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NDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY UNDER FORMER

PRIME MINISTER INDIRA GANDHI

Cheryll Ignatius A C

242701037

Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, MAHE

India’s Foreign Policy

Under the Guidance of Dr. Amrita Jash

November 27 2024
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India’s Foreign Policy under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi, the first and only female Prime Minister of India (as of 2024), was a
transformative leader who impactfully shaped the foreign policy of the country during her
terms from 1966-77 and 1980-1984 (Office). She inherited the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru and
an international landscape that was defined by the bipolarity of the cold war. During her regime,
she took assertive actions and did decisive interventions which established India as a dominant
power in South Asia. The strategic collaboration of Indira Gandhi with the Soviet Union further
consolidated the geopolitical standing of India allowing for military and economic aid.

Studying her policy decisions regarding her foreign relations is important because these
relations did indeed shape India’s standing and its regional sphere, balancing ideological
stances of non-alignment with realistic approaches to external challenges. The approach, and
legacy, however, survive as evidence of the Nation’s involvement in called diplomacy at a
crucial point in time, emphasising her role in directing India’s foreign policy and how those
policies positioned India in international affairs. The major objectives of the paper are:

1. To analyse the key foreign policy decisions & strategic approach of Indira Gandhi from
the major geopolitical events and their lasting impact.

2. To examine the effect of her electoral defeat in 1977 on her foreign policy approaches.

The Indira Doctrine

Indira Gandhi was the first Prime Minister to strongly condemned any kind of external
terrorism, after India’s independence. (Mondal, 2021)

The Indira Doctrine marks one of the most prominent frameworks in Indian foreign policy,
materializing in the context of India's strategic interests in South Asia, around the period
between the 1970s and 1980s, marking a critical phase in India's foreign policy cycle, marked
by an aggressive stance, aimed to ensure regional stability as well as the interests of India in
South Asia. The Indira Doctrine aims at maintaining dominance in the South Asian region, like
the Monroe Doctrine of the United States, which was set to ban any influence by European
powers into the Americas. This doctrine provokes that India's security is highly associated with
the security of its South Asian neighbours. Thus, foreign interventions in the region are
considered a threat direct to the national security of India. This implied that India should
prepare its military might to defend itself from the neighbouring countries, more so against
those perceived to have hostile intentions towards India. It also supported an active,
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interventionist foreign policy, encouraging India to step in when necessary to stop conflicts or
external forces that could destabilize the region. A clear example of this approach was seen
during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when India intervened, claiming it was for
humanitarian reasons. Indira Gandhi’s foreign policy also emphasized India’s historical and
cultural ties with its neighbours, like the Tamils in Sri Lanka, with the aim of building goodwill
while also asserting India’s influence in the region. (Ogden, 2019) (Lal, 2009)

Major Events and Indira Gandhi’s Strategic Approach

The Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 is an important event that impacted India's foreign
policy heavily. The conflict was a consequence of the struggle of East Pakistan (now
Bangladesh) for independence from West Pakistan. India's military intervention, that started on
December 3, 1971, was a strategic start. With the context of an external threat from India, Indira
Gandhi sought to alter the Indian strategy regarding the means and ends of diplomacy. Not only
did she try to safeguard India's military policy, but also strongly conserve India's policy of
nonalignment. The victory not only led to the creation of Bangladesh but also demonstrated
India's military capabilities and made it a hegemonic power in the South Asian region. The war
had extensively changed the geopolitics of South Asia (Correspondent, 2021). By supporting
the independence movement, India addressed humanitarian concerns and did the prospect of a
two-front war against Pakistan, hence reducing its security risks to a significant extent. Many
scholars argue that Nehru might have favoured a diplomatic solution in Bangladesh. However,
Indira Gandhi effectively countered repressive forces in East Pakistan, securing the region from
violence and unfreedom. The Liberation of Bangladesh stands as a great example of pragmatic
peace in action by India Gandhi's leadership. (Mondal, 2021)

