All questions of Foreign Policy for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

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.

1. India is the seventh-largest country by land area in the world.
2. India is the second-most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion people.
3. India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
4. India gained independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947.
5. India is known for its diverse culture, languages, and religions, with Hinduism being the majority religion.
6. India is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies and is classified as a developing country.
7. India has a nuclear weapons program and is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
8. India has a space program and has successfully launched missions to the Moon and Mars.
9. India has a history of conflicts and disputes with neighboring countries, including Pakistan and China.
10. India is a member of the United Nations and participates in various international organizations and forums.

Answer:

The fifth phase (1998-2013) of Indian foreign policy marked the acquisition of attributes of a balancing power against the rise of China. This phase can be characterized by the following key factors:

Nuclear tests: In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests, which brought the country into the international spotlight. These tests were seen as a response to China's nuclear capabilities and served as a deterrent against Chinese aggression. The nuclear tests signaled India's determination to protect its national security interests and establish itself as a regional power.

Strategic partnerships: During this phase, India sought to build strategic partnerships with countries that shared its concerns about China's rise. India strengthened its ties with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia, forming alliances and engaging in military exercises. These partnerships aimed to balance China's growing influence in the region and strengthen India's position as a counterweight.

Look East Policy: India's Look East Policy, initiated in the early 1990s but gaining momentum in this phase, aimed to enhance economic and strategic engagement with Southeast Asian countries. This policy served as a means to counter China's increasing presence in the region and expand India's influence. India actively participated in regional forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and strengthened bilateral relations with countries like Vietnam and Singapore.

Border disputes: The border disputes between India and China, particularly in the region of Arunachal Pradesh, continued to be a challenge during this phase. India's assertive stance on these disputes and its efforts to strengthen border infrastructure were seen as a response to China's territorial claims. By actively defending its borders, India aimed to maintain a balance of power in the region and counter China's assertiveness.

Economic growth: India's economic growth during this phase played a significant role in its acquisition of attributes of a balancing power. Rapid economic development allowed India to enhance its military capabilities and invest in infrastructure projects along its borders. This economic growth also increased India's leverage in international relations and strengthened its position as a counterweight to China.

Overall, the fifth phase of Indian foreign policy marked a significant shift in India's approach towards China's rise. Through nuclear tests, strategic partnerships, the Look East Policy, border defense, and economic growth, India sought to acquire the attributes of a balancing power and protect its national interests in the face of China's growing influence.

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.

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.

'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.

India's Membership in the Commonwealth of Nations

Introduction:
India, despite being a Republican State, is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, an intergovernmental organization consisting of 54 member countries, most of which were former territories of the British Empire. The head of the Commonwealth is the British Monarch. The correct answer to why India is a member of the Commonwealth is option 'A', as explained below.

Explanation:
1. Sovereign Nature of the Indian Republic:
- India's membership in the Commonwealth does not affect the sovereign nature of the Indian Republic.
- The Indian Constitution clearly establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
- The membership in the Commonwealth is a voluntary association, and India retains full control over its internal and external affairs.
- This means that India can make independent decisions and policies without any interference from the British Monarch or any other member of the Commonwealth.

2. Historical Context:
- India's membership in the Commonwealth has its roots in its colonial past when it was ruled by the British Empire.
- India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, and became a sovereign nation.
- However, India chose to remain a member of the Commonwealth after independence, mainly due to the historical ties, shared values, and cultural connections with other member countries.
- The membership in the Commonwealth reflects the historical relationship between India and the British Empire, but it does not undermine India's status as a republic.

3. Symbol of Unity:
- India's membership in the Commonwealth is also a symbol of unity among the member countries.
- The Commonwealth aims to promote cooperation, democracy, human rights, and economic development among its members.
- By being a member, India actively participates in various Commonwealth activities and contributes to the objectives of the organization.
- The membership provides India with opportunities to engage with other member countries, exchange ideas, and collaborate on common issues of interest.

Conclusion:
India's membership in the Commonwealth of Nations does not affect its sovereign nature as a republic. It is a voluntary association that reflects historical ties, shared values, and cultural connections. India's participation in the Commonwealth is a symbol of unity among the member countries and allows for cooperation and collaboration on common issues.