Test: India and its Foreign Policy - UGC NET MCQ

The correct answer is Provisions for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.

Key Points

• Article 42 emphasizes that the State should ensure just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
• Article 42 of the Constitution pertains to a non-government organization working in the realm of safeguarding human rights, facilitating the protection of civic and political rights and freedoms, as well as safeguarding other fundamental rights recognized by international law.
• Alignment of state policy and national laws with international standards.
• Enhancement of public legal awareness through effective legal procedures, empowerment of target groups, and engagement in civic monitoring, surveys, analysis, and lawmaking initiatives.

Additional Information

• Article 21:
  • The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which states that no individual shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except as per the established legal procedure.
  • Article 21 is a fundamental right included in Part-III of the Indian Constitution.
  • This right is applicable to both citizens and non-citizens.
  • The Supreme Court has referred to this right as the “heart of fundamental rights”.
  • Article 21 guarantees two rights:
    • The right to life and the right to personal liberty.
  • Article 21 cannot be suspended during an emergency.
• Article 12 to 35:
  • The Constitution provides all citizens, individually and collectively, with certain basic freedoms.
  • These freedoms are guaranteed in the Constitution through six broad categories of Fundamental Rights, which are enforceable.
  • Article 12 to 35 in Part III of the Constitution deal with Fundamental Rights.
  • These include:
    • Right to equality, including equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and equal opportunity in employment.
    • Right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association or union, movement, residence, and the right to practice any profession or occupation (some subject to state security, friendly foreign relations, public order, decency, or morality).
    • Right against exploitation, prohibiting all forms of forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking.
    • Right to freedom of conscience and the free practice, profession, and propagation of religion.
    • Right of any citizen section to preserve their culture, language, or script, and the right of minorities to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice, as well as the right to constitutional remedies for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
• Article 44:
  • A Uniform Civil Code is a proposal in India to develop and implement personal laws applicable to all citizens equally regardless of their religion. Currently, the personal laws of different communities are governed by their religious texts.
  • These laws cover areas such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption, and property succession. It is based on the belief that there is no connection between religion and law in modern society.
  • The objective of Article 44 in the Directive Principles of the Indian Constitution was to address discrimination against vulnerable groups and reconcile diverse cultural groups across the nation.
  • The code aims to simplify the complex laws related to marriage ceremonies, inheritance, succession, and adoptions, making them uniform for all.

The Act East Policy of India

• The Act East policy of India aims to build strong economic and geopolitical relationships with Southeast Asian countries.
• It is a successor to the Look East policy and focuses on enhancing India's connections with East Asia.
• India's main focus under the Act East policy is to bolster economic ties with ASEAN nations, improve infrastructure links, attract foreign direct investment, and promote regional development in northeastern India.
• The Indian economy stands to gain significant benefits from the Act East strategy by fostering more sincere collaboration efforts.
• Collaboration with East Asian and Southeast Asian countries in various domains such as politics, economy, and culture is essential for India to effectively integrate into the Asia-Pacific region.

Analysis of Correct Matches

• SAARC - Kathmandu: SAARC comprises eight member states with its headquarters and secretariat located in Kathmandu. The SAARC Charter was ratified in Dhaka on December 8, 1985.
• Act East Policy - Narasimha Rao: The Look East Policy was replaced by the Act East Policy, unveiled in November 2014 by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shangrila dialogue.
• Neighbourhood first policy - Narendra Modi: India's foreign policy has always prioritized "Neighbourhood First," with Narendra Modi emphasizing the importance of friendly connections and synergistic economic growth.
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank - Kualalampur: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was founded in 2015 to enhance social and economic outcomes in Asia. It commenced operations in January 2016 with its headquarters in Beijing.

Therefore, the correct matches are A and C Only.

Additional Information

• The Look East Policy was replaced by the Act East Policy in 2014.
• The Act East Policy was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shangrila dialogue.
• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) aims to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and was established in 2015 with headquarters in Beijing.

• Panchasheel
  • The Sino-Indian Agreement of 1954 included a reference to the Panchsheel, which consists of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
• Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship
  • In August 1971, India and the Soviet Union signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Collaboration, emphasizing mutual strategic cooperation.
• Look East policy
  • Started in 1991, the Look East policy marked a significant strategic shift in India's global outlook.
• Gujaral doctrine
  • The Gujral Doctrine, championed by I.K. Gujral during his tenure as the Union Minister of External Affairs from 1996 to 1997 under the H.D. Deve Gowda administration.

Therefore, the order of appearance for the foundational elements of Indian foreign policy is Panchasheel ⇒ Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship ⇒ Gujaral doctrine ⇒ Look East policy.

