A Review Of India’s Foreign Policy By V.P. Dutt

Indias Foreign Policy Since Independence: A Book Review

Indias foreign policy since independence is a complex and fascinating topic that has been explored by many scholars and experts. One of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on this subject is Indias Foreign Policy by V.P. Dutt, a former diplomat and professor of international relations. This book, first published in 1984, covers Indias foreign relations from 1947 to 1984, with an emphasis on the political, economic, and strategic aspects of Indias interactions with the world.

A Review of India’s Foreign Policy by V.P. Dutt

In this article, we will review the main themes and arguments of Dutts book, as well as its relevance and significance for understanding Indias foreign policy today.

The Parameters of Indias Foreign Policy

Dutt begins his book by outlining the parameters of Indias foreign policy, which he defines as the objectives that India seeks to achieve through its relations with other countries and the means that it employs to attain them. He identifies four main parameters: national security, national development, national unity, and world peace. He argues that these parameters are interrelated and interdependent, and that Indias foreign policy has to balance them in a dynamic and changing international environment.

Dutt also discusses the factors that influence Indias foreign policy, such as geography, history, culture, ideology, domestic politics, public opinion, and external pressures. He notes that Indias foreign policy is not static or monolithic, but rather reflects the diversity and complexity of Indias society and polity. He acknowledges that Indias foreign policy has faced many challenges and dilemmas over the years, such as the partition of the subcontinent, the Kashmir dispute, the Sino-Indian border conflict, the Indo-Pakistan wars, the nuclear issue, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Cold War, and the emergence of new regional and global actors.

The Setting and Indias Trilateral Relationship

The second chapter of Dutts book focuses on the setting and context of Indias foreign policy since independence. He analyzes the global and regional developments that have shaped Indias foreign relations, such as decolonization, nationalism, bipolarity, multipolarity, détente, globalization, regionalism, and terrorism. He also examines Indias trilateral relationship with China and Pakistan, which he considers to be the most important and complex aspect of Indias foreign policy. He traces the historical roots of this relationship, as well as its evolution and transformation over time. He highlights the sources of conflict and cooperation between India and its two neighbors, as well as the role of external powers such as the United States and the Soviet Union in influencing this relationship.

India and the United States

The third chapter of Dutts book deals with Indias relationship with the United States, which he describes as the most powerful country in the world. He explores the origins and development of this relationship from 1947 to 1984, covering various issues such as democracy, human rights, trade, aid, technology transfer, defense cooperation,

nuclear proliferation,

regional security,

and global governance.

He argues that India and the United States have had a mixed record of cooperation and confrontation over the years,

depending on their respective interests,

perceptions,

and policies.

He notes that while there have been periods of friendship

and alignment,

such as during

the Eisenhower

and Kennedy administrations,

there have also been periods of estrangement

and divergence,

such as during

the Nixon

and Reagan administrations.

He suggests that India and the United States have a potential for greater cooperation

in the future,

provided that they can overcome their mutual mistrust

and misunderstanding.

India and Other Countries

The remaining chapters of Dutts book cover Indias relations with other countries

and regions

of the world,

such as

the Soviet Union,

the European Community,

the Middle East,

Africa,

Latin America,

and Southeast Asia.

He also discusses Indias role

and participation

in various international organizations

and forums,

such as

the United Nations,

the Commonwealth,

the Non-Aligned Movement,

the Group of 77,

and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

He evaluates Indias achievements

and failures

in these relations,

as well as its opportunities

and challenges 04f6b60f66