non-Alignment emerged as a collective movement in world politics, which emerged against
polarised and block oriented policies and politics. It was a movement of solidarity of the newly
liberated countries aspiring to a position of independence and equality in a highly interdependent
world.
d. The three objectives of Pt. Nehru’s foreign policy were-
1. To preserve the hard earned sovereignty
2. To protect the territorial integrity
3. To promote rapid economic development
He tried to achieve these objectives by following the policy of Non- Alignment.

2. Support for Decolonisation.

India was a major supporter of decolonisation as a part of its support to the
1. Movement for expansion of democracy.
2. It was appointed as the first Chairman of the Decolonisation Committee.
3. India ceaselessly struggled for an end to Colonialism.
4. India sponsored and promoted numerous resolutions in the UN on decolonisation and played a
significant part in the freedom of the French colonies of Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.

3. Support to the UN as an international body.

India supported the UN as an international body with an aim
1. To promote international peace and security and resolve conflicts.
2. India became a member of the UN in October 1945 and has since contributed human
resources to the UN Peacekeeping operations.

4. Promotion of Afro- Asian Unity.

India has worked towards ending racial discrimination for Afro-Asian unity and alleviation of global
poverty. The Afro-Asian conference held in the Indonesian city of Bandung (commonly known
as the Bandung Conference) marked the zenith of India's engagement with the newly
independent African and Asian nations. The Bandung Conference later led to the establishment
of the NAM.

Q10. India's policy of Non-Alignment was a difficult balancing act, though the balance did not
appear perfect. Explain with examples? OR What was the policy adopted by India during the Suez
Canal crisis 1956 and Soviet invasion of Hungary in the same year?

India's Non-Alignment was said to be unprincipled, and in the name of pursuing its national interest, India
was said often refused to take a firm stand on crucial international issues. It is suggested that India was
inconsistent and took contradictory postures.
Examples:
1. Having criticised others for joining alliances, India signed a Treaty of Friendship with USSR in 1971 for
20 years. This was regarded particularly by outside observers as virtually joining the Soviet Alliance
system. The Indian government's view was that India needed diplomatic and possibly military support
during the Bangladesh crisis, and in any case the treaty did not stop India from having good relations with
other countries including the US.
2. In 1956, when Britain attacked Egypt over the Suez Canal issue, India led the world protest against this
neo-colonial invasion.
But in the same year, when the USSR invaded Hungary, India did not join its public condemnation.

Despite such a situation, by and large India did take an independent stand on various international issues
and could get aid and assistance from the members of both the blocs.

Q11. Explain the main factors that limited India's economic interaction with the outside world?

1. India adopted the strategy of planned economic development. This policy emphasised import
substitution.
2. The emphasis on developing a resource base also meant it limited India's economic interaction with the
rest of the world.

Q12. Where and when did the first summit of NAM take place?

The first summit of NAM was held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in September 1961.
Q13. "A country without material, men and money the three means of power is now fast coming to
be recognised as the biggest moral power in the civilised world....Her word listened to with
respect in the councils of the great."

a) Who is the author of these lines? Where were they written?

Shri C Rajagopalachari wrote the above lines in a letter to Edwina Mountbatten in 1950.

b) Why is India being referred to as a country without money, men and material?

At the time of independence, India lacked money for its population, was poor, and lacked self sufficiency
in food grains. The huge mass of population was uneducated and unhealthy, and thus India lacked
productive labour and human resources.

c) Why has the author described India as the biggest moral power in the civilised world?

India based its policies and stands on moral background, which included the moral policy of
Non-Alignment to either power block. India voiced its opinion independently in the Indian context and took
decisions in its national interest, and in interest of international peace and security. India supported
decolonisation and the creation of the UN as a world body.

Q14. When did the Chinese revolution take place?

The Chinese revolution occurred in 1949.

Q15. Why did Nehru recognise the communist government and advocated it for a permanent seat
in the United Nations Security Council?

India was one of the first countries to recognise the communist government in China after the Chinese
revolution in 1949. Nehru felt strongly for China, as it was coming out of the shadow of western
domination and helped it in the international force.

Q16. Name the Indian leader who was in disagreement with Pt. Nehru on his approach towards
China?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was worried about the possible Chinese aggression in future, and did not agree
with foreign policy approach towards China taken up by Nehru.

Q17. "However, Pt. Nehru thought it was exceedingly unlikely that India will face an attack from
China." Why did he say so?
For a long time, Pt. Nehru felt that India will not face an attack from China. However, the Chinese border
was guarded by paramilitary forces.

Q18. Name the five founders/ architects of NAM with their respective countries.
1. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru from India
2. Gamal Abdel Nasser from Egypt
3. Sukarno from Indonesia
4. Josip Broz Tito from Yugoslavia
5. Kwame Nkrumah from Ghana.

Q19. What was the Panchsheel agreement? What are the main principles of Panchsheel?

Panchsheel refers to the five principles of peaceful co-existence, jointly enunciated by Indian Prime
Minister Nehru and the Chinese premier Zhou Enlai on 29th April 1954. It was a step in the direction of
stronger relationship between India and China.
The principles of Panchsheel are:
1. Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
2. Mutual non-aggression.
3. Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
4. Equality in mutual benefit.
5. Peaceful co-existence.
Q20. Why has the issue of Tibet been a major issue between India and China?

