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

Very Short Answer Type Questions

• 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: Jawaharlal Nehru aimed to achieve two main objectives through the strategy of non-alignment:

• Preserve sovereignty: Nehru wanted to maintain India's hard-earned independence.
• Protect territorial integrity: He sought to ensure the safety and unity of the nation.

Q6: What do you mean by Panchsheel?
Ans: The term Panchsheel refers to the five principles of conduct and behaviour established to foster friendly relations between India and China. 
These principles include:

• Mutual respect
• Non-aggression 
• Non-interference 
• Equality and mutual benefit.
• Peaceful coexistence.

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

• 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:  The foreign policy of a nation is a set of strategies that outlines its national interests. It is shaped by:

• Domestic factors: Internal issues and priorities of the country.
• External factors: Global events and relationships with other nations.

Q10: 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.

Q11: 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.

Q12: Mention the Article of Indian constitution to promote international peace and security.
Ans: Article 51 of the Indian Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy aimed at promoting international peace and security.

Q13: Which step was the beginning of Indo¬china’s strong relationship?
Ans: Panchsheel, the five principles of peaceful coexistence, marked the start of a strong relationship between India and China. 

Q14: 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.

Q15: Which two differences between India and China led to an army conflict in 1962?
Ans:  Two key differences between India and China led to the army conflict in 1962:

• Tibet's annexation: China annexed Tibet in 1950, removing a historical buffer between the two nations. Initially, India did not openly oppose this.
• Border disputes: China claimed the Aksai Chin area and parts of Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA) as its territory, leading to tensions.

Q16: Highlight the contribution made by Pt. J.L. Nehru to the foreign policy of India.
Ans:  Pt. J.L. Nehru's contributions to India's foreign policy include:

• Non-alignment: Nehru promoted a policy of non-alignment, aiming to maintain India's independence from military blocs.
• Dignity and Peace: He ensured India was seen as a peace-loving nation, advocating for equality and understanding among countries.
• Conflict Resolution: Nehru played a role in efforts to end conflicts, such as the Korean War in 1953 and the struggle against French colonial rule in China.

Q17: In which context India started participating in the world affairs as an independent nation state?
Ans:  India began participating in world affairs as an independent nation-state in a complex context shaped by several factors:

• The British legacy left behind numerous international disputes.
• There was a strong focus on poverty alleviation as a national priority.
• The pressures resulting from the Partition created significant challenges.

Q18: Why did India oppose the international treaties on Nuclear non-proliferation?
Ans:  India opposed international treaties on nuclear non-proliferation due to their discriminatory nature. The reasons include:

• India believed that these treaties reinforced the monopoly of the five recognised nuclear powers, applying only to non-nuclear states.
• India rejected the indefinite extension of the NPT in 1995 and declined to sign the CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty).

Q19 : 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

Q 20: 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.

Short Answer Type Questions

• 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.

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 has evolved significantly:

• Shifted towards a pro-US stance following the collapse of the USSR.
• All governments, whether Congress or non-Congress, have aimed to improve relations with China and strengthen ties with the United States.
• India's foreign policy is closely linked to its positions on Pakistan and Indo-US relations.
• Criticism has arisen regarding the perceived pro-US bias in policies since the 1990s.
• National interest drives foreign policy, with economic factors becoming more significant than military ones.
• Historical leaders, like Dr Ambedkar, supported closer ties with the US due to its pro-democracy stance

Q23: Highlight any four major objectives of Prime Minister Nehru’s Foreign Policy.
Ans:Objectives of the Nehru's foreign policy -

• The first objective was to follow Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), avoiding alignment with either the military blocs led by the USA or the Soviet Union.
• Another key aim was to promote rapid economic development while maintaining friendly relations with other nations.
• Nehru also focused on protecting India's territorial integrity.
• Lastly, he aimed to preserve India's sovereignty while respecting the sovereignty of other countries.

Q24: How did the Sino-Indian conflict affect the opposition also?
Ans:  The Sino-Indian conflict had significant effects on the opposition, particularly within the Communist Party of India (CPI). Key points include:

• The conflict, along with the growing rift between China and the Soviet Union, led to deep divisions within the CPI.
• A faction of the CPI maintained pro-USSR views and sought closer ties with the Congress party.
• Another faction aligned itself with China and opposed any connections with the Congress.
• This division resulted in a split in 1964, forming the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M).
• Following the conflict, many CPI(M) leaders were arrested for their pro-China stance.

Q25: 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.

Q26: Why did India distance herself from the two superpower camps?
Ans:India distanced herself from the two superpower camps for several reasons:

• Colonial Struggles: India faced significant challenges from colonialism and imperialism. After gaining independence, the nation focused on economic reconstruction in a peaceful environment, opting not to join any military alliances to avoid increased tensions.
• Non-Alignment Policy: India adopted a policy of non-alignment to promote peaceful coexistence and contribute to global stability.
• International Prestige: By maintaining a neutral stance on international issues, India aimed to enhance its prestige and gain respect from both superpower blocs, thereby reducing global tensions.
• Sovereignty and Development: The policy was essential for preserving India's hard-earned sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and fostering rapid economic development.

Q27: Analyse any two courses of conflict between India and China.
Ans:The following are the main irritants between China and India:

• Border Dispute and McMahon Line:
  The disagreement over the McMahon Line, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, is a significant source of conflict. China’s refusal to recognize the line led to the 1962 Sino-Indian War, with China occupying Indian territory that remains under its control.

