Notes For All Chapters – Political Science Class 9
What is Foreign Policy?
Meaning: Foreign policy is a country’s plan for dealing with other nations.
Why It Matters: No country can survive alone; all depend on each other. Foreign policy decides who to be friends with, join groups, or stay neutral.
Importance: It helps a country stay safe, grow strong, and benefit from global ties.
Fun Fact: To understand a country, look at its Constitution and foreign policy!
National Interest
What It Is: National interest means keeping a country free, safe, and growing.
Key Parts:
- Defence: Protecting freedom, borders, and unity is the top goal.
- Economic Development: A strong economy keeps a country independent.
Link to Foreign Policy: National interest is the goal; foreign policy is the way to reach it.
Changes: Goals change with time, so foreign policy is always updating.
Factors Affecting Foreign Policy
Geographical Location:
- Where a country is matters-its size, neighbors, coastline, and resources.
- Example: India looks at Pakistan and China because they’re close.
Political System:
- In a democracy like India, Parliament discusses and shapes foreign policy.
- States like Tamil Nadu (near Sri Lanka) or West Bengal (near Bangladesh) also influence it.
- Why? Peace in neighboring countries keeps India peaceful too.
Economy:
- A strong economy means less dependence and a free foreign policy.
- It helps build trade and economic security, as important as defence.
- Question: Should we focus on making people rich instead of reducing poverty? Why or why not?
Political Leadership:
- Leaders like the Prime Minister and ministers guide foreign policy.
- Examples: Nehru gave non-alignment; Vajpayee improved ties with China.
Administrative Factors:
- The Ministry of External Affairs, embassies, and officers help make decisions.
- They collect info and give advice to leaders.
India’s Foreign Policy
Start: India began shaping its foreign policy after independence in 1947.
Guide: Article 51 of the Constitution says:
- Promote peace and security worldwide.
- Keep fair relations with all nations.
- Respect international laws and treaties.
- Solve disputes peacefully (arbitration).
Goals:
- Friendly ties with neighbors without risking India’s safety.
- Protect India’s unity and borders.
- Look after Indians living abroad (via embassies).
- Build trade for economic growth.
Review of India’s Foreign Policy
First Stage: 1947-1990
Leader: Pandit Nehru shaped it with peace and non-alignment.
Focus:
- Stayed neutral in the Cold War, got help from both superpowers.
- Worked with Asia and Africa for development and freedom.
- Strengthened defence with help from Soviet Russia, France, and Germany.
Challenges:
- Wars with Pakistan (1947-48, 1965, 1971-Bangladesh created).
- Conflict with China.
Changes:
- 1970s: India became a strong South Asian power; nuclear test in 1974.
- 1980s: Started SAARC, talks with China, and security ties with America.
Second Stage: 1991-Today
Changes: Focus shifted to economy, trade, education, and technology.
Key Points:
- Adopted free market policy after 1991; trade grew with neighbors.
- Stronger ties with Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Japan, China, and the EU.
- Joined groups like G-20 and BRICS.
- Relations with America improved; India’s global status rose.
Nuclear Policy
- Start: After 1947, India began a nuclear program for electricity.
- Leader: Dr. Homi Bhabha, first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
- Tests: 1974 (Pokharan) and 1998; built nuclear weapons and missiles.
- Stand: India supports disarmament but keeps weapons responsibly.
- Why No Treaties?: NNPT and CTBT favor big powers, so India didn’t sign.
Key Ideas
- Non-Alignment: Not picking sides in the Cold War, focusing on peace.
- Self-Reliance: Depending on ourselves as much as possible.
- Peace: Solving problems without war is India’s goal.
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