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Governance, Ethics, Law and International Relations — Group-I · Chapter 12

Foreign Policy and International Institutions

What to remember

  • India's foreign policy rests on strategic autonomy, non-alignment's spirit, Panchsheel, "Neighbourhood First", "Act East" and multi-alignment. Article 51 of the Constitution directs the state to promote international peace and security.
  • India works through global and regional groups: the UN, BRICS, G20, SCO and the Quad, each with a different purpose and membership.
  • The neighbours matter most: relations with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan and the Maldives shape security, trade and migration.

1. Foundations of India's foreign policy

  • Article 51 (Directive Principle): promote international peace, maintain just and honourable relations, respect international law and encourage settlement of disputes by arbitration.
  • Panchsheel (1954): five principles of peaceful coexistence agreed in the India-China agreement on Tibet: mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
  • Non-Alignment: staying out of Cold War military blocs. The Non-Aligned Movement began in 1961 at Belgrade.
  • Gujral Doctrine: friendly, non-reciprocal gestures to smaller neighbours.
  • Look East / Act East: engagement with South-East and East Asia.
  • Neighbourhood First: priority to ties with immediate neighbours.
  • Strategic autonomy and multi-alignment: India makes independent choices and partners with many powers at once.
  • Soft power: culture, yoga, diaspora, development cooperation and education.
  • Nuclear policy: a declared policy of credible minimum deterrence and no first use.

2. The United Nations

  • Founded in 1945 after the Second World War. Headquarters in New York. India is a founding member.
  • Six principal organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.
  • The Security Council has five permanent members with veto power: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France. Ten non-permanent members are elected for two years.
  • The General Assembly has all member states, each with one vote.
  • The International Court of Justice is at The Hague, Netherlands.
  • India supports reform of the Security Council, including permanent membership, and is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping.
  • UN specialised agencies include WHO, UNESCO, FAO, ILO, IMF and World Bank (the last two are Bretton Woods institutions with a separate identity).
  • The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015, are the global development agenda to 2030.

3. BRICS

  • A grouping of major emerging economies. The original name was BRIC; South Africa joined later to make BRICS.
  • Founding members are Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining later. The group has since expanded; check the latest official release for current membership.
  • It set up the New Development Bank (Shanghai headquarters) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
  • Its focus is reform of global financial governance, trade and development cooperation among emerging economies.
  • Decisions are taken by consensus, with a rotating chair.

4. G20

  • A forum of the world's major economies, started in 1999 at the level of finance ministers and central bank governors after the Asian financial crisis, and raised to leaders' level during the 2008 global financial crisis.
  • Members include the leading economies of the world, the European Union and, since 2023, the African Union as a permanent member.
  • It has no permanent secretariat. A rotating presidency sets the agenda.
  • India held the G20 presidency in 2023 and hosted the leaders' summit in New Delhi, with the theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future" (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).
  • It focuses on macroeconomic coordination, trade, climate finance, debt and development.

5. SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)

  • A Eurasian political, economic and security grouping, established in 2001 in Shanghai. Its predecessor was the Shanghai Five.
  • Headquarters of the Secretariat in Beijing. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is based in Tashkent.
  • India and Pakistan became full members in 2017.
  • Focus areas: counter-terrorism, regional security, trade, energy and connectivity.
  • Official languages are Chinese and Russian.

6. Quad

  • The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
  • It began after the 2004 tsunami relief cooperation, lapsed, and was revived in 2017. Leaders' level summits began in 2021.
  • It is an informal strategic dialogue, not a military alliance.
  • Focus: a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, maritime security, vaccines, critical technology, climate and supply chain resilience.

7. Other important groups

GroupWhat it isKey point for India
ASEANEleven-member South-East Asian group (Timor-Leste joined in October 2025)Core of Act East; India is a dialogue partner
BIMSTECBay of Bengal regional groupLinks South and South-East Asia
SAARCSouth Asian regional groupLargely inactive for years
CommonwealthAssociation of former British territoriesIndia is a member
NAMNon-Aligned MovementIndia is a founding member
IORAIndian Ocean Rim groupMaritime cooperation
International Solar AllianceLaunched by India and FranceHeadquarters in Gurugram
WTOGlobal trade rules bodyIndia defends food security and farm support

