Previous Year: Long Questions with Answers - India's External Relations

Previous Year Questions 2025

Q.1. Explain any two contentious issues between China and India. Suggest any two measures to resolve these issues for greater cooperation.  (6 Marks)

Answer: The two primary contentious issues are the Border Dispute and the Tibetan Conflict. Regarding the border, China claims Aksai-chin in Ladakh and much of Arunachal Pradesh (formerly NEFA), rejecting colonial-era settlements like the McMahon Line. China's occupation of Aksai-chin and the subsequent 1962 invasion created deep-seated mistrust. Secondly, the Tibet issue flared when China annexed Tibet in 1950, suppressing its traditional culture. Tensions peaked in 1959 when India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama, leading China to accuse India of anti-China activities. Measures for Resolution: To resolve these, both nations should focus on expanding trade relations, as seen in the restoration of diplomatic ties in 1976 and subsequent high-level visits by leaders like Atal Behari Vajpayee and Rajiv Gandhi. Economic interdependence can act as a buffer against military conflict. Additionally, both countries must return to the Panchsheel principles-specifically mutual non-interference and respect for territorial integrity-to engage in sustained diplomatic dialogue to settle boundary demarcations peacefully.

Q.2. "The foreign policy of Independent India has pursued the dream of a peaceful world." Support the statement with three suitable arguments. (6 Marks)

Answer: India's foreign policy is deeply rooted in the pursuit of global peace through three key strategies. First, India pioneered the Policy of Non-Alignment, which aimed to reduce Cold War tensions by refusing to join military alliances like NATO or the Warsaw Pact. This allowed India to take an independent stand and maintain friendly relations with both superpowers to promote stability. Second, India has been a consistent and significant contributor of human resources to UN peacekeeping operations across the world, demonstrating a practical commitment to maintaining international security. Third, the dream of peace is a Constitutional mandate under Article 51 of the Directive Principles, which directs the state to promote international peace and encourage the settlement of disputes through arbitration rather than war. Furthermore, India has historically pleaded for comprehensive nuclear disarmament, arguing that a world free of nuclear weapons is essential for the security of all nations. By balancing national interest with these moral ideals, India sought to be a "moral power" in a world divided by camps.

Q.3. "India played an important role in maintaining Afro-Asian Unity." Support the statement with three suitable examples. (6 Marks)

Answer: Under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, India became an ardent advocate for the unity of newly independent states. First, India demonstrated its commitment by convening the Asian Relations Conference in March 1947, five months before its own independence, to set a common agenda for the continent. Second, India took a firm stand against remaining colonial structures, notably by organizing an international conference in 1949 to support Indonesia's freedom struggle against Dutch colonial rule. Additionally, India was a staunch supporter of the decolonisation process and a vocal opponent of racism and apartheid in South Africa. Third, the engagement reached its zenith at the 1955 Bandung Conference (Afro-Asian Conference), which gathered leaders from across both continents. This landmark event directly paved the way for the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), with the first summit held in Belgrade in 1961. Through these initiatives, India helped transform the collective voice of Asian and African nations into a significant force in global politics, asserting their sovereignty against the influence of former colonial masters.

Q.4. Examine any three reasons for the friendly and cooperative relations between India and Russia after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. (6 Marks)

Answer: While the international context changed after the Cold War, India and Russia maintained a strategic partnership for three primary reasons. First, the relationship is built on the historical legacy of the 1971 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which provided India with critical diplomatic and military support during its most trying times. This long-standing trust ensures that Russia remains an "important friend" in India's external relations despite the emergence of a unipolar world. Second, the shift in global politics from military interests to economic interests has encouraged both nations to explore new avenues of cooperation in trade and technology. Russia continues to be a vital partner in India's quest for resources and industrial base development. Third, even as India has adopted a more pro-US strategy post-1990, it continues to value its ties with Russia to maintain an independent foreign policy. Both nations share a mutual interest in a stable regional environment, which is reflected in their continued diplomatic consultation on issues of national interest and international security.

Q.5. Explain the three basis on which India justifies its claim to be a permanent member of the Security Council. (6 Marks)

Answer: India justifies its claim for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council through several significant contributions to the international system. First is its unparalleled contribution to UN peacekeeping operations. For decades, India has provided substantial human resources and expertise to maintain peace in various conflict zones, fulfilling the core mandate of the UN. Second is India's power potential and demographic weight. As one of the world's largest nations with an emphasis on rapid economic development, India represents a significant portion of humanity that is currently underrepresented in the permanent membership. Third is India's consistent stand against discriminatory international regimes. India has challenged the monopoly of the five permanent members in nuclear matters (such as the NPT) and argued for a more non-discriminatory and verifiable global order. By advocating for the sovereignty of all nations and the settlement of disputes through arbitration, India presents itself as a responsible global actor that upholds the principles of the UN Charter while demanding an equitable share in global decision-making.

