Continuity and change are features of all foreign policies. Foreign policy of a nation reflects continuity because it is based on, and guards, the long term national interests of the nation. Continuity in foreign policy reflects the foresightedness and the vision of the foreign policy makers. Similarly, change is also an important aspect of all foreign policies. Change reflects pragmatism of the policy makers holding this responsibility. Change is necessary because the environment, both internal and external, is constantly at flux. Hence, countries need to adjust themselves to the changing circumstances. Therefore, both continuity and change are important features of any foreign policy. Indian foreign policy is no exception to this rule.

Preservation of our territorial integrity and freedom of policy, international peace, economic development, protection of the interest of PIOs abroad, and freedom of dependent people have been the primary objectives of Indian foreign policy. Principles adopted towards the fulfillment of these objectives were NAM, Panchsheel, solidarity with the third world countries, establishment of a just world order, support to UN, anti imperialism, etc. All governments, from the times of Nehru to the present UPA led government, have shown due regard to these principles of our foreign policy.

NAM has been the fundamental principle of our foreign policy. We still honour and pursue it. It implied keeping away from bloc politics and maintaining our autonomy. This tradition of autonomy in foreign policy making is still reflected in not giving in to the pressure for signing in the NPT and the CTBT. An exception to the rule of non alignment came in when India signed a secret agreement with the Soviets during 1970’s. However, it must be noted that India signed this deal to save its territorial integrity. It was a deal for our survival. Hence, we followed the policy of NAM with continuity as well as change. It reflects pragmatic strategy.

Panchsheel has been another example of both continuity and change in our foreign policy. India has adhered to the principle of non interference in the internal matters of any country. However, the change can be seen in Indian involvement in the liberation of East Pakistan and sending our troops to Sri Lanka. Interference in East Pakistan was done to safeguard our national integrity. Troops were sent to Sri Lanka to save the region from getting involved into super power rivalry.

There is a remarkable shift in Indian Foreign Policy when it comes to nuclear weapons.  India has travelled a long way from the time when it stated that it would never possess nuclear weapons to the present times when it is demanding the status of a nuclear weapon state. India was by and large forced to change its stance.

India has always remained committed to the goal of disarmament. We have raised this issue from the platform of UN many times. However, seeing the attitude of the major nuclear powers and tacit support to Pakistan’s nuclear programme by China, India was forced to undertake its own nuclear programme.

1990’s saw a completely new international environment marked by the end of cold war and the emergence of worldwide globalization. These two developments have brought about major changes in the foreign policy thinking in almost all the nations. It brought issues of ‘low politics’ to forefront. Old partners and strategic equations needed a new look. India responded by playing in the economic diplomacy card. India’s look east policy, strengthening of our bonds with the US, improvement in  relations with EU, closer relations with the South East Asian countries, measures to strengthen the bond between the NRIs and our country, etc., was India’s reply to the changed scenario.

We also notice a shift towards greater realism in India’s foreign policy. India had a unique freedom struggle based on non violence and a high degree of idealism. Naturally, this got reflected in our foreign policy. Today’s foreign policy may be termed as more realistic based on the recognition that India’s place amongst the nations of the world will be determined by its economic and military strength.

Thus we see a remarkable continuity as well as pragmatism in our foreign policy stands to fulfill our long term and short term national interests.