8. Neighbours: key themes

NeighbourKey themes
PakistanBorder terrorism, Kashmir, Indus Waters Treaty (1960), trade limits
ChinaBorder dispute, trade imbalance, Tibet, Indian Ocean presence
NepalOpen border, 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, hydropower, boundary questions
BhutanSpecial friendship, hydropower cooperation, India's help in defence and development
BangladeshLand Boundary Agreement (2015), water sharing, connectivity, trade
Sri LankaFishermen's issue, Tamil question, ports, economic support
MyanmarBorder security, Kaladan project, Act East link
AfghanistanHumanitarian and development ties, security concerns
MaldivesMaritime security, development partnership, Indian Ocean location

Connectivity and cooperation efforts include the BBIN initiative (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal), the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway, and the Kaladan Multimodal project.

9. Diplomacy terms

  • Embassy is headed by an Ambassador; a High Commission is a mission between Commonwealth countries.
  • Bilateral involves two countries; multilateral involves many.
  • Track-II diplomacy: informal talks by non-officials.
  • Extradition: surrender of an accused to another country.
  • Treaty vs agreement vs MoU: treaties are binding and formal; MoUs are less formal.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs handles foreign policy.

10. How to answer a foreign policy question

A good answer links a principle with an example and a present challenge. Use this shape:

  • Principle: state the idea, such as strategic autonomy or Neighbourhood First.
  • Instrument: name the tool, such as a grouping, a treaty, a development project or soft power.
  • Benefit and limit: say what India gains and what holds it back.
  • Way forward: suggest steps such as better connectivity, trade, people-to-people ties and reform of global institutions.

For questions on groups such as BRICS, SCO or the Quad, write the purpose, members, India's interest and a limitation. For example, in the SCO India values counter-terrorism and Central Asian links, but differs with some members on connectivity projects.

11. India's interests in global forums

  • Security: counter-terrorism, maritime safety in the Indian Ocean and an open Indo-Pacific.
  • Economy: trade, investment, energy, technology and supply chains.
  • Development: a voice for the Global South, climate finance and fair rules.
  • Reform: a bigger role for developing countries in the UN, the IMF and the World Bank.
  • Diaspora and culture: welfare of Indians abroad and cultural diplomacy.

India also takes part in UN peacekeeping missions and gives disaster relief and development aid to partners. Its role in the Indian Ocean is described as that of a net security provider.

Exam traps

  • BRICS vs BRIC: South Africa joined later.
  • G20 vs G7: G20 includes emerging economies; G7 has rich democracies.
  • SCO vs NATO: SCO is a Eurasian security and economic grouping; NATO is a Western military alliance.
  • Quad vs AUKUS: Quad is India, US, Japan and Australia; AUKUS is Australia, UK and US.
  • SAARC vs BIMSTEC: SAARC is South Asia only; BIMSTEC joins South and South-East Asia on the Bay of Bengal.
  • UN vs WTO: the first deals with peace and development; the second with trade rules.
  • Permanent vs non-permanent members: only permanent members have veto.
  • Panchsheel vs Gujral Doctrine: the first is from 1954 with China; the second is about non-reciprocity to neighbours.

One-liners

  • The UN was founded in 1945.
  • The Security Council has five permanent members with veto.
  • The International Court of Justice sits at The Hague.
  • BRICS created the New Development Bank.
  • G20 started in 1999 and moved to leaders' level in 2008.
  • India held the G20 presidency in 2023.
  • The African Union joined the G20 as a permanent member in 2023.
  • SCO was founded in 2001; India became a full member in 2017.
  • The Quad has four members: India, US, Japan, Australia.
  • Article 51 deals with international peace and security.
  • Panchsheel was announced in 1954.
  • The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960.

Practice questions

  1. Which Article of the Constitution directs the state to promote international peace and security?

    1. Article 253
    2. Article 356
    3. Article 51
    4. Article 39
    Answer

    C. Article 51

    Article 51 is a Directive Principle on international peace and security.

  2. The United Nations was founded in

    1. 1919
    2. 1961
    3. 1950
    4. 1945
    Answer

    D. 1945

    The UN was established after the Second World War in 1945.

  3. Which of the following is a permanent member of the UN Security Council?

    1. Japan
    2. India
    3. Germany
    4. France
    Answer

    D. France

    The five permanent members are the US, Russia, China, the UK and France.

  4. The International Court of Justice is located at

    1. New York
    2. Vienna
    3. The Hague
    4. Geneva
    Answer

    C. The Hague

    The ICJ sits at The Hague in the Netherlands.

