Question

How national interest and foreign policy are interconnected?
$a)$ Foreign policy is drawn up to foster the national interests of defense and economic development.
$b)$ National interest is considered to be the goal and foreign policy is considered to be a means to achieve.
\[c)\] Both A and B.
$d)$ None of these.

Answer 1

Hint: Foreign policy is about how one nation deals with other nations. Foreign policy varies from state to state. Every nation frames its foreign policy according to the domestic situation and needs. Every nation should align its foreign policy in a way to achieve the twin objectives of global peace and prosperity.

Complete answer:
Usually, foreign policy is used to foster defense ties and economic development of the nation in the following ways:
Defense: Defense ties are strengthened between nations by signing friendship treaties with other nation-states. For instance, India has signed a friendship treaty with Russia, hence Russia provided help to India in the war of \[1971\].
Various military exercises are also held between various countries in order to co-operate and co-ordinate in case of any external aggression or war in the future.
Developed countries also provide military aid to the least developed countries in order to secure them.
Like, there are various instances where the USA has intervened in foreign to combat terrorism and for the safety and security of their own nation.
Developing countries procure advanced military equipment from a developed nation to safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation.
In this way, foreign policy is used as a means to maintain the safety and security of the nation. Economic development: International trade also plays a big role in the economic development of nations. Like in the case of China, exports of manufactured goods globally have led to the growth and development of China. Various trade deals, free trade agreements are signed between nations to take advantage of relative resource endowment.
Good relations with a particular nation also bring foreign direct investment from that nation, which is a big contributor to economic development nowadays.
For instance, good relations between India and Japan have led Japan to invest in bullet train project in India.
Foreign policy also affects migration pattern, like many Indians are working in countries like the UAE, Australia, USA, etc., who bring much needed foreign currency in India. In this way, foreign policy also affects the growth and development of the nation.
So, from the above explanation, it can be concluded that foreign policy can be used as a means to achieve national goals.
So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: As co-operation and co-ordination between various countries are must address some major emerging issues like global warming, terrorism, etc. Hence, foreign policy has gained importance in today’s world.