The term ‘Nehruvian Consensus’ refers to a set of principles and policies associated with India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, that laid the foundation for India’s foreign policy in the early years of its independence.
This consensus encapsulates the key elements of Nehru’s vision for India’s role in the world and the principles that guided the country’s foreign policy during his tenure from 1947 to 1964. Here’s an explanation of the ‘Nehruvian Consensus’:
1. Non-Alignment: The central tenet of the Nehruvian Consensus was non-alignment. India, under Nehru’s leadership, decided to remain unaligned in the ideological and military blocs of the Cold War. It sought to maintain its independence and sovereignty by not aligning with either the United States or the Soviet Union. Non-alignment was rooted in India’s commitment to peace, anti-colonialism, and its desire to avoid becoming a pawn in superpower conflicts.
2. Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence): Nehru advocated the Panchsheel principles, which were enshrined in various international agreements and influenced India’s foreign policy. These principles include mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. Panchsheel became a framework for India’s relations with other countries and emphasized diplomacy and peaceful resolutions of disputes.
3. Idealism and Morality: Nehru’s foreign policy was characterized by idealism and moral principles. He believed that India’s foreign policy should be guided by ethical considerations and a commitment to justice, fairness, and human rights. This moral dimension of foreign policy was encapsulated in India’s stance on anti-colonialism, disarmament, and opposition to apartheid.
4. Securing India’s Independence and Sovereignty: Nehru was deeply committed to preserving India’s independence and sovereignty. He sought to protect India from external influences and dependencies, particularly those imposed by the superpowers of the Cold War. The Nehruvian Consensus aimed to ensure that India’s foreign policy decisions were made in its own best interests and aligned with the goal of preserving its sovereignty.
5. Role in Decolonization: Nehru was a strong advocate for the decolonization of Asia and Africa. The Nehruvian Consensus included support for the independence and self-determination of colonized nations. India played an active role in promoting decolonization, particularly in international forums like the United Nations.
6. Multilateralism: Nehru believed in the importance of multilateralism and the role of the United Nations as a forum for addressing global issues. The Nehruvian Consensus emphasized India’s active participation in international organizations and forums to foster cooperation, peace, and collective security.
7. Emphasis on Economic Development: While primarily a foreign policy concept, the Nehruvian Consensus also extended to India’s focus on economic development. Nehru believed that a strong, self-reliant economy was essential for India’s credibility and influence on the world stage. He championed policies of planned economic development to ensure India’s progress.
It’s important to note that the Nehruvian Consensus was a product of its time, shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities that India faced in the post-independence era. While some elements of this consensus remain relevant in India’s foreign policy, the landscape of international relations has evolved, and India’s foreign policy has adapted to changing global dynamics. Nevertheless, Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision continues to influence India’s approach to international relations and is an essential part of India’s diplomatic legacy.
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