Aastha Goyal, School of Law, NMIMS Hyderabad
ABSTRACT
During the Cold War, India's foreign policy went from being pro-Soviet and hostile to Western interests when it first gained independence in 1947 to currently being an essential Western strategic partner and offering a counterbalance to China. Over the previous six and a half decades, India has dramatically increased its global influence, mostly via diplomacy and commerce, establishing itself as a major player in global affairs. There are several factors that have influenced India's foreign policy over time. Going through the politics of international relations is like to walking through a minefield; one false step can lead to disaster. While safeguarding India's interests, its foreign policy must also avoid fomenting antagonistic ties in the process. These goals and orientations are at the heart of India's foreign policy.
That being said, foreign policy is a dynamic idea that changes in response to home and international events. Nonetheless, there are some concepts and aims that are resistant to rapid change. One of these fundamental concepts is national security. Regardless of the circumstances, no country can jeopardise its national security. As a result, foreign policy is the vehicle through which a country's national interests are realised. A foreign policy devoid of national interest is a futile effort.
