The political leadership of a nation affects its foreign policy. Explain it with the help of examples from Indian Foreign Policy.

OR

In spite of strongly propagating for nuclear disarmament, India herself conducted a nuclear test in 1998. Analyze the possible reasons behind such a development. Also, state any four important features of India’ Nuclear Policy.

Political leadership of a nation reflects its foreign policy. This can be explained with the following examples from India's foreign policy:

a) India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru played an extremely important role in setting the national agenda. He was a major influence in the formulation and implementation of India's foreign policy from 1946 to 1964.

b) The objectives of his foreign policy were three fold- sovereignty, protection of territorial integrity and the promotion of economic development.

c) He wished to achieve these through the policy of nonalignment. This was frowned upon by a few leaders who favoured a pro-US foreign policy.

d) His influence was considerable and he kept a distance from both the superpowers

e) Many prominent leaders have supported him in this policy. Lal Bahadur Shastri gave him immense support during this. He gave the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan during the 1965 war with Pakistan and the issue of food shortage in India.

f) Indira Gandhi brought a Revolutionary change in India's foreign policy. She signed a Treaty of friendship in 1971 wit the Soviet Union. This decision was heavily criticized by many. However, this was done in the backdrop of the crisis in East Pakistan. But in reality, this did not affect its good relations with the US or any other country. However, India remained non aligned throughout the cold war.

g) In 1977 Janta Party came in the power. It announced that it would also follow a genuine form of non-alignment. It entered into a decision to make a better relationship with China and US.

h) In 1990, Russia lost its global importance. India's foreign policy then shifted toward a pro-US strategy.

i) Sincere attempts were also made to restore relations with Pakistan. Successful development also took place in this regard.

j) Currently, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India has formed successful ties with many countries. It is also trying to form a balance between the US and Russia.

Political leadership greatly influences the foreign policy of a country. It can either build a strong patriotic country or it can build a weak and divided country. It can also build a strong collision buy fostering common interests or build a powerful military and can even strengthen its technological abilities.

OR

In May 1996, India had conducted a series of nuclear tests. It showed its ability to use nuclear energy for military purposes. The two main causes for doing so were:

a) India has two hostile neighbours. China and Pakistan. China was already on the nuclear state since 1962. India also shares a border with China. Since 1962, China has undertaken certain steps which are against India's national interest. It has become a major threat to India's territorial security.

b) China and Pakistan have close friendship ties. Pakistan has been seeking China for help in becoming a nuclear state. Pakistan's hostility against India is also a concern. This is also perceived as a major territorial threat for India.

c) India has declared a 'No first use' policy. This policy implies that India would never initiate nuclear war against any country. If India is attacked by any nuclear weapons of any country, it will retaliate.

d) India is also ready to disarm or give up its nuclear weapons if all the other nuclear states are ready to do the same.

e) India will develop only the minimum number of required nuclear weapons. These nuclear weapons and nucleus energy will be used for peaceful purposes only.

f) India has opposed Nuclear Testing and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (NPT and CTBT). They are considered to be discriminatory, unjust and harmful in nature.