Q.6. Describe any three of the Directive Principles of State Policy for the promotion of international peace and security. (6 Marks)

Answer: Article 51 of the Indian Constitution outlines the state's obligation toward the international community. The three primary principles are:

1. Promotion of International Peace and Security: The State is directed to actively strive for a world free of conflict and to ensure that its actions contribute to global stability.

2. Maintenance of Just and Honourable Relations: India seeks to deal with other nations with transparency and integrity, ensuring that relations are built on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

3. Settlement of International Disputes by Arbitration: The Constitution encourages the use of peaceful negotiations and third-party mediation rather than military force to resolve disagreements between countries. These principles reflect the noble ideals of the freedom struggle and ensure that India's foreign policy is guided by a moral framework. They have influenced India's independent stand during the Cold War and its continued commitment to international law and treaty obligations. By embedding these goals in the Constitution, India ensures a broad national consensus on pursuing a peaceful world order.

Q.7. Describe any three consequences of the Chinese invasion of India in 1962.  (6 Marks)

Answer: The 1962 invasion had profound domestic and external consequences. First, it caused a major political and leadership crisis. Nehru's stature suffered due to his "naïve assessment" of China, and his close associate, Defence Minister V. Krishna Menon, was forced to resign. For the first time, a no-confidence motion was debated in the Lok Sabha, and the Congress party subsequently lost several key by-elections. Second, it led to the split of the opposition. The Communist Party of India (CPI) fractured in 1964; the pro-USSR faction stayed with the CPI, while the pro-China faction formed the CPI (Marxist). Many CPI (M) leaders were arrested during the war for being allegedly pro-China. Third, it forced a shift in national planning and defense. India had to divert scarce development resources to military modernization, leading to the creation of the Department of Defence Production. The invasion also alerted the government to the vulnerability of the Northeast region, triggering its political reorganization and the granting of statehood to Nagaland.

Previous Year Questions 2024

Q.1. "India's relations with Russia are embedded in a history of trust and common interests." Support the statement with any three appropriate arguments.  

Answer:  Indo-Russian relations are embedded in a history of trust and common interests:
(i) Russia and India share a vision of a multipolar world order based on collective response, greater regionalism, negotiated settlements of international conflicts, an independent foreign policy for all countries, decision-making through bodies like the UN, etc.  
(ii) India stands to benefit from its relationship with Russia on issues like Kashmir, energy supplies, sharing information on international terrorism.
(iii) Since India is an oil-importing nation, Russia is very important to us.
(iv) Russia has repeatedly come to the assistance of India.
(v) Russia is important for India's nuclear energy.

Q.2. Justify the policy of Non-Alignment adopted by India, by giving any three arguments. (6 Marks) 

Answer: The policy of Non-Alignment was a strategic and principled choice for a newly independent India. First, it allowed India to preserve its hard-earned sovereignty by avoiding entanglement in the power politics of the US-led and Soviet-led military blocs. Nehru argued that if foreign relations were controlled by external powers, India would not be truly independent. By staying non-aligned, India could take independent stands on various international issues based on its own national interests rather than the dictates of superpowers.

Second, Non-Alignment enabled India to balance its relations with both blocs to receive aid and assistance for its development. Despite the Cold War tensions, India managed to get support from members of both camps. For instance, while the US resented India's independence, India still maintained a partnership with the Soviet Union while seeking assistance from the West when needed.

Third, the policy promoted global peace and decolonization. India used NAM to reduce Cold War tensions and contributed to UN peacekeeping operations. It served as a platform for newly independent nations in Asia and Africa to unite against colonialism and racism, as seen during the 1955 Bandung Conference. Thus, Non-Alignment was both a tool for national survival and a moral framework for a more peaceful world.

Q.3. Foreign policy of independent India has pursued the dream of a peaceful world. Support the statement with any three suitable arguments. (6 Marks) 

Answer: India's foreign policy is deeply rooted in the noble ideals of its freedom struggle and the Constitutional Directive Principles under Article 51. First, India vigorously pursued the policy of Non-Alignment to reduce Cold War tensions and avoid joining military alliances like NATO or the Warsaw Pact. By maintaining an independent stance, India was able to lead world protests against neo-colonial invasions, such as the 1956 Suez Canal crisis.