The plateau of the central Asian region called Tibet is a major issue that historically caused tension
between India and China.
1. From time to time in history, China had claimed administrative control over Tibet, and from time to time
Tibet was independent too.
2. In 1950, China took over control of Tibet. Large sections of the Tibetan population opposed this
takeover. India tried to persuade China to recognise Tibet's claims for independence.
When the Panchsheel agreement was signed between India and China in 1954, through one of its
clauses about respecting each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, India conceded China's claim
over Tibet.
3. The Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama accompanied the Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai during the
official Chinese visit to India in 1956. He informed Nehru about the worsening situation in Tibet.
China had already assured India that Tibet will be given greater autonomy than enjoyed by any other
region of China.
4. In 1958 there was an armed uprising in Tibet against the Chinese occupation. This was suppressed by
Chinese forces. Sensing that the situation had become worse, in 1959 Dalai Lama crossed over into the
Indian border and sought asylum which was granted.
5. The Chinese government strongly protested against it. A large number of Tibetans have sought refuge
in India, particularly in Delhi, Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama has also made Dharamshala his home in
India.
6. In the 1950s and 1960s, many political leaders and parties in India including the socialist party and the
Jan Sangh supported the cause of Tibet's independence.

Q21. Name the political parties which supported the cause of Tibet's independence?

In the 1950s and 1960s, many political leaders and parties in India including the socialist party and the
Jan sangh supported the cause of Tibet's independence.

Q22. Why do the Tibetans oppose Tibet being an integral part of China?

China has created the Tibet autonomous region, which is an integral part of China.
1. Tibetans oppose the Chinese claim that Tibet is a part of Chinese territory.
2. They also oppose the policy of bringing into Tibet more and more Chinese settlers.
3. Tibetans dispute China's claim that autonomy is granted to the region.
4. They think that China wants to undermine the traditional religion and culture of the Tibetans.
(Deal with this question keeping the marks weightage in mind,)

Q23. Who was the Defence Minister of India since 1957?

Mr. V K Krishna Menon

Q24. What were the causes of the Chinese invasion of 1962? Describe the 1962 Sino- Indian War.

1. India supported the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans.

China annexed Tibet in 1950, and thus removed a historical buffer between the two countries. Initially the
Government of India did not oppose this openly, but as more information came about the suppression of
the Tibetan culture, Indian Government grew uneasy.
The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama sought and obtained political asylum in India in 1959.
China alleged that the government of India was allowing anti-China activities to take place from within
India.
2. Boundary disputes between India and China.
A boundary dispute had surfaced between India and China. India claimed that the boundary was a matter
settled in colonial time, but China said that any colonial decisions did not apply. The main dispute was
about the western and the eastern end of the long border. China claimed two areas within the Indian
Territory ie Aksai-Chin area in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, and the much of the state of
Arunachal Pradesh in what was then called North Eastern frontier agency (NEFA).

Between 1954 and 1959, the Chinese occupied the Aksai- Chin region, and built a strategic road over
there. Despite a very long correspondence and discussion among top leaders, these differences could not
be resolved. Several small border disputes between the armies of the two countries took place.
While the world’s attention was on the Cuban missile crisis, China launched a swift and massive invasion
in October 1962 on both the disputed regions.
The first attack lasted one week and Chinese forces captured some key areas in Arunachal Pradesh. The
second wave of attack came next month. While the Indian forces blocked the Chinese advances in
Ladakh, in the east the Chinese managed to advance nearly to the entry point of Assam plains. Finally
the Chinese declared a unilateral ceasefire and its troops withdrew to where they were before the
invasion began.

Q25. “War with China dented India’s image at home and abroad”. Comment. OR What were the
effects of the Chinese invasion in 1962 on India?

a. War with China dented India’s image at home and abroad. India had to approach the Americans and
the British for military assistance to tide over the crisis. The Soviet Union remained neutral during the
conflict.
b. It induced a sense of national humiliation and at the same time strengthened a spirit of nationalism.
c. Some of the top army commanders either resigned or were retired. Nehru’s close associate and the
then Defense Minister, V. Krishna Menon, had to leave the cabinet.
d. Nehru’s own stature suffered as he was severely criticized for his naïve assessment of the Chinese
intentions and the lack of military preparedness.
e. For the first time, a no-confidence motion against his government was moved and debated in the Lok
Sabha.
f. Soon thereafter, the Congress lost some key by-elections to the Lok Sabha. The political mood of the
country had begun to change.
g. The Sino-Indian conflict affected the opposition as well. This and the growing rift between China and
the Soviet Union created irreconcilable differences within the Communist Party of India (CPI). The
pro-USSR faction remained within the CPI and moved towards closer ties with the Congress. The other
faction was for sometime closer to China and was against any ties with the Congress. The party split in
1964 and the leaders of the latter faction formed Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). In the wake
of the China war, many leaders of what became CPI (M) were arrested for being pro-China.
h. The war with China alerted Indian leadership to the volatile situation in the Northeast region. To
preserve national unity and integrity, the reorganization of the northeastern states began soon after the
China war. Nagaland was granted statehood; Manipur and Tripura, though Union Territories were given
the right to elect their own legislative assemblies.

Q26. How did the Sino – India conflict affect the opposition parties in India?
a. The Sino-Indian conflict affected the opposition as well. This and the growing rift between China and
the Soviet Union created irreconcilable differences within the Communist Party of India (CPI).
b. The pro-USSR faction remained within the CPI and moved towards closer ties with the Congress.
c. The other faction was for sometime closer to China and was against any ties with the Congress.
d. The party split in 1964 and the leaders of the latter faction formed Communist Party of India (Marxist)
(CPI-M). In the wake of the China war, many leaders of what became CPI (M) were arrested for being
pro-China.

