IGNOUMATIC

The ‘Nehruvian Consensus’ refers to the set of guiding principles and policies formulated by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, which shaped the country’s foreign policy in the early years after its independence in 1947. This consensus, primarily influenced by Nehru’s ideals and vision, became the cornerstone of Indian foreign policy for several decades and remains influential even today. The Nehruvian consensus was grounded in the belief that India should chart its own independent course on the international stage, devoid of colonial legacies, and focus on principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and international cooperation.

Key Elements of the Nehruvian Consensus:

1. Non-Alignment:
   One of the central tenets of the Nehruvian consensus was non-alignment. India, under Nehru’s leadership, chose not to align itself with any major power bloc, particularly during the Cold War era when the world was divided between the US-led Western bloc and the Soviet-led Eastern bloc. Nehru believed that India should not become a pawn in the Cold War power politics and should remain independent in its foreign policy decisions. This policy was symbolized by India’s leadership role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which was founded in 1961 by Nehru, along with leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia.
2. Support for Global Disarmament:
   Nehru was a staunch advocate of global disarmament, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons. He believed that the use of nuclear weapons posed a catastrophic threat to humanity and that India, as a newly independent country, should promote global peace and security. Nehru’s commitment to disarmament was reflected in India’s active participation in the United Nations and its role in advocating for nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of atomic energy. The Nehruvian vision emphasized the need for international cooperation to eliminate the threat of war, particularly nuclear conflict.
3. Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence):
   Nehru’s foreign policy was also defined by the Panchsheel Agreement of 1954, which was signed between India and China. The five principles laid out in this agreement—mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence—became central to India’s foreign policy. These principles were meant to guide India’s relations with both its neighbors and the broader international community. Nehru emphasized peaceful coexistence as the ideal way for countries to resolve disputes without resorting to conflict.
4. Promotion of Internationalism and Anti-Colonialism:
   India’s foreign policy under Nehru was heavily influenced by its own experience of colonialism. As a newly independent nation, India was deeply committed to anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism. Nehru strongly advocated for the self-determination of peoples and supported various liberation movements across the world, particularly in Africa and Asia, where countries were struggling for independence from colonial rule. India, under Nehru, played an important role in supporting national liberation movements, especially in countries like Vietnam, Algeria, and South Africa.
5. Focus on Economic Development and Cooperation:
   Nehru’s foreign policy was also closely linked to his vision for India’s economic development. Nehru believed that India could not isolate itself economically and must actively engage with the global economy to ensure its development. His foreign policy prioritized economic cooperation with developing countries and the promotion of the global South. India’s participation in organizations like the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and its support for the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reflected this focus on international economic cooperation and the importance of a just global economic order.
6. Balanced Relations with Major Powers:
   While India remained non-aligned, Nehru’s policy also sought to maintain cordial relations with both the United States and the Soviet Union. Nehru emphasized India’s autonomy and sought to develop relations with both powers, avoiding any formal alliance with either. However, India’s relations with the Soviet Union grew stronger over time, especially in areas like military cooperation and economic assistance. Nehru’s pragmatism allowed India to navigate the Cold War environment without becoming embroiled in the superpower rivalry.
7. Leadership in the United Nations:
   Nehru’s foreign policy also emphasized India’s leadership role in the United Nations and its support for multilateral diplomacy. India, under Nehru, actively participated in the creation of the UN Peacekeeping Force, and Nehru played a crucial role in the formation of various UN programs aimed at promoting global peace and development. He also used the platform of the UN to advocate for the rights of newly independent nations and to highlight issues such as disarmament, economic development, and colonialism.

Impact and Legacy of the Nehruvian Consensus:

The Nehruvian Consensus left a lasting impact on India’s foreign policy, shaping its approach for several decades. It created a foundation of independence, neutrality, and multilateralism in India’s international relations. Nehru’s emphasis on non-alignment and peaceful coexistence was particularly important during the Cold War when India managed to maintain diplomatic and strategic independence, despite the pressures of global superpower rivalry.

However, over time, the Nehruvian consensus evolved as India’s geopolitical, economic, and security concerns changed. The end of the Cold War, India’s growing economic strength, and new security challenges—particularly with Pakistan and China—led to shifts in India’s foreign policy approach, including a rethinking of its non-alignment stance and a greater emphasis on strategic partnerships.

In conclusion, the Nehruvian consensus laid the groundwork for India’s foreign policy framework and established a legacy of peace, independence, and international cooperation. While the context and challenges have changed over time, the core principles of the Nehruvian era continue to influence India’s diplomatic and strategic choices today.