Political Science Notes Chapter 2 India’s Foreign Policy Class 9 महाराष्ट्र Board

Notes For All Chapters – Political Science Class 9
What is Foreign Policy?

Meaning: Foreign policy is a country’s plan for dealing with other nations.

Why It Matters: No country can survive alone; all depend on each other. Foreign policy decides who to be friends with, join groups, or stay neutral.

Importance: It helps a country stay safe, grow strong, and benefit from global ties.

Fun Fact: To understand a country, look at its Constitution and foreign policy!

National Interest

What It Is: National interest means keeping a country free, safe, and growing.

Key Parts:

1. Defence: Protecting freedom, borders, and unity is the top goal.
2. Economic Development: A strong economy keeps a country independent.

Link to Foreign Policy: National interest is the goal; foreign policy is the way to reach it.

Changes: Goals change with time, so foreign policy is always updating.

Factors Affecting Foreign Policy

Geographical Location:

• Where a country is matters-its size, neighbors, coastline, and resources.
• Example: India looks at Pakistan and China because they’re close.

Political System:

• In a democracy like India, Parliament discusses and shapes foreign policy.
• States like Tamil Nadu (near Sri Lanka) or West Bengal (near Bangladesh) also influence it.
• Why? Peace in neighboring countries keeps India peaceful too.

Economy:

• A strong economy means less dependence and a free foreign policy.
• It helps build trade and economic security, as important as defence.
• Question: Should we focus on making people rich instead of reducing poverty? Why or why not?

Political Leadership:

• Leaders like the Prime Minister and ministers guide foreign policy.
• Examples: Nehru gave non-alignment; Vajpayee improved ties with China.

Administrative Factors:

• The Ministry of External Affairs, embassies, and officers help make decisions.
• They collect info and give advice to leaders.

India’s Foreign Policy

Start: India began shaping its foreign policy after independence in 1947.

Guide: Article 51 of the Constitution says:

• Promote peace and security worldwide.
• Keep fair relations with all nations.
• Respect international laws and treaties.
• Solve disputes peacefully (arbitration).

Goals:

• Friendly ties with neighbors without risking India’s safety.
• Protect India’s unity and borders.
• Look after Indians living abroad (via embassies).
• Build trade for economic growth.

Review of India’s Foreign Policy

First Stage: 1947-1990

Leader: Pandit Nehru shaped it with peace and non-alignment.

Focus:

• Stayed neutral in the Cold War, got help from both superpowers.
• Worked with Asia and Africa for development and freedom.
• Strengthened defence with help from Soviet Russia, France, and Germany.

Challenges:

• Wars with Pakistan (1947-48, 1965, 1971-Bangladesh created).
• Conflict with China.

Changes:

• 1970s: India became a strong South Asian power; nuclear test in 1974.
• 1980s: Started SAARC, talks with China, and security ties with America.

Second Stage: 1991-Today

Changes: Focus shifted to economy, trade, education, and technology.

Key Points:

• Adopted free market policy after 1991; trade grew with neighbors.
• Stronger ties with Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Japan, China, and the EU.
• Joined groups like G-20 and BRICS.
• Relations with America improved; India’s global status rose.

Nuclear Policy

• Start: After 1947, India began a nuclear program for electricity.
• Leader: Dr. Homi Bhabha, first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
• Tests: 1974 (Pokharan) and 1998; built nuclear weapons and missiles.
• Stand: India supports disarmament but keeps weapons responsibly.
• Why No Treaties?: NNPT and CTBT favor big powers, so India didn’t sign.

Key Ideas

• Non-Alignment: Not picking sides in the Cold War, focusing on peace.
• Self-Reliance: Depending on ourselves as much as possible.
• Peace: Solving problems without war is India’s goal.