All questions of Foreign Policy for UPSC CSE Exam

In which phase of Indian foreign policy did India conduct the Peaceful nuclear explosion test in 1974 (Pokhran I)?

c) The third phase (1971-91)

Explanation:

India conducted the Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) test, also known as Pokhran I, in 1974 during the third phase of its foreign policy (1971-91). This phase was marked by significant shifts in India's foreign relations and strategic priorities.

1. Shift towards Nuclear Weapons Development:
During the third phase of Indian foreign policy, India made a crucial decision to develop nuclear weapons. The PNE test conducted in Pokhran in 1974 was a milestone in this direction. It demonstrated India's capability to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and marked the beginning of its nuclear program.

2. Context of the Test:
The PNE test was conducted in response to the growing nuclear capabilities of other countries, particularly China's nuclear weapons program. It was a strategic move to maintain a balance of power in the region and ensure India's security. The test was conducted underground to minimize the environmental impact and avoid international criticism.

3. International Response:
The PNE test led to international condemnation and India faced diplomatic repercussions. The test was seen by some countries as a violation of the spirit of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), even though India argued that it was conducted for peaceful purposes. As a result, India faced sanctions and restrictions on nuclear and defense-related technology from several countries.

4. Impact on Foreign Policy:
The PNE test had a significant impact on India's foreign policy during this phase. It led to a more assertive and self-reliant approach in the country's strategic calculations. India pursued a policy of strategic autonomy, maintaining friendly relations with both the Soviet Union and the Western bloc, while asserting its independence in decision-making.

5. Evolution of Nuclear Policy:
The PNE test laid the foundation for India's subsequent nuclear weapons program. It set the stage for the development of nuclear weapons and the eventual nuclear tests conducted in 1998 (Pokhran II). India's nuclear policy evolved further in subsequent phases of its foreign policy.

In conclusion, the Peaceful Nuclear Explosion test conducted in 1974 (Pokhran I) took place during the third phase (1971-91) of India's foreign policy. This phase witnessed the development of India's nuclear program and its assertive stance in strategic calculations.

Explanation:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization founded in Shanghai, China, on 15 June 2001. It is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance comprising eight countries: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Statement 1: It is an intergovernmental organization to promote cooperation in trade, politics, and culture.
This statement is correct. The SCO was formed to promote cooperation among member countries in various fields such as trade, politics, and culture. The SCO has been working towards promoting regional security, stability, and economic development through cooperation among member nations.

Statement 2: The Anti-Terrorist structure of SCO is located in Beijing.
This statement is incorrect. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO is located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, not in Beijing, China. RATS is responsible for coordinating and implementing the SCO's counter-terrorism policies and strategies.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A, i.e., statement 1 only.

India's Hosting of Commonwealth Summit

In 2018, India hosted the 24th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in New Delhi. The theme of the summit was "Towards a Common Future".

About Commonwealth Summits

The Commonwealth Summit is a biennial meeting of the heads of government from all Commonwealth nations. The summit provides an opportunity for leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern and to make decisions on common goals and initiatives. The first Commonwealth Summit was held in 1971 in Singapore.

Previous Commonwealth Summits

Since the first summit in 1971, there have been a total of 25 Commonwealth Summits. The most recent summit, the 26th, was held in Kigali, Rwanda in 2021. The previous summits were:

- 1971: Singapore
- 1973: Ottawa, Canada
- 1975: Kingston, Jamaica
- 1977: London, UK
- 1979: Lusaka, Zambia
- 1981: Melbourne, Australia
- 1983: New Delhi, India
- 1985: Nassau, Bahamas
- 1987: Vancouver, Canada
- 1989: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 1991: Harare, Zimbabwe
- 1993: Limassol, Cyprus
- 1995: Auckland, New Zealand
- 1997: Edinburgh, UK
- 1999: Durban, South Africa
- 2002: Coolum, Australia
- 2003: Abuja, Nigeria
- 2005: Valletta, Malta
- 2007: Kampala, Uganda
- 2009: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- 2011: Perth, Australia
- 2013: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- 2015: Malta
- 2018: New Delhi, India
- 2021: Kigali, Rwanda

Conclusion

India has hosted the Commonwealth Summit once, in 2018. The summit provides an opportunity for leaders from Commonwealth nations to meet and discuss issues of mutual concern.

Non-alignment and its Concept

Non-alignment is a policy adopted by countries that choose not to align themselves with any of the major power blocs in the world. It involves the rejection of military alliances and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy. Non-alignment emerged as a concept during the Cold War when the world was divided into two major power blocs - the United States-led Western Bloc and the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc.

Non-Alignment and its Components

Foreign Aid from all available sources: Non-alignment involves seeking aid from all available sources, irrespective of their political alignment. Non-aligned countries do not limit themselves to seeking aid from any particular bloc or country. They seek aid from both the Western and Eastern Blocs, as well as from other countries.

Non-Involvement in Military Alliances: Non-alignment involves the rejection of military alliances and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy. Non-aligned countries do not participate in any military alliance that is formulated in the context of the Cold War. They pursue their own foreign policy, which is not influenced by any major power bloc.

Demand for a Better Deal from the North or South Countries: Non-alignment involves demanding a better deal from both the North and South countries. Non-aligned countries seek to promote their interests and ensure that they are not exploited by any major power bloc or country.

What Does Not Come Under Non-alignment?

Faith in Isolationism: Isolationism involves the policy of remaining separate from the affairs of other countries. It is not a part of non-alignment, which involves seeking aid from all available sources and promoting the interests of non-aligned countries. Non-alignment involves engaging with other countries, but not aligning oneself with any major power bloc or country.

's approach towards its neighboring countries, particularly smaller ones.
The doctrine emphasizes on non-reciprocity and goodwill gestures towards smaller countries.
It advocates for resolving bilateral issues through peaceful means and mutual understanding.
The doctrine also emphasizes on respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighboring countries.

Overall, the Gujral Doctrine aims to promote regional cooperation and mutual trust among neighboring countries, with India taking the lead in fostering positive relations. It is based on the principles of non-interference, non-reciprocity, and non-violence.

Overview of the Tashkent Agreement 1965
The Tashkent Agreement was a significant diplomatic accord reached between India and Pakistan following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Key Provisions
- Withdrawal of Forces: Both countries agreed to withdraw their armed forces to pre-war positions, essentially returning to the status quo prior to the conflict.
- Restoration of Diplomatic Relations: The agreement aimed to restore diplomatic ties that had been strained due to the war, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence.
- Economic Cooperation: The agreement also encouraged economic cooperation and development between the two nations.
Background Context
- Indo-Pakistani War of 1965: The war, which lasted from August to September 1965, was primarily over territorial disputes in Kashmir. It resulted in significant military and civilian casualties on both sides.
- Soviet Mediation: The agreement was facilitated by the Soviet Union, which played a crucial role in bringing the two nations to the negotiating table.
Importance of the Agreement
- Peaceful Resolution: The Tashkent Agreement is often regarded as a step toward a peaceful resolution of conflicts between India and Pakistan.
- Diplomatic Engagement: It marked a significant effort in diplomatic engagement, highlighting the necessity for dialogue in resolving disputes.
Conclusion
The Tashkent Agreement laid the groundwork for future negotiations and was a critical moment in India-Pakistan relations, illustrating the importance of diplomacy in conflict resolution. It set a precedent for subsequent agreements, although the underlying issues remained unresolved.