12 February 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) How did the policy of non-alignment reflect the aspirations of India and other newly independent nations to maintain their sovereignty and resist colonial and imperial pressures? (10 marks, 150 words)

Answer:

India’s policy of non-alignment constantly adapted to the changing global landscape and India’s own evolving needs. This adaptability allowed India to maintain its core principle of an independent foreign policy while navigating the complexities of the Cold War. Early on, factors like the desire for autonomy, strategic ties with the USSR, and a strong commitment to peace all played a role in shaping this policy.

NON-ALIGNMENT POLICIES REFLECTION TOWARDS THE INDEPENDENT NATIONS AND INDIA:

1. Freedom from Cold War Entanglements: Non-alignment allowed these nations to avoid getting entangled in the superpower rivalry between the US and USSR. Helped them safeguard their independence in foreign policy and military decisions. For example, India refused to join the US-led SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation)
2. Self-Determination: By not aligning with either bloc, these countries asserted their right to chart their own course in international affairs. They weren’t pressured to side with a superpower for economic or military aid. For example, Establishing their own diplomatic and military alliances.
3. Peaceful Coexistence: Non-alignment emphasized peaceful settlement of international disputes. This resonated with newly independent nations seeking to build their own nations without external interference. For example, Resonated with India’s long-standing tradition and ethos of non-violence and mediation in case of any tussle at international level.
4. Focus on Development: Freed from the pressures of the Cold War, these countries could prioritize internal development and economic growth without being drawn into proxy wars or military buildups. For example, Industrial and Economic policies of India and other South-Asian countries.
5. Equality of Nations: Non-alignment challenged the existing power structure where the West dominated international relations. It promoted the idea of all nations, regardless of size or ideology, having an equal voice.
6. Moral High Ground: Non-aligned nations positioned themselves as advocates for peace and decolonization, earning them moral authority on the world stage. For example, Proud nationalism with their cultures at the centre stage.

TO RESIST COLONIAL AND IMPERIAL PRESSURE FROM NON-ALIGNMENT POLICIES:

1. Breaking Free from Alliances: Newly independent nations had just thrown off the yoke of colonialism. Joining a Cold War bloc felt like choosing a new master.
2. Avoiding Proxy Wars: The Cold War saw superpowers sponsor conflicts in strategically important regions. Non-alignment helped these nations avoid becoming battlegrounds in someone else’s war, protecting their sovereignty and young democracies. For example, not choosing any sides despite the pressure from the US and USSR during the Korean War.
3. Economic Independence: Colonial powers often controlled trade and resources. Non-alignment allowed these nations to explore trade partnerships with both East and West, reducing economic dependence on former colonizers. For example, a former British Colony, Ghana leveraged NAM to diversify its trade partnerships and ultimately established trade relations with Eastern European Countries.
4. Moral Stand Against Interventionism: Non-alignment challenged the idea that powerful nations could dictate the affairs of smaller ones. It promoted self-determination and resistance to any form of external pressure, be it political or economic. For example, Strong condemnation of non-aligned countries against intervention of Western powers during Congo Crisis in 1960s.
5. Collective Bargaining Power: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) gave these nations a collective voice. They could push back against unfair trade practices or resist pressure to align with a specific bloc, strengthening their bargaining position with former colonial powers.

India’s non-alignment policy, shaped by domestic needs and the Cold War, evolved into a powerful tool for a rising middle power. It balanced independence with strategic partnerships (like the USSR) and a commitment for peaceful existence. It also inspired Afro-Asian nations and helped shift the focus of the Non-Aligned Movement towards economic development issues.

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