  5. Panchsheel was announced in

    1. 1971
    2. 1954
    3. 1962
    4. 1947
    Answer

    B. 1954

    Panchsheel came with the 1954 India-China agreement on Tibet.

  6. The Non-Aligned Movement began in 1961 at

    1. Bandung
    2. Paris
    3. Geneva
    4. Belgrade
    Answer

    D. Belgrade

    The first NAM summit was at Belgrade.

  7. The New Development Bank is associated with

    1. BRICS
    2. G20
    3. Quad
    4. SCO
    Answer

    A. BRICS

    BRICS set up the New Development Bank with its headquarters in Shanghai.

  8. India held the G20 presidency in

    1. 2010
    2. 2020
    3. 2023
    4. 2016
    Answer

    C. 2023

    India hosted the New Delhi leaders' summit in 2023.

  9. The African Union became a permanent member of the G20 in

    1. 2008
    2. 2023
    3. 2015
    4. 2019
    Answer

    B. 2023

    The African Union joined at the New Delhi summit.

  10. The Quad consists of India, the United States, Japan and

    1. South Africa
    2. Australia
    3. Brazil
    4. Russia
    Answer

    B. Australia

    The Quad has four members: India, the US, Japan and Australia.

  11. SCO was founded in

    1. 2008
    2. 1991
    3. 2001
    4. 2015
    Answer

    C. 2001

    The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was founded in 2001.

  12. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in

    1. 2017
    2. 2023
    3. 2001
    4. 2009
    Answer

    A. 2017

    Both joined as full members in 2017.

  13. The Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan was signed in

    1. 1947
    2. 1972
    3. 1999
    4. 1960
    Answer

    D. 1960

    The treaty dates from 1960.

  14. Which Indian policy gives priority to relations with immediate neighbours?

    1. Look West only
    2. Neighbourhood First
    3. Monroe Doctrine
    4. Open Door policy
    Answer

    B. Neighbourhood First

    Neighbourhood First emphasises ties with immediate neighbours.

  15. Which grouping links South Asia and South-East Asia on the Bay of Bengal?

    1. SAARC
    2. SCO
    3. BIMSTEC
    4. BRICS
    Answer

    C. BIMSTEC

    BIMSTEC connects countries around the Bay of Bengal.

  16. The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and

    1. France
    2. Japan
    3. Germany
    4. Russia
    Answer

    A. France

    India and France launched the ISA.

  17. Which is NOT a principal organ of the UN?

    1. Security Council
    2. General Assembly
    3. International Court of Justice
    4. World Trade Organization
    Answer

    D. World Trade Organization

    The WTO is a separate organisation.

  18. The G20 first met at leaders' level during the

    1. 2008 global financial crisis
    2. First World War
    3. Cold War
    4. 1971 war
    Answer

    A. 2008 global financial crisis

    The G20 was raised to leaders' level in 2008.

  19. Which of these is a feature of the Quad?

    1. It is part of the UN
    2. It is an informal strategic dialogue, not a military alliance
    3. It is a military treaty like NATO
    4. It includes China
    Answer

    B. It is an informal strategic dialogue, not a military alliance

    The Quad is a dialogue on Indo-Pacific cooperation.

  20. SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is based in

    1. Moscow
    2. New Delhi
    3. Beijing
    4. Tashkent
    Answer

    D. Tashkent

    RATS is based in Tashkent.

  21. The India-Nepal treaty of peace and friendship was signed in

    1. 1990
    2. 1960
    3. 1950
    4. 1975
    Answer

    C. 1950

    The 1950 treaty is a basic framework of India-Nepal ties.

  22. The Land Boundary Agreement of 2015 was signed with

    1. Sri Lanka
    2. Bangladesh
    3. Myanmar
    4. Nepal
    Answer

    B. Bangladesh

    The 2015 agreement exchanged enclaves with Bangladesh.

  23. The Kaladan Multimodal project is connected to

    1. Bhutan
    2. Sri Lanka
    3. Maldives
    4. Myanmar
    Answer

    D. Myanmar

    The Kaladan project links India's north-east to Myanmar.

  24. The Gujral Doctrine is about

    1. trade war
    2. nuclear first strike
    3. friendly, non-reciprocal gestures to smaller neighbours
    4. armed intervention in neighbours
    Answer

    C. friendly, non-reciprocal gestures to smaller neighbours

    It stressed trust and generosity towards neighbours.