• China’s Support for Pakistan:
  China’s military and strategic alliance with Pakistan, including support in international forums, poses a security threat to India, further exacerbating tensions between the two countries.

Q28: Explain any two factors responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy.
Ans:The failure of Pakistan to establish a stable democracy can be attributed to several key factors:

• Military Dominance: The military, along with the clergy and landed aristocracy, has historically overthrown democratic governments. Continuous conflicts with India have strengthened the power of military rulers and pro-military factions.
• Fundamentalism: The presence of a strong fundamentalist element in society has further complicated the political landscape, hindering democratic development.

Q29: Describe any two major objectives of Nehru’s foreign policy.
Ans:The two major objectives of Nehru's foreign policy were:

• Preserving sovereignty and protecting territorial integrity.
• Promoting rapid economic development.

As India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru was instrumental in shaping these policies from 1946 to 1964. He aimed to achieve these goals through a strategy of non-alignment.

Q30: Explain India’s Nuclear Policy.
Ans: India’s Nuclear Policy-

• No First Use (NFU): India follows a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons.
• Commitment to Nuclear Disarmament: Advocates for global, verifiable, and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament, aiming for a nuclear-free world.
• Initiation of Nuclear Program: The nuclear program began in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J. Bhaba, with a focus on using science and technology to modernize India.
• Opposition to Nuclear Weapons: India was initially against nuclear weapons and called for nuclear disarmament, engaging with superpowers on this issue.
• Rejection of NPT: India refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), considering it discriminatory.
• First Nuclear Test (1974): India conducted its first nuclear test in May 1974, calling it a peaceful nuclear explosion (PNE) and emphasizing the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Q31: Describe any four issues of conflict between India and China .
Ans: Issues of Conflict between India and China:

• A significant conflict began when China annexed Tibet in 1950, removing a historical buffer between the two nations. Initially, India did not openly oppose this action.
• India became increasingly concerned as China suppressed Tibetan culture, leading to unease within the Indian government.
• A border dispute emerged when China claimed the Aksai Chin area and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, known then as NEFA, as its territory.
• Despite extensive discussions between leaders, these issues remain unresolved, resulting in ongoing tensions.

Q32: 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.

Q33: What was Tibet issue? How did it cause tension between India and China? Explain.
Ans:   The Tibet issue has been a significant source of tension between India and China since the mid-20th century. 
Key points include:

• In 1950, China asserted control over Tibet, which was met with resistance from many Tibetans.
• In 1958, an armed uprising occurred in Tibet against Chinese rule, leading to a crackdown by Chinese forces.
• India supported the Tibetan cause, granting asylum to the Dalai Lama in 1959, which angered China.
• China accused India of harbouring anti-China activities, escalating tensions.
• Prior to this, a boundary dispute arose, with India claiming a colonial-era border, while China rejected this claim.
• China occupied the Aksai Chin area and parts of Arunachal Pradesh between 1957 and 1959.
• In 1962, China launched a military invasion, resulting in further conflict.

Q34: Access any four principles of India’s foreign policy.
Ans: India's foreign policy is guided by the principles of Panchsheel, which means "five principles" that promote peaceful coexistence. 
The key principles are:

• Panchsheel: Emphasises mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
• Non-alignment: India does not align with any military blocs.
• Focus on mutual benefits and equality in international relations.
• Commitment to non-aggression and non-interference in others' affairs.
• Efforts to maintain international peace and understanding.

Q35: 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.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q36: Explain the meaning of Non-alignment and distinguish it from neutrality.
Ans:Non-alignment refers to a foreign policy approach adopted by India, particularly under the leadership of Pt. Nehru, after the Second World War. This policy was crucial for India, which was newly independent and faced numerous internal challenges. 
Here are the key aspects of non-alignment:

• Independence: India chose not to align with any military bloc, maintaining its sovereignty.
• Independent Policy: Non-alignment allows a nation to form its own opinions on global issues without being subordinate to any group.
• Peaceful Relations: The policy promotes friendly and cooperative ties with all nations, avoiding divisive agreements that threaten global peace.
• Active Engagement: Non-alignment is not about being neutral; it involves active participation in international affairs.
• Positive Commitment: India aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western ideologies, promoting peace and cooperation.

The distinction between non-alignment and neutrality is significant:

• Neutrality: This term applies mainly in wartime, indicating a state's decision not to take sides in a conflict.
• Non-alignment: This concept encompasses both peace and conflict, focusing on maintaining an independent foreign policy.
• Legal Context: Neutrality is often discussed in terms of international law, while non-alignment is a broader term in international relations.

Pt. Nehru emphasised that non-alignment does not equate to indifference. He stated that when freedom and justice are at risk, India cannot remain passive. Instead, it must actively work towards global peace. Thus, while neutrality avoids taking sides, non-alignment asserts a commitment to an independent and proactive 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 significantly impacted India's image both domestically and internationally:

• India sought military assistance from the United States and the United Kingdom to manage the crisis.
• The Soviet Union maintained a neutral stance during the conflict.
• This invasion caused a sense of national humiliation but also fostered a spirit of nationalism among Indians.
• Several senior army commanders either resigned or were retired following the conflict.
• The then Defence Minister, V. Krishna Menon, resigned from his position.
• For the first time, a no-confidence motion was introduced against the government, reflecting growing discontent.
• Prime Minister Nehru faced severe criticism for his defence and foreign policies, damaging his stature.

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.