Q27. In what ways did war with China change the attitude of Indian leadership towards the
Northeast?
A. The war with China alerted Indian leadership to the volatile situation in the Northeast region. Apart from
being isolated and extremely underdeveloped, this region also presented India with the challenge of
national integration and political unity. The process of its reorganization began soon after the China war.
Nagaland was granted statehood in 1963; Manipur and Tripura, though Union Territories were given the
right to elect their own legislative assemblies.

Q28. What efforts have been made to normalise relations between India and China after 1962?

1. It took more than a decade for India and China to resume normal relations. It was in 1976 when full
diplomatic relations were restored between the two countries. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first top level
leader (then external affairs minister) to visit China in 1979.
2. Later Rajiv Gandhi became the first Prime Minister after Nehru to visit China in December 1988.
3. Now the emphasis is more on trade and intergovernmental relations. Bilateral trade between India and
China has increased from $338 million in 1992 to more than $18 billion in 2006. Indian and Chinese
leaders and officials visit Beijing and New Delhi with greater frequency, and both sides are now becoming
more familiar with each other. Increasing transportation and communication links, common economic
interests and global concerns should help establish a more positive and sound relationship between the
two most populous countries of the world.

Q29. Describe the various stages in India- China Relations from 1947- 1962.

Friendly Relations- Phase of ‘Hindi- Chini Bhai- Bhai’

a. After the Chinese revolution in 1949, India was one of the first countries to recognise the
Communist government.
b. Indian Prime Minister Pt. Nehru and the Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai adopted the Panchsheel,
the five principles of Peaceful Co-existence on 29 April, 1954.

Period of Strained Relations-

a. China annexed Tibet in 1950, and thus removed a historical buffer between the two countries.
Initially the Government of India did not oppose this openly, but as more information came about
the suppression of the Tibetan culture, Indian Government grew uneasy. The Tibetan spiritual
leader the Dalai Lama sought and obtained political asylum in India in 1959. China alleged that
the government of India was allowing anti-China activities to take place from within India.
b. Chinese Invasion in 1962, involving a border conflict over competing territorial claims principally
in Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh.
The conflict of 1962, in which India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for
India–China relations. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were downgraded until 1976.

Q30. Discuss the Indo – China relations after 1962.

The conflict of 1962, in which India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for India–China
relations. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were downgraded until 1976. Thereafter,
relations between the two countries began to improve slowly.
a. After the change in China’s political leadership from the mid to late 1970s, China’s policy became more
pragmatic and less ideological. So it was prepared to put off the settlement of contentious issues while
improving relations with India. A series of talks to resolve the border issue were also initiated in 1981.
b. Since the end of the Cold War, there have been significant changes in India– China relations.
Their relations now have a strategic as well as an economic dimension. Both view themselves as rising
powers in global politics, and both would like to play a major role in the Asian economy and politics.
c. Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China in December 1988 provided the impetus for an improvement in
India–China relations. Since then both governments have taken measures to contain conflict and maintain
‘peace and tranquillity’ on the border. They have also signed agreements on cultural exchanges and
cooperation in science and technology, and opened four border posts for trade. With India– China trade
growing at 30 percent per year since 1999, a more positive perspective on relations with China has
emerged. Bilateral trade between India and China has increased from $338 million in 1992 to more than
$18 billion in 2006.
d. More recently, both countries have agreed to cooperate with each other in areas that could otherwise
create conflict between the two, such as bidding for energy deals abroad. At the global level, India and
China have adopted similar policies in international economic institutions like the World Trade
Organization.
e. India’s nuclear tests in 1998, sometimes justified on the grounds of a threat from China, did not stop
greater interaction. It is true that China was seen as contributing to the build-up of Pakistan’s nuclear
programme. China’s military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar were viewed as hostile to Indian
interests in South Asia. However, none of these issues is likely to lead to conflict between the two.
f. One sign of this is that the talks to resolve the boundary question have continued without interruption
and military-to-military cooperation is increasing. Indian and Chinese leaders and officials visit Beijing and
New Delhi with greater frequency, and both sides are now becoming more familiar with each other.
Increasing transportation and communication links, common economic interests and global concerns
should help establish a more positive and sound relationship between the two most populous countries of
the world.
g.Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India in 2014:
During the visit India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi put the boundary dispute and transgressions by
Chinese troops at the centre stage of the New Delhi-Beijing bilateral. He asked Beijing to respect New
Delhi's sensitivities to realize the full potential of the relationship while Chinese President Xi
Jinping sought to underplay the frequent border transgressions describing them as "certain incidents" that
could be managed by both sides.
India and China share a complex relationship not only over the boundary dispute but also over their
growing regional ambitions and encirclement strategies in each other's neighborhood.

Q31. List out the two issues on which India and Pakistan cooperated soon after independence?
OR What are the positive factions in India Pakistan relations after independence?

The Kashmir conflict and the partition did not prevent cooperation between the governments of India and
Pakistan.
1. Both the governments worked together to restore the women abducted during partition to their original
families.
2. A long term dispute about the sharing of river waters was resolved through mediation by the World
Bank. The India- Pakistan Indus water treaty was signed by PM Nehru and General Ayub Khan in 1960
which has survived to this day in spite of various military conflicts.

In recent years-
1. The two countries have agreed to undertake confidence building measures to reduce the risk of war.
2. Social activists and prominent personalities have collaborated to create an atmosphere of friendship
among the people of both countries.
3. Leaders have met at summits to understand each other better and to find solutions to the major
problems between the two neighbours.
4. A number of bus routes have been opened up between the two countries.
5. Trade between the two parts of Punjab has increased substantially in the last five years.
6. Visas have been more easily given. Medical Tourism to India has been encouraged.

Q32. What were the causes of the 1965 war between India and Pakistan?