  25. Which of the following is correct about BRICS decisions?

    1. They are taken by consensus
    2. They are taken by the IMF
    3. They need two-thirds of the UN
    4. They are taken by Security Council veto
    Answer

    A. They are taken by consensus

    BRICS works on consensus among members.

  26. India's declared nuclear doctrine includes

    1. credible minimum deterrence and no first use
    2. first strike policy
    3. no deterrence
    4. massive retaliation to conventional attack
    Answer

    A. credible minimum deterrence and no first use

    India follows credible minimum deterrence and no first use.

  27. Which is a Bretton Woods institution?

    1. UNESCO
    2. ILO
    3. WHO
    4. International Monetary Fund
    Answer

    D. International Monetary Fund

    The IMF and the World Bank are Bretton Woods institutions.

  28. Which grouping consists of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States?

    1. SCO
    2. AUKUS
    3. Quad
    4. BRICS
    Answer

    B. AUKUS

    AUKUS is a trilateral security pact.

  29. Consider the statements. 1. The UN Security Council has five permanent members. 2. All members of the Security Council have veto power. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    A. 1 only

    Only the five permanent members hold veto power.

  30. Consider the statements. 1. The G20 has a permanent secretariat. 2. The G20 presidency rotates. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    B. 2 only

    The G20 has no permanent secretariat; presidency rotates.

  31. Consider the statements. 1. The SCO was founded in 2001. 2. India became a full member in 2017. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct.

  32. Consider the statements. 1. The Quad is a military alliance like NATO. 2. The Quad includes China. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    D. Neither 1 nor 2

    The Quad is an informal dialogue of India, the US, Japan and Australia.

  33. Consider the statements. 1. South Africa joined BRIC to make BRICS. 2. The New Development Bank is headquartered in Shanghai. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct.

  34. Consider the statements. 1. Panchsheel was announced in 1954. 2. It includes mutual non-aggression. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Non-aggression is one of the five principles.

  35. Consider the statements. 1. SAARC is a South Asian regional group. 2. BIMSTEC includes South-East Asian countries. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct.

  36. Consider the statements. 1. The ICJ is located in New York. 2. The UN Headquarters is in New York. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    B. 2 only

    The ICJ sits at The Hague; the UN Headquarters is in New York.

  37. Consider the statements. 1. The G20 began in 1999 at the level of finance ministers. 2. It was raised to leaders' level in 2008. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct.

  38. Consider the statements. 1. The Non-Aligned Movement favours military blocs. 2. India is a founding member of NAM. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    B. 2 only

    NAM stood apart from Cold War blocs.

  39. Consider the statements. 1. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960. 2. It deals with the Ganga waters. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer

    A. 1 only

    It deals with the Indus system of rivers.

  40. Match the group with its feature: ASEAN

    1. Eurasian security group
    2. Latin American trade bloc
    3. Indian Ocean island group
    4. Ten-member South-East Asian group
    Answer

    D. Ten-member South-East Asian group

    ASEAN is the core of India's Act East policy.

  41. Which of the following is an international organisation dealing with trade rules?

    1. FAO
    2. UNESCO
    3. International Court of Justice
    4. World Trade Organization
    Answer

    D. World Trade Organization

    The WTO sets global trade rules.

  42. Which country is the largest neighbour associated with the border dispute and trade imbalance issues with India?

    1. China
    2. Bhutan
    3. Nepal
    4. Maldives
    Answer

    A. China

    China's border dispute and trade imbalance are major themes.

  43. A High Commission is the diplomatic mission between

    1. Neutral states only
    2. Any two countries
    3. Commonwealth countries
    4. Members of the UN Security Council
    Answer

    C. Commonwealth countries

    High Commissions exist between Commonwealth members.

  44. Which Indian initiative is part of the Act East policy?

    1. Engagement with ASEAN and East Asia
    2. Joining NATO
    3. Leaving the Commonwealth
    4. Closing borders with South-East Asia
    Answer

    A. Engagement with ASEAN and East Asia

    Act East focuses on ties with South-East and East Asia.

  45. The headquarters of the UN is in

    1. Paris
    2. Brussels
    3. Geneva
    4. New York
    Answer

    D. New York

    The UN Headquarters is in New York.

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