Introduction

India’s foreign policy has evolved in close connection with its historical, cultural, political, and economic environment. From independence in 1947 to 2025, India has steadily strengthened its position on the global stage. This article explains India’s foreign policy through different phases, governments, global events, and strategic objectives.

1. Early Post-Independence Phase (1947–1964): The Nehru Era

Main Features:

• Establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement
• Announcement of the Panchsheel Principles
• Opposition to colonialism and racial discrimination

Major Events:

• 1947: India’s independence
• 1949: Beginning of the India-China border dispute
• 1954: Panchsheel agreement (India–China joint statement)
• 1955: Bandung Conference (foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement)

Nature of the Foreign Policy:

Under Jawaharlal Nehru, India adopted Non-Alignment, aiming to avoid direct alignment with either bloc of the Cold War (USA or USSR). India projected itself as the voice of developing nations.

2. Era of Wars and Shifting Equations (1964–1980)

Major Events:

• 1962: India-China war
• 1965: India-Pakistan war
• 1971: Bangladesh Liberation War
• 1974: Pokhran nuclear test

Foreign Policy Direction:

• India’s foreign policy became more realistic.
• Signed a “Peace and Friendship Treaty” with the Soviet Union in 1971.
• Relations with the US became tense, particularly after the Bangladesh war and nuclear tests.

3. From Rajiv Gandhi to Economic Liberalization (1980–1991)

Major Events:

• India’s Peacekeeping Force intervention in Sri Lanka (1987)
• Diplomatic complexities in the Tamil issue
• Opposition to Soviet intervention in Afghanistan

Changes in Foreign Policy:

• Focus on cooperation in science and technology
• Efforts to improve relations with the US and Europe
• A new beginning in India-China relations

4. New Economic Policy and a Multipolar World (1991–1999)

Major Events:

• 1991: Economic liberalization
• 1998: Second Pokhran nuclear tests
• 1999: Kargil War

Foreign Policy Strategy:

• Diplomacy aligned with globalization
• Strengthening SAARC
• Gradual improvement in India–US relations
• Maintaining dialogue with China

5. Foreign Policy of an Emerging India (1999–2014)

Main Leaders:

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee
• Dr. Manmohan Singh

Major Initiatives:

• Expansion of the “Look East Policy”
• India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2005–2008)
• Expansion of relations with Africa and Latin America

Significant Achievements:

• Recognition of India as an emerging global power
• G20 membership
• Formation of BRICS

6. Modi Era and Assertive Foreign Policy (2014–2025)

Main Features:

• Launch of “Act East Policy”
• “Neighborhood First” policy
• Promotion of the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
• Strengthened ties with the Indian diaspora
• Mobilizing global support against terrorism

Major Events:

• 2016: Surgical Strike
• 2019: Balakot Air Strike
• 2020: India-China Galwan Valley clash
• 2023: G20 Presidency

Diplomatic Efforts:

• QUAD (India, USA, Japan, Australia)
• I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA)
• Active participation in SCO

7. India in a Changing Global Landscape (2020–2025)

Diplomacy during COVID-19:

• “Vaccine Maitri” initiative
• Medical supplies and humanitarian assistance

Digital Diplomacy:

• Use of social media and virtual summits
• Increased presence at global platforms

India’s Strategic Priorities:

1. Energy security
2. Counter-terrorism
3. Maritime security
4. Cybersecurity
5. Leadership on climate change

8. India’s Major Bilateral Policies (1947–2025)

India–US Relations:

• 1947–1990: Tense
• Improvement after 2000
• Deep cooperation in defence, trade and technology

India–China Relations:

• 1950–1962: Friendship
• Post-1962: Conflict
• Tensions after the Galwan Valley clash

India–Pakistan Relations:

• Wars in 1947, 1965, 1971, 1999
• Terrorism remains the biggest challenge
• Limited dialogue

India–Russia (Former USSR):

• 1950–1990: Key ally
• Post-2000: Diversified relations
• Cooperation in defence, space and energy

9. India’s Role in Multilateral Forums

United Nations (UN):

• Demand for permanent membership in UNSC
• Participation in peacekeeping forces

BRICS, SCO, QUAD:

• Creating a new global balance

G20 and WTO:

• Leadership in favour of developing nations

10. Challenges and Opportunities

Main Challenges:

• Border disputes (China, Pakistan)
• Terrorism
• Balancing between global major powers
• Domestic political pressures

Main Opportunities:

• Young population
• Soft power (Yoga, culture, Bollywood)
• Technological and digital diplomacy
• Space and defence cooperation

11. Future Outlook (Beyond 2025)

India’s foreign policy aims at global peace, sustainable development, and multilateral leadership. In the coming years, India will:

• Continue efforts to secure a permanent seat at the UN Security Council
• Play a key role in the Indo-Pacific region
• Expand technological diplomacy under “Atmanirbhar Bharat”

Conclusion

From 1947 to 2025, India’s foreign policy has travelled a long way — from a newly independent nation emerging from colonial rule to a rising global power. Rooted in the principle of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” India’s diplomatic journey is poised to grow even stronger in the decades ahead.