Important Questions: India’s External Relations | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Mention two conditions of the Shimla Agreement.
Ans: Two important conditions of the Shimla Agreement were as given below:

• Both the countries had resolved to solve their conflicts and confrontations through bilateral peaceful talks.
• Both countries would not use force against each other’s territorial integrity.

Q2: In the formulation of foreign policy, what was Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s first priority?
Ans: National interest was the first priority of Pt. Nehru.

Q3: Give the full form of the NPT and CTBT.
Ans: NPT-Non Proliferation Treaty. CTBT-Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Q4: When was the first nuclear experiment undertaken by India?
Ans: India first undertook a nuclear experiment in 1974.

Q5: Which two objectives Jawaharlal: Nehru wised; to achieve through the strategy of non-alignment?
Ans:

• To preserve the hard-earned sovereignty.
• To protect territorial integrity.

Q6: What do you mean by Panchsheel?
Ans: The word ‘Panchsheel’ stands for five principles of conduct and behavior. India and China evolved five principles to maintain friendly ties between the two countries.

Q7: Mention any two principles of India’s foreign policy.
Ans:

• The most important basic principles of India’s foreign policy is non-alignment.
• The basic principle of India’s foreign policy is safeguarding national interests.

Q8: During the Nehru era, why did: some political parties and groups in our country believe that India should be more friendly with the bloc led by the U.S.?
Ans: Some political parties and group in our country believe that India should be more friendly with the bloc led by the U.S. because it supports the value of democracy.

Q9: What is foreign policy?
Ans: Foreign policy of a nation reflects systematic statements of national interests alongwith the interplay of domestic and external factors.

Q10: I n which context India started participating in the world affairs as an independent nation state?
Ans: 

• British government left the legacy of many international disputes.
• Priority to the poverty alleviation.
• Pressures created by the partition.

Q11: Why did India not sign Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty?
Ans: Because India considered the NPT as discriminatory policy to argue it to be used for peaceful purposes only.

Q12: What was Bandung conference?
Ans: Bandung conference was held in 1955 in Indonesia as an Afro-Asian conference to lead an establishment of NAM and to mark the engagement of India with African and Asian nations.

Q13: Mention the Article of Indian constitution to promote international peace and security.
Ans: Article 51 to lay down some Directive Principles of State Policy.

Q14: Which step was the beginning of Indo¬china’s strong relationship?
Ans: Panchsheel, the five principles of peaceful co-existance signed in 1954.

Q15: How did the Sino-Indian conflict affect the opposition also?
Ans: The Sino-Indian conflicts affected the opposition as well. This and the growing rift between China and the Soviet Union created irreconcilable differences within the Communist Party of India (CPI). The pro-USSR faction remained within the CPI and moved towards closer ties with the Congress. The other faction was for sometime closer to China and was against any ties with the Congress. The party split in 1964 and the leaders of the later faction formed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). In the wake of the China War, many leaders of CPI(M) were arrested for being pro¬China.

Q16: Which two differences between India and China led to an army conflict in 1962?
Ans: (i) Serious conflict arose when China annexed Tibet in 1950 and removed a historical buffer between two nation and India did not oppose this openly. (ii) Another border dispute arose when China claimed Aksai Chin Area and NEFA (much of the state in Arunachal Pradesh) within the . Indian territory.

Q17: Highlight the contribution made by Pt. J.L. Nehru to the foreign policy of India.
Ans: 
(i) India’s initiatives for non-alignment for maintenance of mutual understanding and security.
(ii) India always maintained her dignity and image of peace loving country by taking initiatives to bring about equality and understanding among nations i.e. to end Korean war in 1953, French rule in China etc.

Q18: Mention any two/four Directive Principles of State Policy for the promotion of international peace and security.
Ans: The Article 51 of Indian Constitution deals with the “Directive Principles of State Policy” on “Promotion of International Peace and Security”:

• Promote international peace and security.
• Maintain just and honourable relations between nations.
• Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised people with one another.
• Encourage settlement of international dispute by arbitration.

