India's International Relations

Indias international relations reflect a traditional policy of non-alignment with its emphasis upon international peace, peaceful coexistence and independent foreign policy, which have been helpful for India in securing its national interests as well as in building up an influential position in world politics. Indias international relations have been characterised by the basic tenets of Panchsheel. Peace, disarmament, self-reliance, non-alignment, mutual respect and development are the factors that provide the foundation of Indias international relations and also determine its reactions to developments taking place in different parts of the world. Indias foreign policy since the time of Independence has essentially been to expand its strategic space.

The end of the bipolar world, with the disintegration of Soviet Union, ushered in an era of extraordinary flux and transition. The tragic event of 9/11 exposed the acute vulnerability of all nations to terrorist threats of unprecedented proportions.

Indias foreign policy has to adapt to the rapidly changing global scenario and at the same time reconcile with the remarkable changes taking place within India itself. The country has significantly expanded its network of international relations. Its political engagement and economic and technical cooperation with the world are greater today than ever before.

This book Indias International Relations, in two volumes, attempts to cover all important aspects of Indias relations with major countriesthe United States, Russia, China, the UK, and the European Union. The most significant development from the point of view of international diplomacy and energy security for India has been the Indo-US strategic partnership which fructified into the historic Indo-US Nuclear Deal. The book highlights this landmark in relations between the worlds two great democratic countries. It also studies Indias relations with its neighboursPakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepaland focuses on the countrys vital role in the whole of South Asia in pursuit of helping it emerge as a region of flourishing democracies. The vast coverage of the book will be of great help to the students, researchers and teachers of Indian politics and international relations.

The book would also be useful to government executives and parliamentarians of several countries concerned with the formulation and execution of the foreign policy. Common readers interested in knowing about Indias relations with the world would find the book useful, informative and interesting.