1. In April 1965, Pakistan launched an armed attack in the Rann of Kutch area of Gujarat. This was
followed by a bigger offence in Jammu and Kashmir in august-September. Pakistani rulers were hoping to
get support from the local population there, but that did not happen.
2. In order to ease the pressure on the Kashmir front, PM Lal Bahadur Shastri ordered Indian troops to
launch a counter offensive on the Punjab border. In a fierce battle, the Indian army reached close to
Lahore.

Q33. How was peace made after the Indo-Pak war of 1965?

The hostilities of the Indo-Pak war of 1965 came to an end with the UN intervention. Indian Prime Minister
Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President General Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent agreement
brokered by the Soviet Union in 1966.

Q34. What were the causes of the Bangladesh war?

A. Split verdict of 1970.

Beginning in 1970, Pakistan faced its biggest internal crisis. The country's general elections produced a
split verdict. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's party emerged a winner in West Pakistan, while the Awami league led by
Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman swept through East Pakistan.

B. Bengalis treated as second class citizens.

The Bengali population of East Pakistan had voted to protest against years of being treated as second
class citizens by the rulers based in West Pakistan.

C. Result of elections not accepted.

The Pakistani rulers were not willing to accept the democratic verdict. Nor were they ready to accept the
Awami league's demand for a federation.

D. Unleashing a reign of terror.

Instead in early 1971, the Pakistani army arrested Sheikh Mujib and unleashed a reign of terror on the
people of East Pakistan. In response to this, the people started a struggle to liberate Bangladesh from
Pakistan.

E. Refugees fled to India.

Throughout 1971, India had to bear the burden of about 8,000,000 refugees who fled East Pakistan and
took shelter in the neighbouring areas in India.

F. India extended moral and material support.

India extended moral and material support to the freedom struggle in Bangladesh. Pakistan accused India
of a conspiracy to break it up.
Support for Pakistan in 1971 came from the US and China. In order to counter the Pakistan-China-US
axis, India signed a 20 year treaty of peace and friendship with Soviet Union in 1971. After months of
diplomatic tension and military build up, a full scale war between India and Pakistan broke out in
December 1971.

Q35. How did India deal with the crisis which emerged in East Pakistan (Bangladesh)?

A. Support to Awami league for restoration of democracy and India's national security.
1. India extended moral and material support to the freedom struggle in Bangladesh. Henry Kissinger,
advisor to the US President Richard Nixon made a secret visit to China via Pakistan in July 1971.
In order to counter the US-Pakistan-China axis, India signed a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union
for 20 years in August 1971. This treaty assured India of soviet support if the country faced any attack.

B. Military response by India.

After months of diplomatic tension and military build up, a full scale war between India and Pakistan broke
out in December 1971.
1. Pakistani aircrafts attacked Punjab and Rajasthan, while the army moved on to Jammu and Kashmir
front.
2. India retaliated with an attack involving the air force, navy and army on both the western and the
eastern front.
3. Welcomed and supported by the local population, the Indian army made rapid progress in East
Pakistan. Within 10 days the Indian army had surrounded Dhaka from 3 sides, and Pakistani army of
about 90000 had to surrender.

C. Bangladesh recognised as a free country, leading to unilateral ceasefire.

With Bangladesh as a free country and Dhaka as its capital, India declared a unilateral ceasefire.

D. Shimla agreement.
The signing of the Shimla agreement between Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on 3rd July 1972
formalised the return of peace. The issue of Kashmir was declared as a bilateral issue, and it would be
resolved without the interference of any external power.

Q36. Why did India sign the treaty of friendship with the USSR for 20 years?

Support for Pakistan in 1971 came from the US and China. The US-China rapprochement that began in
the late 1960s resulted in a realignment of forces in Asia. Henry Kissinger, advisor to the US President
Richard Nixon made a secret visit to China via Pakistan in July 1971. In order to counter the
Pakistan-China-US axis, India signed a 20 year treaty of peace and friendship with Soviet Union in 1971.
This treaty assured India of Soviet support if the country faced any attack.

Q37. When was the Shimla agreement signed? Name the two leaders who signed it, what was the
important provision of this agreement?

The Shimla agreement was signed between Indira Gandhi of India and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan on
3rd July 1972. It formalised the return of peace.
The important provision of this agreement declares Kashmir to be a bilateral issue, which would be
resolved without interference of any external power.

Q38. What was the Kargil conflict? Why did it draw international attention?

A. Kargil conflict.
In the early part of 1999, several points of the Indian side of the LOC in the Mashkoh, Dras, Kaksar and
Batalik areas were occupied by forces claiming to be mujahideens. Suspecting involvement of the
Pakistan army, Indian forces started reacting to this occupation. This led to a confrontation between the
two countries. This is known as the Kargil conflict and went on in May and June 1999. By 26 July 1999,
India had recovered control of many of the lost points.
B. International attention.
The Kargil conflict drew international attention worldwide for the reason that only one year prior to that
both India and Pakistan had attained nuclear capability. However, this conflict remained confined only to
the Kargil region.

C. Controversy in Pakistan.
In Pakistan this conflict had been the source of a major controversy, as it was alleged later that the Prime
Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif was kept in the dark by the army chief. Soon after the conflict, the
Government of Pakistan was taken over by the Pakistani army led by the army chief Pervez Musharraf.

Q39. Why did the conflicts with the neighbours derail the 5 year plans? OR Why did India adopt
annual plans after 1966?

