Abstract

Foreign policy is a term that is often heard in the context of international relations, but foreign policy is the set of goals, strategies, and actions that a state or a non-state actor pursues in its relations with other actors in the international system. Background: Post-independence, India’s foreign policy was shaped in the context of an ideologically divided world. Over time, India has adjusted its foreign policy and economic structures to respond to global changes, including the end of the Cold War and the onset of globalization. Objective: This paper aims to explore the meaning and objectives of foreign policy, the evolution of Indian foreign policy, its defining features, key issues, and strategic priorities. It also provides recommendations for improving India’s foreign policy strategy. Methods: The study employs a qualitative analysis of primary and secondary sources, including policy documents, historical records, and academic literature, to trace the development and dynamics of Indian foreign policy. Findings: Foreign policy is the framework guiding a nation’s international relations, aimed at ensuring sovereignty, security, and development. Under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, India adopted non-alignment during the Cold War to avoid alignment with the US or Soviet blocs. Core principles include sovereignty, non-alignment, strategic autonomy, and regional cooperation. Challenges include balancing great power relations, border disputes, regional instability, and adapting to shifts in global governance structures. Conclusion: India’s foreign policy reflects its commitment to strategic autonomy while addressing global and regional challenges. The integration of economic reforms and diplomatic pragmatism highlights India’s adaptive approach in an evolving international system. Implications: By understanding the historical and strategic dimensions of India’s foreign policy, this paper provides valuable insights into its future trajectory and offers actionable recommendations for enhancing strategic priorities.

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