Question

Who among the following set the tone and tenor of India’s foreign policy?
A.Jawaharlal Nehru
B.Indira Gandhi
C.Rajiv Gandhi
D.Lal Bahadur Shastri

Answer 1

Hint: The founder of the Indian foreign policy was an Indian independence activist and also the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Complete Step by Step answer:
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru set the tone and tenor of India’s foreign policy. The foreign policy of India regulates and maintains India’s relationship with other countries in the international arena by promoting its national interests. Major objectives of Nehru’s foreign policy:
1. The first aim was not to join any of the military blocs formed by the United States of America and the Soviet Union.
2. To promote rapid economic development, maintain cordial relations with other nations.
3. To protect the territorial integrity of the country.
4. To preserve India’s sovereignty and also respecting others' sovereignty.

India’s foreign policy is basically based on the principles of Panchsheel. Panchsheel is a Sanskrit word derived from two words; ‘Panch’ means five and ‘Sheel’ means the rule of conduct. India defined these principles as the rule of conduct of peaceful-coexistence which are as follows:
- Non-intervention in each other’s internal affairs.
- Mutual respect for each other’s territorial sovereignty and integrity, it laid importance on the provisions of recognising each other’s territory and sovereignty to limit the territorial dispute and tensions between the two nations.
- Mutual non-aggression highlighted the need for ‘Detente’.
- Mutual benefits and equality, this principle laid emphasis on the acceptance of equality and aimed towards the objectives which would be mutually beneficial to the countries.
- Peaceful co-existence, it stressed upon the survival and sustenance of both the nations for peace so that the maximum and integrated development could be achieved.

Thus, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Foreign policy of a country is dictated by national interest. But, to some extent, the change in the political leadership of a nation affects its foreign policy as well.