Second, India has consistently contributed human resources to UN peacekeeping operations. This demonstrates India's commitment to achieving security through the maintenance of peace and respecting the sovereignty of all nations. Nehru's leadership helped India gain recognition as a "moral power" whose voice was respected in international councils.

Third, India's nuclear policy emphasizes peaceful use and global disarmament. Despite conducting tests, India remains committed to a doctrine of "no first use" and continues to advocate for a global, non-discriminatory, and verifiable nuclear-weapon-free world. Even after facing three wars between 1962 and 1971, India continued to seek negotiated peace, as evidenced by the Tashkent and Shimla Agreements.

Q.4. "India was a staunch supporter of the decolonization process and firmly opposed racism." Support the statement with any three suitable arguments.​

Answer:  Supporting arguments:
(i) Under the leadership of Nehru, India convened the Asian Relation conference in March 1947.
(ii) India was a staunch supporter of the decolonization process and firmly opposed racism, especially apartheid in South Africa.
(iii) India made earnest efforts for the early realization of freedom of Indonesia from the Dutch colonial regime by convening an international conference in 1949 to support its freedom struggle.
(iv) The Afro-Asian conference of 1955, known as Bandung Conference, marked the zenith of India's engagement with newly independent Asian and African nations. The Bandung Conference later led to the establishment of the NAM.

Q.5. The political leadership of a nation affects its foreign policy. Explain it with the help of examples from Indian Foreign Policy.

Answer:  (i) The first pM, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a crucial role in setting the national agenda. He was his own foreign minister. He exercised profound influence in the formulation and implementation of India's foreign policy from 1946 to 1964. The three major objectives of Nehru's foreign policy was to preserve the hard earned sovereignty, protect territorial integrity and promote rapid economic development Nehru wished to achieve these objectives through the strategy of non - alignment. 
(ii) Lal Bahadur Shastri equally emphasised the need to follow genuine non-alignment. He gave a slogan of Jai Jawan - Jai Kisan during 1965 war with pakistan and during the problem of severe food shortage in India. 
(iii) with the changing national interest, Indira Gandhi brought a revolutionary change in Indian foreign policy. She signed a Treaty of peace & friendship in 1971 with Soviet Union. It was signed in the backdrop of crisis in East pakistan and the threat that India faced from the then emerging nexus between US-China - pakistan. Since then, the tilt towards Soviet Union in Indian foreign policy was quite evident. In spite of this, India technically remained nonaligned throughout the Cold war period.
(iv) The Janta party government that came to power in 1977 announced that it would follow genuine non-alignment. Since then, all governments (Congress and non-Congress) have taken initiatives for restoring better relations with China and entering into close lies with US. 
(v) In the period after 1990, Russia, though it continues to be an important friend of India, has lost its global pre-eminence. Therefore, India's foreign policy has shifted to a more pro-US strategy. At the same time, Indo-pakistan relations have witnessed many more developments during this period. while Kashmir continues to be the main issue between the countries, there have been many efforts to restore normal relations. 
(vi) presently, under the leadership of Sh. Narendra Modi, India has initiated various steps to improve and strengthen India's national ties with other countries. India is trying to balance its relations with both Russia and US. India has become more assertive with China. India has now followed "Act East policy" in case of Southeast Asian nations than "Look East policy" pursued by UpA government.

Q.6. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: 
Two developments strained this relationship. China annexed Tibet in 1950 and thus, removed a historical buffer between the two countries. Initially, the Government of India did not oppose this openly. But as more information came in about the suppression of Tibetan culture, the Indian Government grew uneasy. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, sought and obtained political asylum in India in 1959. China alleged that the Government of India was allowing anti-China activities to take place from within India. 
(i) What is meant by "historical buffer"?
(ii) Why didn't the government of India oppose the annexation of Tibet by China? 
(iii) How far was it justified on the part of India to grant political asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees?

Answer:  (i) It refers to a shield between two opponents.
(ii) due to panchsheel Agreement in place, with one of the clauses as respecting sovereignty of each other, India did not oppose annexation of Tibet by China.
(iii) The conditions in their home state were terrifying. There was massive bloodshed. In such a life threatening scenario, granting political asylum to dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees stands fully justified.

Q.7. Why did India and China both view themselves as rising powers in the global politics in spite of tensions between them? Substantiate your answer by giving any four areas that have brought cordiality in their relationship.