The Core Values of Indian Foreign Policy

• Blend of Idealism and Realism: Indian foreign policy combines idealism and realism. It involves upholding moral and ethical principles while also considering national interests. For example, India advocates for global peace and disarmament while forming strategic alliances based on security and economic needs.
• Value of Tolerance: India's foreign policy reflects a strong commitment to tolerance. This is evident in its respectful engagement with countries of various ideologies, historical role as a cultural melting pot, and advocacy for mutual respect among nations.
• Anti-Imperialism and Anti-Colonialism: Indian foreign policy is rooted in anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism, shaped by India's history as a British colony. India supports anti-colonial struggles globally and condemns imperialism and external interference in sovereign nations.
• Neighbourhood First Diplomacy: The "Neighbourhood First" policy aims to strengthen ties with neighboring countries and promote regional integration for peace and stability, recognizing the importance of a peaceful neighborhood for India's security and development.

The correct answer is option 1.

Analysis of the Statements

• Assertion (A): India's Increased Awareness
  • This statement highlights that India has become more conscious of its capabilities and the global expectations placed upon it.
  • India's advancements in areas like technology, science, and defense have played a significant role in enhancing its self-awareness.
  • Furthermore, India's growing economic and political influence globally has led to higher expectations regarding its participation in international affairs.
  • Hence, the assertion is deemed to be true.
• Reason (R): Evolution from Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment
  • This statement serves as a rationale supporting the assertion.
  • India's shift from its traditional Non-Alignment policy towards forming multiple partnerships and alliances with various nations, termed as "Multi-Alignment," is acknowledged.
  • By pursuing this strategy, India aims to expand its economic and diplomatic relations across different regions and advance its strategic interests.
  • However, it is important to note that while this shift in foreign policy is significant, it may not be the sole factor contributing to India's heightened awareness of its capabilities and global expectations.

Additional Information

• The Non-Aligned Movement emerged during the Cold War period.
• Established in 1961 by countries like India, Yugoslavia, Egypt, and Indonesia, the movement aimed to maintain neutrality amidst the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• It was grounded on principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
• Primarily comprising developing nations, the movement sought to pursue independent foreign policies aligned with their national interests.

The correct answer is: 'Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)'

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is a strategic vision launched by India in 2015 for enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
  • This statement is accurate.
  • SAGAR was indeed introduced by India to strengthen its ties with maritime neighbors and foster regional collaboration in the Indian Ocean.
• India's objective with SAGAR is to enhance economic and security connections with its maritime neighbors while also aiding in the development of its maritime security capabilities.
  • This serves as a correct and precise explanation of the purpose behind SAGAR.
  • Through SAGAR, India aims to boost economic cooperation and trade, ensure maritime security, and support sustainable development within the region.
  • By helping neighboring countries in enhancing their maritime security capabilities, India aims to promote a secure and stable Indian Ocean region.

Additional Information

• Within the framework of SAGAR, India looks to bolster maritime cooperation through activities like joint patrols, capacity-building initiatives, information sharing, and maritime drills with partner nations.
• The scope of SAGAR goes beyond security aspects to encompass sustainable development, blue economy, disaster management, and environmental preservation in the Indian Ocean region.

• Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka: Indian Peace Keeping Force was sent by Rajiv Gandhi, as part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed in 1987.
• Shimla Agreement: The Shimla Agreement was brokered by Indira Gandhi to end hostilities and normalize relations between India and Pakistan after the 1971 war. However, it did not resolve the Kashmir issue, leading to ongoing tensions.
• Lahore Declaration: The Lahore Declaration was signed by Atal B. Vajpayee during his tenure as Prime Minister.
• Act East Policy: The Act East Policy is a foreign policy initiative of Narendra Modi aimed at strengthening India's relations with Southeast Asian countries.

The correct answer is option 1, where (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV).

Overview of Inder Kumar Gujral's Foreign Policy

• Key Contributions:
  • Gujral Ideology: Inder Kumar Gujral is known for his unique ideology in Indian foreign policy.
  • CTBT Refusal: He declined to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in October 1996.
• Gujral Doctrine:
  • It consists of five principles guiding India's foreign policy towards neighboring countries.
  • Non-reciprocity: Gujral's policy emphasized giving without expecting reciprocity from immediate neighbors like Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
  • Non-interference: No country in South Asia should allow its territory to be used against the interests of another regional nation.
  • Respect for Sovereignty: Each South Asian country's geographical integrity and sovereignty must be respected.
  • Peaceful Resolution: Disagreements between nations should be peacefully resolved through bilateral dialogue.

Therefore, Inder Kumar Gujral, as Prime Minister, implemented a foreign policy of providing non-reciprocal concessions to neighboring states, as outlined in his principles.

• Important Points:
  • During the 1950s, the world was experiencing the Cold War, a period of tension between the Western Bloc (led by the United States) and the Eastern Bloc (led by the Soviet Union).
  • Countries were pressured to align with either of these blocs.
  • India, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, chose a unique path by establishing the non-alignment movement, where India remained independent of these power blocs.
  • The guiding principle of India's foreign policy was to safeguard its national interests by maintaining sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
  • However, the United States did not view India's non-alignment policy favorably.
  • The U.S. had a binary approach to foreign policy, leading to suspicion towards countries not allied with them.
  • India's non-alignment stance was seen by the U.S. as a lack of commitment to the democratic-capitalist cause against communism.
  • This perception caused significant unease in Indo-U.S. relations during the 1950s.

Therefore, the correct answer is that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).