Question

Which of the following is/are the objective of India’s foreign policy?
A) Protect the unity and integrity of the country
B) Protect the interest of India’s citizens living in another country
C) To establish economic and commercial relations with other countries for achieving the economic development of India.
D) All of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: Foreign policy implies the conduct of a nation with other nations on an international platform. The principles and objectives related to such policies keep changing over time as per the changes in the international economy, politics, geography, culture, history etc. However, it also has certain basic features which do not change such as maintaining peace and harmony, respecting each nation’s independence etc.

Complete answer:
Let us analyze the given options:
Option A) Protect the unity and integrity of the country - This is one of the core principles of India’s foreign policy since it became an independent nation. After witnessing the period of colonialism and the destruction due to the second world war, this became the prime objective of India. It was an integral part of Nehru’s foreign policy as well.

Option B) Protect the interest of India’s citizens living in another country - With around 20 Million non-resident Indians around the world, India aims to attain benefits from the international presence of its diaspora as well as ensure that their interests are strengthened and protected.

Option C) To establish economic and commercial relations with other countries for achieving the economic development of India.- On the lines of maintaining cordial relations it was important for India to establish good economic and commercial relations with other countries so that a stable environment for economic development can be achieved after a period of colonialism. There was an immense need to build the nation and bring it to the international level which was and is possible through established economic and commercial relations with other countries.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: The objectives of foreign policy are always designed in a way such that they cater to the national interest of a country. Therefore, the presence of the Indian diaspora or the non-resident is also important as it helps in 1) promotion of Indian culture 2)allows for maintaining diplomatic relations 3) opens up new lobbies for investment etc.