India with its limited resources had initiated development planning. However, conflicts with neighbours;
China in 1962, Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 derailed the 5 year plans.
The scarce resources were diverted to the defence sector, specially after 1962 as India had to embark on
a military modernisation drive.
1. The Department of Defence Production was established in November 1962.
2. The Department of Defence Supplies was established in November 1965.
3. The 3rd plan from 1961 to 1966 was affected, and it was followed by 3 annual plans and the 4th plan
could be initiated only in 1969.
India's defence expenditure increased enormously after the wars. Thus, India went through a period of
Plan Holiday from 1966-69. During this time only annual plans were adopted. The fourth five year plan
could be taken up only in 1969.

Q40. List two efforts made by India for military modernisation after the Indo-China war, 1962?

In India, scarce resources were diverted to the defence sector after 1962 and India had to embark on a
military modernisation drive.
As a result, two departments were set up:
1. The Department of Defence Production was established in November 1962.
2. The Department of Defence Supplies was established in November 1965.

Q41. Discuss India's nuclear policy?

A. Pt. Nehru's approach towards nuclear policy and programs.

1. Pt. Nehru had always put his faith in science and technology for rapidly building a modern India.
2. India’s nuclear program was initiated in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J Bhabha.
3. India wanted to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
4. Nehru was against nuclear weapons, so he pleaded with the superpowers for comprehensive nuclear
disarmament.

B. India’s Nuclear Tests:

i. First nuclear explosion May 1974- For Peaceful Purposes
1. The first nuclear explosion was undertaken by India in May 1974 under Prime Ministership of Indira
Gandhi. It was termed as a "peaceful explosion". India argued that it was committed to the policy of using
nuclear power only for peaceful purposes.
ii. Second nuclear explosion May 1998- For Military purposes
India conducted a series of nuclear tests in May 1998, demonstrating its capacity to use nuclear energy
for military purposes. Pakistan soon followed thereby increasing the vulnerability of the region on nuclear
exchange. The International community was extremely critical of the nuclear test in the subcontinent, and
sanctions were imposed on both India and Pakistan which were subsequently waived off.

C. India is committed to ensuring its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and
opposing partisan and unjust nuclear treaties like CTBT and NPT.

D. India refuses to sign NPT and CTBT.

1. When communist China conducted nuclear test in October 1964, the 5 nuclear weapon powers (US,
USSR, UK, France and China) Taiwan [then represented China] also the permanent members of the UN
Security Council, all of them tried to impose Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 on the rest of the
world. NPT allowed horizontal but not vertical proliferation of nuclear weapons.

India refused to sign the NPT for the following reasons:

i. India emphasised that it is an unequal and discriminatory treaty.

While it imposes stringent restrictions and curbs on non-nuclear weapon states, it leaves the nuclear
weapon powers free from any legal or time bound obligation to stop proliferation and to take steps to
reduce their nuclear arsenals.

ii. It also denies the right to peaceful nuclear explosion by non-nuclear weapon states.
iii. India has opposed the international treaties aimed at non-proliferation, since they were selectively
applicable to the non-nuclear powers and legitimised the monopoly of the 5 nuclear weapon powers.
Thus India opposed the indefinite extension of NPT in 1995, and also refused to sign the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty.

E. India's policy of no first use can be changed in consonance with India's security
India's nuclear doctrine of credible minimum nuclear deterrence professes no first use and reiterates
India’s commitment to global, verifiable and non- discriminatory nuclear disarmament leading to a nuclear
weapons free world.
India's nuclear policy has always been peace-oriented, whose clear impression is reflected in the policy of
No First Use. But in view of contemporary regional security challenges, the present government led by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that the policy of no first use can be reviewed and
changed in consonance with India's regional and national security.

Q42. With the help of examples from Indian politics, prove that India's foreign policy has been
affected by shifting alliances in world politics?

A. Background and basic principles.

Free India's foreign policy reflected different national and international concerns in the period immediately
after the independence. These included reconstruction after the Second World War, attempts at
establishing the UN, partition and poverty alleviation.
Developing countries focussed more on peace and development in their own neighbourhood. India aimed
to promote international peace and security, and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who was then the
Foreign Minister played a crucial role in setting the national agenda.

B. Adoption of non-alignment in the context of the cold war.

In the context of the cold war, India chose non-alignment as a third alternative to join either of the military
alliances ie. US led North Atlantic treaty organization (NATO) and the Soviet led Warsaw Pact that came
into existence. India advocated non-alignment as the ideal foreign policy approach to reduce cold war
tensions and promote world peace.
The non-aligned movement was founded in this context and an alternative specially for the developing
countries by India, Indonesia, Ghana, Egypt and Yugoslavia.

C. Pro- Soviet tilts from 1960s to 1970s.

In the background of the India Pakistan war of 1971, Indian foreign policy acquired a pro Soviet tilt.
1. In order to counter the Pakistan-China-US axis, India signed 20 year treaty of peace and friendship
with Soviet Union in August 1971. This treaty assured India of Soviet support if the country faced any
attack.
2. The Tashkent agreement signed by Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani
President General Ayub Khan in January 1966 after the Indo-Pak war of 1965 was also brokered by the
Soviet Union.

D. Genuine non-alignment.
The Janata party government that came to power in 1977 announced that it would follow genuine
non-alignment. This implied that the pro soviet tilt in the foreign policy would be corrected. Since then all
governments, congress or non-congress have taken initiatives for restoring relations with China and
entering into close ties with the US.

E. Indo-US relations changed after 1990.

In the period after 1990, Russia though it continues to be an important friend of India has lost its global
prevalence. Therefore, India's foreign policy has shifted to a more pro US strategy.
Besides, the contemporary international situation is more influenced by economic interest rather than by
military interest. Adoption of policies of globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation have brought India
and the US closer. In the post 1990 period, the ruling parties have often been criticised for their pro US
foreign policy.
A civil nuclear deal was signed by India and US for cooperation on nuclear facilities in India.

