Political Science Notes Chapter 6 Class 12 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Political Science Class 12

India and the World

Objectives of India’s Foreign Policy

• World Peace – India wants peace and safety in the whole world.
• Sovereignty and Security – Protect India’s independence and borders.
• Development – Grow the economy and create strong international relations.
• Good Relations – Build strong ties with neighbors and important countries.
• International Cooperation – Work together with other countries on global issues.

Principles of India’s Foreign Policy

• Respect for all countries’ sovereignty.
• Non-interference in other countries’ internal matters.
• Peaceful co-existence and solving issues without war.
• Follow international law.
• Join and support international organizations like the UN.

Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)

• India did not join any military alliance during the Cold War.
• It kept equal distance from the USA and USSR.
• Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the founders of NAM.

Factors Influencing India’s Foreign Policy

• Geography – Long coastline, Himalayan borders, and being central in South Asia.
• History – Culture of peace, past relations with neighbors, colonial experience.
• Economy – Desire to develop and reduce poverty; started liberalization in 1991.
• Politics – Leaders and Prime Ministers like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Modi play a big role.
• World Politics – Cold War, superpower rivalry, and now global alliances affect policy.

India’s Relations with Major Countries

USA

• Not friendly during the Cold War.
• Relations improved after 2000.
• Signed Nuclear Deal in 2008.
• Important trade and defense partner.

Russia (Earlier USSR)

• Very close during Cold War.
• Helped in defense and technology.
• After 1990, relations continued with cooperation in weapons, oil, and nuclear energy.

China

• Early friendship turned into conflict (1962 war).
• Border issues continue.
• Strong trade ties, but issues like Tibet, BRI, and China-Pakistan relations create tension.

India and Neighbors

Pakistan

• Conflict since 1947 over Kashmir.
• Wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971.
• Terrorism and cross-border tensions continue.

Bangladesh

• Created in 1971 with India’s help.
• Friendly relations, though some border and water issues.

Nepal

• Cultural and geographical ties.
• Some tensions, but overall cooperation.

Bhutan

• Very close and friendly relations.
• India helps in Bhutan’s development.

Sri Lanka

• Problem over Tamil issue and fishermen.
• India helped with peacekeeping and has friendly ties now.

Myanmar

• Relations improved after 1990s.
• Important for handling insurgents and border security.

India and Other Regions

Africa

• Supported freedom movements and anti-apartheid.
• Focus on oil, trade, and Indian community.

Southeast Asia (Look East / Act East Policy)

• Improved ties with Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan.
• Focus on trade, defense, and regional security.

Indian Ocean Region

• India’s long coastline gives strategic importance.
• Most of India’s trade happens through the ocean.
• Projects like Sagarmala aim to improve ports and shipping.
• Member of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for cooperation.

India as an Emerging Power

• Large population, fast-growing economy.
• Nuclear and space power.
• Important member of G20 and BRICS.
• Active in world politics and diplomacy.