While India maintained a non-aligned stance in principle, its foreign policy during the Cold War was marked by pragmatic alliances and relationships that occasionally aligned more closely with one superpower than the other. Examine.

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

1. While India maintained a non-aligned stance in principle, its foreign policy during the Cold War was marked by pragmatic alliances and relationships that occasionally aligned more closely with one superpower than the other. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India , Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: Highlight nature of engagement of NAM countries with the superpowers. Evaluate the role played by India, as a member of NAM. Directive: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Introduce NAM, and the background in which it emerged. Body: Elaborate on the role played by NAM in easing tensions between the superpowers by citing examples. Note how NAM did not practise isolationism or neutrality. Next, write the role played by India as part of NAM, and steps taken by it to reduce geo-political tensions. Next, write about the nature of non-alignment by India. Conclusion: Conclude by giving a balanced opinion on the issue.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

Highlight nature of engagement of NAM countries with the superpowers. Evaluate the role played by India, as a member of NAM.

Directive:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce NAM, and the background in which it emerged.

Elaborate on the role played by NAM in easing tensions between the superpowers by citing examples. Note how NAM did not practise isolationism or neutrality.

Next, write the role played by India as part of NAM, and steps taken by it to reduce geo-political tensions.

Next, write about the nature of non-alignment by India.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion on the issue.