Major Issues and Agreements | Foreign Policy of India during Shastri, Indira and Desai's Tenure

Summary

This video explores India's foreign policy shifts from the 1960s to the 1970s, focusing on key leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi. It delves into challenges like the 1965 India-Pakistan war, food shortages, and the rise of the anti-India coalition. The video also highlights the Tashkent Agreement, the Indo-Soviet Treaty of 1971, and India's stance on nuclear non-proliferation. It concludes by discussing India’s growing regional dominance, the Indira Doctrine, and Morarji Desai's focus on genuine non-alignment during his tenure.

Takeaways

• 🇮🇳 In 1964, Prime Minister Nehru passed away, and Lal Bahadur Shastri became India's second Prime Minister, introducing more realism in foreign policy during his 18-month tenure.
• 🌍 Shastri shifted focus towards bilateral relations with neighboring countries rather than regional leadership, as was the case under Nehru.
• 💣 In response to rising tensions, Shastri increased India's defense budget significantly and kept the option of nuclear weapons open.
• ⚔️ The 1965 India-Pakistan War was sparked by Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar and Operation Grand Slam, both of which failed due to India's resistance. The war's result was inconclusive but is seen as a strategic victory for India.
• 🕊️ The Tashkent Agreement (1966) ended the 1965 war, but shortly after signing it, Shastri mysteriously passed away, raising questions about the cause of his death.
• 🚜 Shastri's iconic slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' emphasized the importance of both soldiers and farmers in India's resilience during the war and food shortages.
• 👩‍⚖️ Indira Gandhi succeeded Shastri and faced domestic and international challenges, including food shortages, which led to her strengthening ties with the U.S. for agricultural assistance.
• 🛡️ The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace and Friendship signified India's shift towards stronger ties with the USSR, aligning India's interests with the Soviet bloc amidst global Cold War dynamics.
• 🇧🇩 The Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 saw India intervening in support of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), leading to Pakistan's surrender and the creation of Bangladesh.
• ☢️ In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, 'Operation Smiling Buddha,' marking India's entry into the nuclear powers club and further solidifying its regional influence.

Q & A

What were the major changes in India's foreign policy during Lal Bahadur Shastri's tenure as Prime Minister?

During Lal Bahadur Shastri's tenure, India focused more on bilateralism and immediate neighbors, a shift from Nehru's emphasis on regionalism. Shastri increased the defense budget significantly and kept the option of nuclear weapons open, showing a more pragmatic and realistic approach to foreign policy.

What challenges did Prime Minister Shastri face in his foreign policy decisions?

Prime Minister Shastri faced multiple challenges, including deteriorating relations with China after the 1962 war, rising tensions with Pakistan supported by the USA, and the formation of the Pindi-Peking-Jakarta Axis (Pakistan, China, and Indonesia) that opposed India.

What was the significance of the 1965 Indo-Pak war during Shastri's leadership?

The 1965 Indo-Pak war was significant because it demonstrated India's resilience after the 1962 defeat by China. Pakistan launched two operations, Gibraltar and Grand Slam, but failed due to strong Indian military resistance. Shastri's leadership was praised for preventing Pakistan from capturing Kashmir and for inspiring national unity with his slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.'

What was the outcome of the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, and why is it still discussed today?

The Tashkent Agreement in 1966 ended the 1965 Indo-Pak war, with both countries agreeing to return to pre-war positions and relinquish captured territories. It remains a topic of discussion because Prime Minister Shastri mysteriously died just 12 hours after signing the agreement, leading to speculation about his death.

How did Indira Gandhi change India's foreign policy after becoming Prime Minister?

Indira Gandhi brought more pragmatism and realism to India's foreign policy, focusing on practical outcomes rather than Nehru's idealism. Her policies included signing the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, conducting India's first nuclear test, and playing a key role in the Bangladesh Liberation War.

What was India's stance on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and why did it refuse to sign?

India refused to sign the NPT, considering it discriminatory. The treaty allowed only five nations (USA, UK, France, China, and the USSR) to possess nuclear weapons, which India viewed as an attempt to monopolize nuclear technology and prevent other nations from developing their own nuclear capabilities.

What was the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, and how did it affect India's foreign relations?

Signed in 1971, the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation was a 20-year agreement that ensured Soviet military support to India, especially in case of a conflict with China. This treaty marked a shift from India's non-alignment policy, as it aligned more closely with the USSR during the Cold War.

How did India support the Bengali-speaking people during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971?

India supported the Bengali-speaking people by backing the Awami League leader Mujibur Rahman, who opposed Pakistan's suppression of East Pakistan. After diplomatic efforts to garner international support failed, India intervened militarily, leading to a decisive victory and the creation of Bangladesh.

What was the significance of the Pokhran-1 nuclear test in 1974?

The Pokhran-1 nuclear test, codenamed 'Operation Smiling Buddha,' was India's first successful nuclear test. It marked India as a nuclear power and significantly enhanced its security and strategic position in the region, especially amidst rising tensions with neighboring countries.

What was the 'Indira Doctrine,' and why was it criticized?

The 'Indira Doctrine' was a foreign policy principle that equated India's security with that of South Asia, implying that any external interference in the region would be considered a threat to India's security. It was criticized for portraying India as a 'Big Brother' in South Asia, exerting dominance over its neighbors.