F. New developments in Indo-Pak relations.

After the wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, Indo-Pak relations have witnessed many new
developments. While Kashmir continues to be a major issue between the two countries, there have been
many efforts to restore normal relations. This means that cultural exchanges, movement of citizens and
economic cooperation would be encouraged by both countries. Trains like Samjhauta express and Lahore
bus service operate between India and Pakistan now. But this could not avoid the near war situation from
emerging in 1999 during the Kargil crisis. Even after this setback to the peace process, efforts at
negotiating durable peace have been going on.

Q43. Why did Nehru regard the conduct of foreign relations as an essential indicator of
independence? State any two reasons with examples to support your answer.

Nehru regarded conduct of foreign relations as an essential indicator of independence because:

1. It was the indicator of whether the country's policy was independent or dictated by a power block.
2. The foreign policy of a country aimed at economic development and securing national security
interests.
Example: After the Second World War, NATO led by the US and Warsaw Pact led by USSR came into
existence. The clauses of the alliances were binding on its member hence they couldn’t pursue an
independent foreign policy. Nehru criticised newly independent countries joining these power blocks and
military alliances
Since India remained Non- Aligned, it could take an Independent stand on world issues. Eg, in 1956 when
Britain attacked Egypt over the Suez Canal issue, India led the world protest against this neo-colonial
invasion. But in the same year when the USSR invaded Hungary, India did not join its public
condemnation. By and large India took an independent stand on global issues as well as received aid and
assistance from members of both the blocks.
Pt. Nehru felt that
a. The challenge of most of the newly independent countries that were also least developed countries
was to be more developed economically and to lift their people out of poverty.
b. Economic development was also vital for the independence of the new countries, for without sustained
development a country could not be truly free.
This resulted in the formation of NAM and increased Afro-Asian unity.

Q44. Identify any 2 aspects of India's foreign policy that you would like to retain, and 2 that you
would like to change if you were to become a decision maker. Give reasons to support your
position.

A) Aspects to be retained.
1. India's nuclear policy- Use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Pt. Nehru had always put his faith in science and technology for rapidly building a modern India. A
significant component of his industrialisation plans was the nuclear program initiated in the late 1940s
under the guidance of Homi J Bhabha. India wanted to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
Nehru was against nuclear weapons, so he pleaded with the superpowers for comprehensive nuclear
disarmament. When India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, it was termed as a "peaceful explosion".
India argued that it was committed to the policy of using nuclear power only for peaceful purposes
India has refused to sign international treaties aimed at nuclear non-proliferation, since they were
selectively applicable to the non-nuclear states and also legitimised the monopoly of the 5 nuclear
weapon states. Thus India has refused to sign the NPT and CTBT respectively.
2. The core features to India's foreign policy and resolution of International disputes by
negotiation and peaceful ways as wars are destructive and harmful.
The core features to India's foreign policy must be retained.
India's foreign policy is based on Article 51 of the Directive Principles for State Policy of the Indian
Constitution.
That is promotion of international peace and security.
“The state shall endeavour to
a) Promote international peace and security.
b) Maintain just and honourable relations between nations.
c) Foster respect for international law and treaty obligation in dealing of organised people with one
another.
d) Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.”

B. Aspects to be changed.
1. Redefining the role of NAM in a unipolar world.
As a founding member of NAM, India must take a responsibility to lay down new goals for NAM. It
requires reforms in non-alignment policies, direction of resources for the development of developing
countries, bridging the gap between the north and the south, reform in trade policy and increased
technological transfers.
2. Strengthening SAARC by promoting cooperation through multilateral means. Peace and cooperation
might evolve in south Asia if all the countries in the region allow free trade across the border thereby
making it a viable trading region and fostering cultural exchanges by removing Visa restrictions between
the SAARC countries.
c. To focus on the relations with ASEAN by strongly pursuing the Look East Policy. The current
economic strength of ASEAN, specially its economic relevance as a trading and investment partner to the
growing Asian economies such as India and China, makes this an attractive proposition.

Q45. Suppose you are looking after the foreign policy of India. Which four values would you like to
integrate into the foreign policy?
A. I wish to integrate the following values into the foreign policy:
a. Promote international peace and security- Peaceful and friendly relations with our neighbors in
order to have peace in the sub –continent as well as across the globe.
b. Comprehensive nuclear disarmament without any discrimination. The reason is that nuclear war
may destroy human civilization on earth. It will be very much destructive. There will be no winner or loser
because the losing country will also be in a position to inflict a lot of harm on the winning country. So there
should be nuclear disarmament for all without any discrimination.
c. Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration - Support for resolution of
international disputes by negotiations and peaceful methods to prevent wars.
d. To follow the policy of equality and mutual benefit in trade and commerce in order to encourage good
relations between the countries.

Q46. India's foreign policy was built around peace and cooperation, but India fought 3 wars in the
years between 1962 and 1972. Would you say that it was the result of the failure of the foreign
policy, or would you say that this was the result of the international situation, give reasons to
support your answer?

The 3 wars fought by India were the result of international situation at that time and not a failure of India’s
foreign policy.
1. In all 3 wars, India was never the aggressor.
2. Any military activity on India's part was in the interest of national security, territorial integrity and
sovereignty.
Example:
1. Indo-China war 1962.
This war was the result of the following factors:
a. India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama which was strongly opposed by the Chinese government.
b. China claimed two areas within the Indian Territory- the Aksai-Chin area in Ladakh and NEFA
(Arunachal Pradesh). While the world’s attention was on the Cuban missile crisis, China launched a swift
and massive invasion in October 1962 on both the disputed regions.

