Are you preparing for UPSC, SSC, or other government exams? Well, foreign policy questions are more or less certain to appear, and they are heavily marked as well! I’ve been assisting students in cracking these exams for years now, and believe me, foreign policy is one segment you just cannot afford to neglect.
Why Foreign Policy is Key in Government Exams
Foreign policy questions are present in both prelims and mains of all competitive exams. From current affairs to international relations sections, they’re ubiquitous. And the thing is – most students get confused with this topic because there’s simply too much to cover! But don’t worry, I’m simplifying it for you today.
Must-Know Foreign Policies for Government Exams
1. Non-Alignment Policy & Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
This is likely to be the most significant foreign policy idea you have to be aware of. India’s policy of non-alignment was initiated by Nehru upon independence. The essential philosophy was to have independence in foreign affairs and not align with any of the large power blocs during the Cold War.
Points to remember:
Bandung Conference (1955) was the forerunner of NAM
NAM was formally created in 1961 at the Belgrade Conference
Five founding fathers: Nehru (India), Tito (Yugoslavia), Nasser (Egypt), Sukarno (Indonesia), and Nkrumah (Ghana)
India’s post-Cold War position has developed into what is termed “multi-alignment” by experts
Exam tip: Questions tend to ask the founding principles and recent NAM summits.
2. Look East Policy & Act East Policy
First conceived by P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991, the Look East Policy was directed towards deepening economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations. It was rechristened as the Act East Policy in 2014 by PM Modi.
Points to note:
Look East Policy (1991) had a major emphasis on economic interaction
Act East Policy (2014) broadened the horizon to encompass strategic and security collaboration
Target countries are ASEAN members, Japan, South Korea, Australia
Aims to offset China’s increasing clout in the neighborhood
Exam tip: Compare and contrast questions between Look East and Act East policies are regular.
3. Gujral Doctrine
This doctrine was named after I.K. Gujral (PM during 1997-98) and focused on enhancing relations with neighbors.
Key points to remember:
Five principles based on non-interference, respect for territorial integrity
Special emphasis on asymmetric relationships (India would never seek reciprocity from small neighbors)
Directed towards better ties with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives
Influence on water-sharing agreements and boundary conflicts
Tips for exam: Questions usually ask about the fundamental principles and applications of the doctrine.
4. Neighborhood First Policy
Propounded by the Modi government in 2014, this policy has given a prime position to India’s relationship with its neighboring countries.
Main points to keep in mind:
SAARC leaders invited to Modi’s swearing-in in 2014
It addresses connectivity, cooperation in development, and security
Special relationship with Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan
Pakistan challenges and recent events with Sri Lanka
Exam tip: Current affairs questions tend to associate this policy with recent events in neighboring nations.
5. Indo-Pacific Strategy & Quad
India’s Indo-Pacific engagement has been a focal point of its foreign policy over the past few years.
Important points to note:
Indo-Pacific as opposed to Asia-Pacific conceptualization
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with US, Japan, and Australia
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine
Sea security, freedom of navigation, rule-based order
Exam tip: This is a current affairs hot topic. Follow recent Quad meetings and combined exercises.
6. Strategic Autonomy
Although not an official doctrine, strategic autonomy has been a recurring theme in Indian foreign policy.
Important points to recall:
Balance between the big powers (US, Russia, China)
Defense diversification (buying weapons from various countries)
Independent position on key international issues
Pattern of UN resolution votes
Exam tip: Case study questions tend to query how India exercised strategic autonomy in particular international contexts.
Significant Bilateral, Regional Relations to Focus On
1. India-US Relations
Aspects to study:
Civil Nuclear Deal (123 Agreement)
Defense cooperation (LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA agreements)
Trade issues and GSP withdrawal
2+2 Dialogue mechanism
Recent developments under Biden administration
2. India-Russia Relations
Aspects to study:
Historical friendship and defense procurement (S-400 deal)
Energy cooperation
Impact of Russia-Ukraine war on bilateral ties
International North-South Transport Corridor
Annual summits and recent updates
3. India-China Relations
Important areas to research:
Border conflicts (1962 war, Doklam standoff, Galwan clash)
Trade imbalance and economic rivalry
BRICS and SCO cooperation
Water sharing conflict (Brahmaputra)
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Indian reaction
4. India-Pakistan Relations
Important areas to research:
Kashmir dispute and Article 370 revocation
Cross-border terror and surgical strikes
Withdrawal of Most Favored Nation status
Indus Waters Treaty
Recent diplomatic developments
Multilateral Forums Important for Exams
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)
ASEAN and ASEAN-centric mechanisms
G20 and Indian presidency
Reforms of UN Security Council and India’s permanent seat claim
Foreign Policy Issues of Contemporary Time
Climate Diplomacy – Paris Agreement, ISA (International Solar Alliance)
Vaccine Diplomacy – Vaccine Maitri initiative amid COVID-19
Energy Security – Oil imports, diversification, renewable drive
Diaspora Engagement – NRI/PIO policies, evacuation efforts (Vande Bharat)
Terrorism and Extremism – CCIT (Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism)
How to Prepare Foreign Policy for Government Exams
Create a timeline: Prepare a chronological list of significant policy changes to grasp development
Map it out: Employ maps to comprehend geospatial locations of policies (particularly for neighborhood relations)
Follow credible sources: Hindu, Indian Express, MEA website, Rajya Sabha TV debates
Practice last year questions: Observe the trend of questions asked in your desired exam
Current affairs relate: Always connect historical policies to recent developments
Common Question Types in Exams
Match the following – Pairing policies with their designers or major principles
Assertion-Reason – Proving your knowledge of cause-effect chains
Chronological ordering – Listing events in right order
Case studies – Utilizing policy theories to particular instances
Comparison questions – Comparing various policies or various stages of the same policy
Conclusion
Foreign policy is a scoring topic if done well. Pay attention to the fundamental principles and development instead of memorizing too much information. The conceptual clarity will enable you to answer even the most difficult questions in the exam.
Keep in mind that in government exams, they don’t only check your knowledge but also your analytical skills. So make connections between various policies and know how they are part of India’s overall strategic goals.
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