Q19: Highlight any two/four major objectives of Prime Minister Nehru’s Foreign Policy.
Ans:

• The first objective was to follow NAM, not to join either the military blocs formed by USA and Soviet Union.
• To promote rapid economic development and maintain cordial relations with other nations.
• To prefect the territorial integrity.
• To preserve sovereignty of India and also respecting others sovereignty.

Q20: What was Afra-Asian Unity?
Ans: Bandung conference was held in 1955 in Indonesia as an Afro-Asian conference to lead an establishment of NAM to mark the engagement of India with African and Asian nations known as Afro-Asian Unity.

Q21: Why did India oppose the international treaties on Nuclear non-proliferation?
Ans: Because of discriminatory nature:

• India felt that these treaties prove the monopoly of five nuclear weapon- powers only and applicable to only the non-nuclear powers.
• India opposed the indefinite extension of the NPT in 1995 and refused to sign even CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty).

Q22: In the Post Cold War Era what is the nature of India’s foreign policy in terms of shifting alliances in world politics?
Ans: In the Post Cold War Era India’s foreign policy had shifted to more pro-US stance with the disintegration of USSR:

• At present India’s foreign policy rather more emphasizes on economic interests in place of military.
• Every Indo-Pak relations have also witnessed many new developments.
• Efforts are being made to restore normal relations with other countries through cultural exchange.

Q23: Arrange the following events in the correct chronological sequence from the earlier to the latest:
(a) First nuclear test conducted by India.
(b) Twenty year treaty of peace and relationship between India and Soviet Union.
(c) The Tashkent Agreement.
(d) The Panchsheel declaration.
Ans: (a) Panchsheel-1954
 (b) Tashkent Agreement-1966
 (c) Twenty year treaty-1971
 (d) First nuclear test-1974

Short Answer Type Questions

Q24: What do you understand by Panchsheel? What are its main principles?
Ans: Pt. Nehru formulated five principles of peaceful co-existence among the nations of the world. They were accepted first by the Chinese Prime Minister Chou-En-Lie. These principles are known as Panchsheel. They are:

• To respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other.
• Non-aggression on each other.
• Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
• Peaceful settlement of disputes.
• To promote world peace.

Q25: Why did India distance herself from the two superpower camps?
Ans:

• First, India had to struggle against colonialism and imperialism. After getting freedom from imperialistic exploitations, faced the problem of economic reconstruction which could be accomplished in a peaceful atmosphere, So, India preferred not to join any group to avoid tension.
• Secondly, India adopted the policy of non-alignment for peaceful co-existence for securing world peace and stability.
• The policy of non-alignment was followed to elevate India’s prestige. If India gives it decision pertaining to international problems in a neutral way, both the power Blocs would respect its ideology, and the tension at the international level will lessen.
• In order to preserve the hard-earned sovereignty, protect the territorial integrity and promote rapid economic development.

Q26: Analyse any two courses of conflict between India and China.
Ans: The following are the main irritants between China and India:

• India and China have a controversy over the McMohan Line, the borderline between India and China.
• China invaded India on 20 October 1962 and later unilaterally declared a ceasefire on 21 November 1962. But China was able to capture thousands of miles of Indian territory which is still under Chinese possession.
• China entered into military alliances with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. These agreements pose a great threat to the security of India.
• China always supported Pakistan against India.

Q27: Explain any two factors responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy.
Ans: The social dominance of the military, clergy and landing aristocracy is responsible for overthrowing the democratic government. Wars with India have made military rulers and pro¬military groups very powerful. In spite of the fact that democracy has not succeeded in Pakistan, there have been strong pro-democratic sentiments in the country. Moreover, America and other Western countries have encouraged military rulers for their own interests. Another factor responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy is a fundamentalist element working in Pakistan.

Q28: Describe any two major objectives of Nehru’s foreign policy.
Ans: The following are the two major objectives of Nehru’s Foreign Policy:

• To preserve the sovereignty of the country and protect territorial integrity.
• To promote rapid economic development. The foreign policy of India was set by Jawaharlal Nehru. He played a significant role in the implementation of these policies from 1946 to 1964. He tried to achieve the aforementioned objectives through his policy of Non-alignment. In other words, he did not side with either power blocs like the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R.He followed the policy of peaceful coexistence. He maintained friendly relations with African countries which were newly independent. India also tried to maintain friendly and peaceful relations with its neighbours like Pakistan and China.