Answer:  India and China: 
(i) Both had signed panchsheel Agreement, since the late 1960s. 
(ii) Both countries have successfully attempted to reignite diplomatic and economicties. 
(iii) China emerged as India's largest trading partner.
(iv) The two countries have also attempted to extend their strategic and military relations. 
(v) Both the countries have co-operated on regional issues like regional economic integration, the Afghanistan issue and crackdown on terrorism. 
(vi) China is India's largest trading partner, and their economic collaboration will inject vigorous impetus to the Indian economy.

Q.8. India's foreign policy was built around the principles of peace and co-operation. But India fought three wars in a space of 10 years between 1962 and 1971. Would you say that this was a failure of the foreign policy?Or would you say that this was a result of international situation? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer:  This was not a failure of foreign policy. It was more a result of international situation. 
India and China : China claimed Aksai Chin (part of Ladakh region) and NEfA (region of Arunachal pradesh) to be a part of Chinese territory. China captured the Aksai Chin region and built road network over there. The matter could not be resolved in a peaceful manner despite discussions and deliberations among the leaders of the two countries and finally led to war in 1962. India had to seek military assistance from USA and UK. USSR remained neutral. with the war of 1962, India got alerted about the similar situation that may arise in the North-East.
India and Pakistan : The War of 1965 - The first open war between the two countries broke in 1965 over Kashmir. Both the countries claimed the occupancy of Kashmir as a part of their territory. The war came to an end with an intervention of the United Nations. Both the countries were made to sign the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. However, the war worsened the economic situation of India.
War of 1971 - India's foreign policy of nonalignment to the military camps had made the intention of our leaders clear that they want India to develop as a regional power herself. There was an uprising in East pakistan for a separate independent government. To curb the movement, their leader Sheikh Mujib was arrested by pakistan army and atrocities were levied on the revolutionaries. India faced the problem of refugees who migrated from East pakistan to the neighbouring regions in India. The revolutionaries demanded for an independent country named Bangladesh and were supported by India in the venture. pakistan lost the war and Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation on March 26, 1971. The tension between India and pakistan increased as it was seen by pakistan as promoting civil war in their country and partition of the country. Both India and pakistan signed a peace agreement, popularly called, The Shimla Agreement on July 3, 1972.

Q.9. Read the following passage and answer the followig questions: 
India wanted to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Nehru was against nuclear weapons. So he pleaded with the superpowers for comprehensive nuclear disarmament. However, the nuclear arsenal kept rising. When communist China conducted nuclear tests in October 1964, the five nuclear weapon powers, the USSR, USA, UK,  France and China (Taiwan represented China) imposed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968 on the rest of the world. India always considered the NPT as discriminatory and had refused to sign it. When India conducted its first nuclear test, it was termed as peaceful explosion. India argued that it was committed to the policy of using nuclear power only for peaceful purposes. 
(i) What was the plea of Nehru with regard to nuclear energy?
(ii) When did India conduct its first nuclear test and why?
(iii) Why India always considered the NPT as discriminatory and had refused to sign it?

Answer:  (i) plea of Nehru with regard to nuclear energy-wanted to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Nehru was against nuclear weapons. So he pleaded with the superpowers for comprehensive nuclear disarmament. 
(ii) first nuclear test undertaken by India in May 1974. Nehru had always put his faith in science and technology for rapidly building a modern India.
(iii) India  always considered the NpT as discriminatory and had refused to sign it. India has opposed the international treaties aimed at non-proliferation since they were selectively applicable to the non-nuclear powers and legitimised the monopoly of the five nuclear weapons powers. Thus, India opposed the indefinite extension of the NpT in 1995 and also refused to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

Q.10. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
When India conducted its first nuclear test, it was termed as peaceful explosion. India agreed that it was committed to the policy of using nuclear power only for peaceful purposes. 
The period when the nuclear test was conducted was a difficult period in domestic politics. Following the Arab-Israel War of 1973, the entire world was affected by the Oil Shock due to the massive hike in the oil price by the Arab nations. It led to economic turmoil in India resulting in high inflation. 
(i) When did India conduct its first nuclear test and why? 
(ii) Why does the period, when the nuclear test was conducted in India, considered to be a difficult period in domestic politics? 
(iii) Which international event of 1970s was responsible for high inflation in India?

Answer:  (i) In May 1974. - To use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 
(ii) prices were rising due to Arab - Israel war. There was a hike in oil prices, so, India was facing difficulties on the economic front.
(iii) The Arab - Israel war of 1973.