The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace Friendship and Cooperation, signed on August 9, 1971, was
the turning point where India Soviet Relations matured into coordination (GOI, 1971). The
treaty was of great help to India during the Bangladesh war, both militarily and diplomatically.
It required consultations in case of any threats from outsiders, thus improving the security
posture of India towards China as well as Pakistan. The treaty was further a turning point in
Indian foreign policy as it moved away from neutrality to pro-Soviet stance enabling to
integrate the support of Soviets whilst countering the influence of the US in the region. Both
countries are said to view the treaty of friendship as being necessary from a historical and
strategic standpoint. This treaty of friendship has acted as an initiative of peace and cooperation
between India and the Soviet Union. (Mondal, 2021).
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After India's independence, the country announced several programs to develop and use
nuclear power for peaceful economic purposes. On May 18, 1974, India conducted its first
nuclear test, called Smiling Buddha. This test marked India’s entry into the group of nuclear-
capable nations and was described as a peaceful nuclear explosion. The main goal was to
strengthen national security during growing tensions with neighbouring countries like China
and Pakistan. Indira Gandhi strongly resisted pressure from Western countries to sign the Non-
Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The purpose of India’s nuclear test was focused on developing
nuclear energy, not creating weapons for military use (India G. o., India’s view on the Treaty
on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, 2021). Within India, the nuclear explosion greatly
boosted her government’s image. It gave India a new status as a nuclear-capable nation, both
at home and internationally. Under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, India became a country
recognized for nuclear stability. (India C. , 2021)

After gaining independence in 1947, India made Sikkim a protectorate through a treaty in 1950
(Programme). This agreement allowed India to handle Sikkim's defense and foreign affairs,
and the internal matters were handled by Sikkim itself. Later, increasing discontent with
Sikkim’s monarchy and events like China’s invasion of Tibet in 1950 made India focus more
on keeping Sikkim stable and aligned with its interests. On April 26, 1975, the Indian
Parliament passed the Thirty-Sixth Amendment, and on May 16, 1975, through which Sikkim
became the 22nd state of India (India N. P., 1975). This step helped India secure its northern
borders from potential Chinese threats and ensured Sikkim could not be used against Indian
interests. With ongoing border disputes between India and China, this merger reinforced India’s
efforts to protect its borders and maintain a strong presence in the Himalayan region, which
has been critical for national security. (Bhutia, 2017)

During her time as Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi skilfully handled the challenges of the Cold
War by neutrally balancing relations between the global superpowers. Despite India following
the policy of non-alignment, she strategically understood the importance of working closely
with the Soviet Union. At the same time, she kept good relations with Western countries,
particularly the United States, to avoid depending too much on one side and to maintain India's
independence in foreign policy. Her practical diplomacy ensured India could have an important
role in global affairs without getting involved in the ideological conflicts of the Cold War. The
situation changed in 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Such a war posed new
challenges to India, as it needed to keep its close ties with the Soviet Union while silently facing
US criticism. The invasion had also caused instability in the region. India maintained its
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relation with the Soviet Union but was engaging in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the
issues. She kept balancing the relations with both the superpowers of the world, being cautious
about trying to maintain stability in that region, keeping in mind the dangers of the situation.
This was a skilled and able action and decision taken while keeping India's security and
strategic interests safe. (Mondal, 2021).

Electoral Defeat in 1977 – Impact on Foreign Policy

The defeat of Indira Gandhi in the 1977 elections marked a turning point in Indian politics,
primarily due to major discontent at the curtailment of civil liberties during the Emergency
period from 1975-1977. The Janata Party, which was a coalition of opposition parties, came to
power, pointing towards a change in governance.