2. Indo-Pak war 1965.

1. In April 1965, Pakistan launched an armed attack in the Rann of Kutch area followed by a bigger
offensive in Jammu and Kashmir in August-September.
2. A counter offensive was launched on the Punjab border to ease the pressure on the Kashmir front.
Pakistani rulers were hoping to get support from the local population there, but that did not happen.
In a fierce battle, the Indian army defeated Pakistan.

C. Bangladesh war 1971.

1. In early 1971, the Pakistani army unleashed a reign of terror on the people of East Pakistan. As a result
of which India had to bear the burden of 8,000,000 refugees in India.
2. India extended moral and material support to the democratic freedom struggle in Bangladesh.
3. Pakistani aircrafts attacked Punjab and Rajasthan in December 1971, while the army moved on to the
Jammu and Kashmir front. India retaliated to protect its borders. Thus the 1971 war was a result of an
internal conflict of Pakistan and not a failure of India’s foreign policy.

Thus the 3 wars in a space of 10 years were a result of the international situation. India abided by the
ceasefire agreement and worked towards maintenance of peace.

Q47. Does India's foreign policy reflect its desire to be an important regional power? Argue your
case with the example of 1971 Bangladesh war.

No, India's foreign policy doesn't reflect a desire to be an important regional power. India has always
abided by the principles of Panchsheel. India’s involvement in the war was due to the following reasons:

A. Split verdict of 1970.

Beginning in 1970, Pakistan faced its biggest internal crisis. The country's general elections produced a
split verdict. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's party emerged a winner in West Pakistan, while the Awami league led by
Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman swept through East Pakistan.

B. Bengalis treated as second class citizens.

The Bengali population of East Pakistan had voted to protest against years of being treated as second
class citizens by the rulers based in West Pakistan.

C. Result of elections not accepted.

The Pakistani rulers were not willing to accept the democratic verdict. Nor were they ready to accept the
Awami league's demand for a federation.

D. Unleashing a reign of terror.

Instead in early 1971, the Pakistani army arrested Sheikh Mujib and unleashed a reign of terror on the
people of East Pakistan. In response to this, the people started a struggle to liberate Bangladesh from
Pakistan.

E. Refugees fled to India.

Throughout 1971, India had to bear the burden of about 8,000,000 refugees who fled East Pakistan and
took shelter in the neighbouring areas in India.

F. India extended moral and material support.

India extended moral and material support to the freedom struggle in Bangladesh. Pakistan accused India
of a conspiracy to break it up.
Support for Pakistan in 1971 came from the US and China. In order to counter the Pakistan-China-US
axis, India signed a 20 year treaty of peace and friendship with Soviet Union in 1971. After months of
diplomatic tension and military build up, a full scale war between India and Pakistan broke out in
December 1971.

Thus India does not reflect a desire to be an important regional power.

India's role in 1971 war was for:
a. Restoration of democracy in the neighbourhood.
b. India was worried about the influx of refugees into areas neighbouring Bangladesh. There were about
8,000,000 refugees who took shelter in Indian states neighbouring Bangladesh.
c. India's own security was at risk due to the crisis between East and West Pakistan. Therefore it could
not afford to remain neutral.

Q48. Read the passage and answer the questions given below:
"Broadly, non-alignment means not tying yourself off with military blocks.... It means trying to
view things as far as possible, not from the military point of view, though that has to come in
sometimes, but independently, and trying to maintain friendly relations with all countries."
- Jawaharlal Nehru

a. Why did Nehru want to keep off military blocks?

Nehru wants to keep off the military blocks to have an independent stand on world affairs and to maintain
friendly relations with all nations. It was also necessary to get aid and assistance from members of both
the blocs.
1. Non-alignment would allow India to take international decisions and stances that served its interest
rather than the interest of the superpowers and their allies.
2. India would be able to balance one superpower against the other. If India felt ignored or unduly
pressurised by one superpower, it would tilt towards the other. Neither alliance could take India for
granted or bully it.
3. Non-alignment offers a third alternative where newly independent countries which are basically the
LDCs can focus on their economic development and lifting the huge mass of their population out of
poverty.

b. Do you think that the Indo-Soviet treaty violated the principle of non-alignment? Give reasons
for your answer.

No, the Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty did not violate the principles of non-alignment.
1. India needed diplomatic and possibly military support during the 1971 India-Pakistan war over the
Bangladesh crisis. Support for Pakistan in 1971 came from the US and China. Henry Kissinger, advisor to
the US President Richard Nixon made a secret visit to China via Pakistan in July 1971. In order to counter
the Pakistan-China-US axis, India signed a 20 year treaty of peace and friendship with Soviet Union in
1971. This treaty assured India of Soviet support if the country faced any attack.
2. In any case, the treaty did not stop India from having good relations with other countries including the
US.

c. If there were no military blocks, do you think non-alignment would have been unnecessary?
No, non-alignment would not be unnecessary even if no military blocks had existed.
NAM was established not only to provide an alternative to the military blocks (NATO and Warsaw pact),
but for some core values, enduring ideas and certain broader objectives such as
1. Decolonisation:
NAM was based on recognition that decolonised states share a historical affiliation and can be a powerful
force if they come together. It means these newly independent countries need not follow the big powers
and can pursue an independent foreign policy.
2. Opposing racial discrimination:
The NAM countries formed a united front to oppose racial discrimination during the years of the cold war.
3. Economic development:
Economic development was vital for independence of the new countries. Without sustained development
a country could not be truly free. NAM provided a platform for developing and newly independent
countries most of which were LDCs to assert their views and opinions in the international scene and lift
the population out of poverty.

