What was Nehru's approach to India's foreign policy post-1947?

Nehru's approach to India's foreign policy post-1947 was based on principles of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence.

Jawaharlal Nehru, as the first Prime Minister of independent India, played a significant role in shaping the country's foreign policy. His approach was largely influenced by the principles of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, which were aimed at maintaining India's sovereignty and promoting peace in the world.

Nehru's non-alignment policy was a strategic decision to keep India away from the power blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He believed that aligning with any of these blocs would compromise India's independence and sovereignty. Instead, he advocated for a middle path, where India would not be a part of any military alliances but would maintain friendly relations with all countries. This policy allowed India to receive aid and support from both the blocs without getting involved in their ideological conflicts.

The principle of peaceful coexistence was another cornerstone of Nehru's foreign policy. He believed that countries should respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and should not interfere in each other's internal affairs. This principle was reflected in the Panchsheel Agreement that India signed with China in 1954. The agreement laid down five principles of peaceful coexistence, which included mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

Nehru's foreign policy also focused on promoting international cooperation and peace. He played a key role in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement, which aimed at giving a voice to the newly independent countries that did not want to align with any of the power blocs. He also advocated for disarmament and was a strong critic of nuclear weapons.

In conclusion, Nehru's approach to India's foreign policy was based on the principles of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence. His policies were aimed at maintaining India's sovereignty, promoting international cooperation and peace, and avoiding involvement in the power struggles of the Cold War era.