During her period of the defeat, she realized that relations needed to be improved with the West,
particularly with the United States. Her policy of alignment with the Soviet Union had already
strained India's relations with the West and had deteriorated further following the 1971 Indo-
Pakistani War and the nuclear tests thereafter. The government of Janata Party stresses the
decrease in militaristic approach. This was partly because of their concern for internal stability
and the economy; a great difference compared to Indira Gandhi's previous bold military
assertiveness. (Darbhamulla, 2024)

Indira Gandhi’s Return in 1980

When Indira Gandhi came back to power in 1980, she kept few lessons learnt from the electoral
defeat and implemented modified foreign policy strategies. Her foreign policy during this
period was striking in terms of achieving some delicate balance between domestic challenges
and India's position in the world. Recognizing the political defeat due to her earlier
authoritarian style, she adopted a more inclusive approach to governance. This included
engaging with all kinds of political factions, as well as attempting to address some domestic
concerns that were left unattended during her earlier tenure. Nonetheless, Gandhi still
maintained an assertive regional posture. She concentrated on national security issues, more
directly related to Pakistan, which was always a matter of concern because of the unresolved
situation resulting from the Kashmir dispute and the emergence of different separatist groups.
She also witnessed heavy domestic security issues. When Gandhi looked for new realities, she
still based her foundational method of earlier foreign policies of non-alignment and strategic
autonomy. She continued to express demands of India's interests, addressing the complexity of
international relationships. Her approach was pragmatic; India was a nation able to open its
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doors to several other global powers with national interests in the right order, which meant
relations between Western nations and traditional allies, the Soviet Union. (Green, 2013)

Challenges and Controversies

Despite several strategic decision and achievements in India’s Foreign Policy under Indira
Gandhi’s leadership, there were notable challenges and drawbacks that shaped India’s
international standing and relations with the neighbouring countries.

The declaration of a state of emergency assaulted civil liberties and implemented widespread
political opposition and tension. This period damaged her domestic standing and affected her
international image of India as a democracy, committed to human rights. The backlash from
this decision contributed significantly to her electoral defeat in 1977. (Singh, 2018)

The Soviet alignment through the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty alienated Western powers - the
United States. In addition, U.S. support for Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War had
seriously contrasted relations between India and the United States. The U.S. saw India as a
potential adversary because it had close ties with the socialist bloc. India's nuclear ambitions
further constrained its relations with the West, especially regarding non-proliferation treaties.
Indira Gandhi's refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) made India a pariah
state (a nation that is diplomatically and politically isolated by the international community,
often due to actions or policies it has taken that others deem unacceptable or that conflict with
international norms) for many nations in the West.

The increased tensions and violence surrounding Indira Gandhi's policies toward Punjab and
its Sikh community increased tension in 1984 with the Operation Blue Star military operation
to flush out militants from the Golden Temple. It involved heavy losses, and contributed to a
rise in separatist feelings. (Singh, 2018)

The Sri Lankan civil conflict, which was to assert Indian influence while avoiding a direct
intervention approach, resulted in merely a perception of Indian inadequacy in solving the
Tamil issue effectively, followed by long-term instability for Sri Lanka and criticism for India's
role as a regional power. (Carment, 2006)

Indira Gandhi's foreign policy was frequently reactive rather than proactive. Her approach
towards the neighbouring countries was at times assertive and cautionary, which confused
Indians about the true intentions of India and Indira Gandhi.
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Conclusion

Indira Gandhi's foreign policy is proudly known by her bold and assertive actions to establish
India as a strong regional power while managing major challenges. During her time, India took
decisive military actions, built key alliances, and adapted to significant global polarity. These
efforts improved India's position and security in the region but also led to issues. Despite the
difficulties, Indira Gandhi laid a strong foundation for India’s modern diplomacy. Her approach
balanced strength, with a focus on peace using military power and strategic partnerships, to
protect India’s security and promote stability in the region.

Then in the transformative and crucial era of cold war, India’s Foreign Policy by Indira Gandhi
gave India a patriotic and firm global stand. Today, India still follows the principles she set,
maintaining balanced ties with major global powers like the United States, Russia, and China.

Her leadership not only strengthened India’s global presence but also established her as a realist
and a leader focused on peace. Her policies remain relevant as India defines its evolving role
in international affairs.
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