4. To democratise the international system:

It is based on a resolve to democratise the international system by an alternative world order to redress
the existing inequalities.

Q49. Which factors influence the foreign policy of a nation?

The foreign policy of a nation reflects the interplay of domestic and external factors. The developing
countries maintain friendly relations with big and powerful countries so that they can get aid and
assistance from developed nations. They are also dependent on powerful nations for their security needs
as was evident during the cold war period when various military alliances such as NATO and WARSAW
Pact came into existence.

Q50. Briefly describe India’s relations with Pakistan.

Indo- Pak relations have witnessed periods of cooperation as well as bitter conflicts.
1. Immediately after partition in 1947, Pakistani tribals invaded Kashmir trying to forcibly occupy it.
This led to a proxy war between the two.
2. The Kashmir conflict and the partition did not prevent cooperation between the governments of
India and Pakistan. Both the governments worked together to restore the women abducted during
partition to their original families. A long term dispute about the sharing of river waters was
resolved through mediation by the World Bank. The India- Pakistan Indus water treaty was signed
by PM Nehru and General Ayub Khan in 1960 which has survived to this day in spite of various
 military conflicts.
3. In April 1965, Pakistan launched an armed attack in the Rann of Kutch area of Gujarat. This was
followed by a bigger offence in Jammu and Kashmir in august-September. The hostilities of the
Indo-Pak war of 1965 came to an end with the UN intervention. Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur
Shastri and Pakistani President General Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent agreement brokered by
the Soviet Union in 1966.
4. Another war broke out between India and Pakistan during the Bangladesh crisis in 1971. India
extended moral and material support to the freedom struggle in Bangladesh. Pakistan accused
India of a conspiracy to break it up. After months of diplomatic tension and military build up, a full
scale war between India and Pakistan broke out in December 1971.India won the war leading to
the creation of Bangladesh as a free nation.
5. In the early part of 1999, several points of the Indian side of the LOC in the Mashkoh, Dras,
Kaksar and Batalik areas were occupied by forces claiming to be mujahideens. Suspecting
involvement of the Pakistan army, Indian forces started reacting to this occupation. This led to a
confrontation between the two countries. This is known as the Kargil conflict and went on in May
and June 1999. By 26 July 1999, India had recovered control of many of the lost points.
6. Kashmir still remains a bone of contention between the two countries however efforts have been
made towards normalisation of relations. The two countries have agreed to undertake confidence
building measures to reduce the risk of war. Social activists and prominent personalities have
collaborated to create an atmosphere of friendship among the people of both countries. Leaders
have met at summits to understand each other better and to find solutions to the major problems
between the two neighbours. A number of bus routes have been opened up between the two
countries. Trade between the two parts of Punjab has increased substantially in the last five
years. Visas have been more easily given. Medical Tourism to India has been encouraged.

Q51. Read the following passage carefully and answer the following questions:

When India conducted its first nuclear test, it was termed as a peaceful explosion. India argued
that it was committed to the policy of using nuclear power only for peaceful purposes. The period
when the nuclear test was conducted was a difficult period in domestic politics. Following the
Arab-Israel war of 1973, the entire world was affected by the Oil Shock due to the massive hike in
the oil prices by the Arab nations. It led to economic turmoil in India resulting in high inflation.

i. When did India conduct its first nuclear test and why?
ii. Why was the period, when the nuclear test was conducted in India, considered to be a
difficult period in domestic politics?
iii. Which international event of the 1970s was responsible for high inflation in India?

Ans. i. India conducted its first nuclear test in May 1974.India wanted to use nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes.

ii. Prices were rising due to Arab-Israel war. There was a massive hike in the oil prices by the Arab
nations. It led to economic turmoil in India resulting in high inflation.

iii. The Arab-Israel war of 1973

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY CBSE- 2020- 2021

Unit-3: India’s Foreign Policy

Sub-Unit: ‘India-Israel Relations’
Nearly 45 years after independence, due to various reasons, India's foreign policy in the Middle East
region, now called West Asian region, and India's relations with West Asian countries were mainly
concentrated with Islamic countries. During this period India's attitude towards Israel, the only non-Islamic
nation in the region, remained unexplored notwithstanding the two nations gaining independence from the
British colonial rule in 1947 and 1948 respectively.
Though historical and cultural ties between India and Israel have gone back from times immemorial,
diplomatic relations formally developed between the two after the opening of Israeli embassy in India in
1992.
But even after the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the relations between the two countries
started gaining firmness only after the formation of the BJP-led NDA Governments in 1996 and 1998
onwards. Relations between the two democratic nations further intensified with the visits of the Two
Heads of Government: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in 2017 and Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu to India in 2018. The two nations have started cooperation in various fields like cultural
exchange, security and defense, counterterrorism, space research, water and energy and agricultural
development.

Sub-Unit: ‘India’s Nuclear Program’ (Updates)

India's nuclear policy has always been peace-oriented, whose clear impression is reflected in the policy of
No First Use. But in view of contemporary regional security challenges, the present government led by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that the policy of no first use can be reviewed and
changed in consonance with India's regional and national security. In addition, India is committed to
ensuring its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and opposing partisan and unjust nuclear
treaties like CTBT and NPT.

2018- 2019

Suggest any two measures to improve relations between India and Pakistan. 2
OR

How did the Sino- Indian conflict of 1962 affect the Communist Party of India? 2

Analyse the Nuclear Policy of India. 4

OR

Analyse any two causes of conflict between India and China. 4

Explain any three major events that affected the relations between India and China. (3x2=6)

Whom did the two factions of the Communist Party support, after its split in 1964 and why? 4