India’s External Relations Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 CBSE Notes 2025-26

After Independence, India faced several external challenges that influenced its foreign policy decisions. Leaders in India adopted the principle of non-alignment to handle global tensions, especially during the Cold War. The country had to manage not just peace and development within, but also navigate issues involving major global powers and neighboring nations.

India became an independent nation at a time when the world was dealing with the aftermath of World War II. Many new countries were emerging due to the collapse of colonial powers, and the world was divided into two main blocs: one led by the United States and the other by the Soviet Union. India’s foreign policy was influenced by this context. 

The country aimed to respect the sovereignty of all nations and maintain peace, as stated in Article 51 of the Constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy. India focused on promoting international peace, honorable relations, and respect for international law.

The principle of non-alignment became the foundation of India’s foreign policy. Instead of joining any of the hostile military alliances during the Cold War—like the US-led NATO or the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact—India decided not to align with either side. This allowed India to make independent decisions and keep friendly relations with all countries. 

Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in shaping this policy and believed in peaceful coexistence and cooperation, especially among the newly independent nations of Asia and Africa. India’s distance from both superpower blocs enabled it to receive international aid from both sides.

• India was a founder of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which became crucial for newly independent countries seeking to avoid getting caught in Cold War politics.
• India contributed to international peacekeeping and promoted the principle of peaceful dispute settlement.

Jawaharlal Nehru acted not only as the Prime Minister but also as the Foreign Minister till 1964. His goals included preserving India’s sovereignty, protecting its borders, and ensuring economic growth. Nehru’s vision gave India a respected voice among developing nations. He believed in Asian and African solidarity and advocated against colonialism and racism, as seen during the Bandung Conference (1955), which later helped establish the NAM. India also supported anti-colonial struggles in Asia and Africa.

India’s relationship with China began positively. India was one of the first countries to recognize the Communist government in China after the 1949 revolution. In 1954, both countries agreed to the five principles of Panchsheel—mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. However, tensions grew after the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950. When the Dalai Lama sought asylum in India in 1959, it further strained relations. Disagreements on the borders in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh led to the 1962 war.

• During the 1962 war, China invaded disputed regions. Indian forces struggled, and the war ended with China declaring a unilateral ceasefire.
• The conflict led to political criticism of Nehru’s leadership and prompted changes in India’s defense strategy.
• It took until 1976 to fully restore diplomatic relations, and since then, the focus between India and China has shifted to trade, though border issues remain sensitive.

Right after Independence, a major point of conflict with Pakistan was over the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The first confrontation happened soon after Partition in 1947, which resulted in UN intervention. However, there were times of cooperation, such as the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, brokered by the World Bank, which remains effective to this day.

A significant war broke out in 1965 over disputes in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and escalated to the Punjab border, concluding with a ceasefire arranged by the United Nations. The Tashkent Agreement in 1966 brought peace between the two countries.

The most notable regional event was the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Faced with political crisis and violence in East Pakistan, nearly 8 million refugees entered India. India’s support for the Bangladesh freedom movement, and the influx of refugees, escalated tensions with Pakistan. India signed a twenty-year Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union to secure support before conflict. 

The 1971 war ended quickly, with Indian forces helping to liberate Bangladesh in less than two weeks. The Shimla Agreement of 1972 formalized post-war peace. India's role in Bangladesh significantly raised its stature as a regional power.

India’s nuclear policy had its roots in peaceful development, as Nehru opposed nuclear weapons. India initiated its nuclear energy program under Homi J. Bhabha. When major nuclear powers imposed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), India refused to sign, considering it discriminatory. In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, declaring it peaceful. The “no first use” policy remains central to India’s nuclear doctrine along with a commitment to global, verifiable disarmament.

• India’s 1998 nuclear tests demonstrated its military nuclear capability.
• International sanctions followed but were later eased after diplomatic efforts.
• Tensions increased in South Asia, especially with Pakistan, after both countries became nuclear powers.

Despite some differences among political parties regarding specific issues, there is overall agreement in Indian politics on key aspects of foreign policy, such as national integration, protection of international borders, and promotion of peace and development. India’s approach to external relations has generally remained stable, even as coalitions and opposition parties changed over the decades.

• Non-alignment enabled India to receive help from both the USA and USSR without being part of military blocs.
• Major wars: 1962 (China), 1965 and 1971 (Pakistan).
• The Panchsheel Agreement embodied peaceful coexistence principles between India and China.
• India played a decisive role in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, enhancing its role as a regional power.
• India follows a “no first use” policy regarding nuclear weapons and supports global nuclear disarmament.

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 Notes – India’s External Relations: Complete Revision Guide

These concise Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 notes on “India’s External Relations” cover all key events, including non-alignment, wars with China and Pakistan, and India’s nuclear policy. With clearly organized facts and important points, these revision notes for CBSE Chapter 4 help you understand international relations after Independence.

Reviewing these notes will make exam preparation faster, clearer, and more effective. Use these Class 12 Political Science notes to grasp major policies, conflicts, and turning points that shaped India’s foreign policy since 1947.