Q29: Explain India’s Nuclear Policy.
Or
Explain any four important features of India’s Nuclear Policy.
Ans: India’s Nuclear Policy:

• India advocates no first use and reiterates India’s commitment to global verifiable on non-discriminatoiy nuclear disarmament loading to a nuclear weapon free world.
• Pt. Nehru always promoted science and technology so build a modern India i.e. initiated nuclear programme in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J. Bhaba.
• India was against nuclear weapons, hence pleaded many nuclear disarmament with superpowers.
• India always considered NPT as discriminatory and refused to sign on it.
• Even India’s first Nuclear Test in May 1974 was termed as a peaceful explosion and India argued to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes only.

Q30: Describe any four issues of conflict between India and China .
Ans: Issues of Conflict between India and China:

• Serious conflict arose when China annexed Tibet in 1950 and removed a historical buffer between two nation and India did not oppose this openly.
• India grew uneasy, when China began to suppress Tibetan culture.
• Another border dispute arose when China claimed Aksai Chin Area and NEFA (much of the state in Arunachal Pradesh) within the Indian territory.
• Despite long term correspondence and discussions, these issues have not been resolved even by top leaders of country.
• (Hence, India had to indulge in the conflict.

Q31: Describe any two major issues of conflict between India and Pakistan leading to war of 1971.
Ans: Issues of conflict between India and Pakistan leading to War in 1971:

• A serious armed struggle arose between India and Pakistan in December 1971 when Pakistan attacked on Punjab and Rajasthan. In turn India had to retaliated a war against Pakistan.
• India had to bear 80 lakh refugees who fled from East Pakistan to take shelter in India. Hence, India had to extend moral and material support to freedom struggle in Bangladesh against Pakistan.

Q32: What was Tibet issue? How did it cause tension between India and China? Explain. 
Ans: 

• From the very beginning of independence time to time, China has claimed its administrative control over Tibet.
• In 1950, China took over control of Tibet. Large sections of Tibetan population opposed this takeover.
• In 1958, there was an armed uprising in Tibet against China’s occupation. India supported the cause of Tibetan which was bitterly objected by China. Even India has granted asylum to Dalai Lama and a large number of Tibetans.

Q33: Access any four principles of India’s foreign policy.
Ans: India’s foreign policy is based on principles of Panchsheel, which is derived from two words ‘Panch’ means five and ‘Sheel’ means a ‘Code of Conduct’ for peaceful co-existence.

• Panchsheel
• Non-alignment (NAM)
• Mutual benefits and equality
• Mutual non-aggression
• Non-intervention in each others international affairs
• To maintain international peace and understanding

Q34: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
What does independence consist of? It consists fundamentally and basically of foreign relations. That is the test of independence. All else is local autonomy. Once foreign relations go out of your hands into the charge of somebody else, to that extent and in that measure you are not independent. —Jawaharlal Nehru
1. What does the extract signify?
2. What is not an independence as per Pt. J.L. Nehru?
3. What did India do to maintain its Sovereignty?
Ans:
1. The above extract signifies the non-alignment policy of India.
2. When foreign relations go out of the hands of a country into the charge of somebody else, to that extent, one is not independent.
3. When India achieved its freedom and started forming its foreign policy, it followed non-alignment policy to pursue its national interests within international context.

Q35: Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. What message does this cartoon convey?
2. Which year is being shown here?
Ans:
1. This cartoon conveys message on Indo-China tensions to be resolved.
2. 1962, Chinese invasion.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q36: Explain the meaning of Non-alignment and distinguish it from neutrality.
Ans: The world was divided into two Blocs after the Second World War: One bloc was headed by the United States of America whereas the Second Bloc was led by the Soviet Union. After independence, Pt. Nehru, the architect of India’s foreign policy, adopted non¬alignment as its base. He clearly pointed out that India, because of its manifold internal problems, could not afford to snap its relations with either of the two blocs, rather it needed assistance from both the blocs. A country with newly attained freedom could not interfere in international affairs. So, the policy of non-alignment was highly useful for the interest of India.
Meaning of Non-alignment: Following are the meanings derived from the policy of non-alignment:

• Firstly, India will remain independent by not joining any group. It will not join even an organisation formed by different countries of the world.
• The policy of non-alignment is an independent policy. A nation, by adopting it, can evade subordination of any group, and can easily form its opinion about any problem after its thorough analysis.
• Non-alignment is a policy of peacefulness. In Congress convention held at Jaipur in 1948, it was stated, “The permanent feature of India’s foreign policy should be to have friendly and co-operative relations with all the nations so that it may remain aloof from those agreements which divide the world into opposed Blocs and endanger world peace.”
• Non-alignment does not mean neutrality in international affairs.
• India’s policy of non-alignment is a positive one. India wants to bridge the gap between eastern and western ideology. According to Pt. Nehru, “India’s policy of non-alignment doesn’t mean to follow a middle path. It is a positive as well as a creative policy which aims at achieving some objectives and the elimination of hatred and enmity between other countries.”

The distinction between Non-alignment and Neutrality: Non-alignment and Neutrality are two different concepts. The term neutrality refers to a situation in which a state does not take any side in a war. The term neutrality is basically concerned with war-like situations, whereas Non-alignment is concerned with both war and peace situations. Neutrality is a term essentially used in International Law, whereas Non-alignment is a term basically used in international relations.
Non-alignment does not mean neutrality in international affairs: Pt. Nehru made it clear that non-alignment does not stand for remaining neutral to international problems. In 1949, while addressing American Congress, Pt. Nehru said, “When the freedom could be threatened and justice would be in peril when the security of a State would be jeopardised, we cannot remain indifferent, and we will not remain different, our policy is not one of indifference. Our policy is that there should be active efforts for world-peace and it should be given a firm foundation.” Non-alignment does not mean non-involvement. It means non-aligned nations in world affairs. In short, neutrality is a negative concept in the sense that it helps to avoid taking sides in a war while Non-alignment is a positive concept, in the sense that it affirms positive commitment to an independent foreign policy.

Q37: Evaluate the impact of the Chinese invasion of 1962 indenting India’s image at home and abroad both.
Ans: The Chinese invasion of 1962 indenting India’s image at home and abroad can be evaluated in the following way:

• India had to approach the Americans and the British for military assistance to tide over the crises.
• During the conflict, the Soviet Union remained neutral.
• No-doubt, it induced a sense of humiliation. On the other hand, it also strengthened a spirit of nationalism among Indians.
• Some of the top army commanders either resigned or were retired.
• Then Defence Minister V. Krishna Menon resigned from the cabinet.
• A no-confidence motion was moved against the government for the first time. Nehru’s own stature suffered a lot as he was criticised for his defence and foreign policy.

Q38: Describe any four basic postulates of India’s foreign policy.
Ans: India's foreign policy is guided by several fundamental principles and postulates that have remained consistent over the years. While the specifics can evolve based on the government in power and the global geopolitical climate, as of my last update in September 2021, these four basic postulates have traditionally underpinned India's approach to international relations:

• Non-Alignment: One of the foundational principles of India's foreign policy is non-alignment, which means that India does not align itself with any specific bloc or alliance of nations. This principle was particularly important during the Cold War when the world was divided into two major blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. India's non-alignment policy allowed it to maintain friendly relations with both superpowers while preserving its sovereignty and independence.
• Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence): Panchsheel is a set of five principles that form the basis of India's approach to foreign relations. These principles include mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. Panchsheel reflects India's commitment to peaceful diplomacy, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and promoting cooperation for mutual benefit.
• Striving for Global Peace and Security: India is committed to promoting global peace and security. It actively participates in international peacekeeping missions and advocates for disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiations. India's consistent efforts towards global peace highlight its role as a responsible member of the international community.
• Economic Diplomacy and Development Cooperation: India's foreign policy emphasizes economic diplomacy and development cooperation. The country seeks to enhance its economic ties with other nations through trade, investment, and technological exchange. Additionally, India provides development assistance to other developing countries, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, to support their economic and social progress. This approach not only fosters diplomatic relations but also contributes to regional and global stability.