What Is Indian Foreign Policy?

Indian foreign policy has become more popular in recent years—as India develops and has more resources, there is more interest in how the country shapes itself globally. Moving from purely an interest of the elite, foreign policy is becoming a priority among the youth and wider Indian population, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attempting to engage a larger audience. 

So what is Indian foreign policy, and why is Indian foreign policy important? Explore India’s foreign policy, the benefits to you and the country that come from studying Indian foreign policy, and what to do if you are considering a career in the field.

What is Indian foreign policy?

Indian foreign policy looks at India’s policies, strategies, and plans for the country in the context of the rest of the world. Every country has a foreign policy representing its individual goals and ideals, and it is this foreign policy that influences the country's global actions. For example, India’s aims of reducing poverty and promoting growth and prosperity for all play into India’s foreign policy, with this as a focus on any activity with the rest of the world. 

Features of Indian foreign policy

Foreign policy often updates to reflect the needs and aims of a country. Currently, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian government have the following interests regarding Indian foreign policy.

1. Nonalignment: India maintains autonomy in decisions and actions and does not align with any powerful alliance. 

2. Promoting international peace and security: India believes in peaceful coexistence and aims to create and maintain friendly relationships with other countries while respecting their territorial integrity. 

3. Panchsheel: India follows the five principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference, and peaceful coexistence. Indian foreign policy reflects these principles in relation to India’s neighbours and the worldwide population in general. 

Why is Indian foreign policy important?

Indian foreign policy is important because it allows India to protect its interests when engaging with the rest of the world in important matters, such as trade, security, environment, human rights, and development. A foreign policy governs a country's stance on these issues and how it moves forward. 

Having a foreign policy means that each country knows what to expect from each other and allows for communication to work together in a way that benefits all countries involved, respecting each other's policies and avoiding and resolving conflicts that arise. 

Why study Indian foreign policy?

Indian foreign policymakers and supporters are growing in India, especially sparking the interest of younger voters after traditionally being a primary interest of the elite. Some of those in power are encouraging young people through talks and workshops to take an interest in and pursue careers related to foreign policy. 

Take a look at some benefits of choosing Indian foreign policy as a study option. 

• Supporting Indian foreign policies: As the country grows and develops, so do its objectives and priorities, which need representation when it comes to influencing foreign policy. 

• Supporting growth in India: One of the main objectives of India’s foreign policy is the security of national interests. This stretches to securing borders to protect from terrorism, providing cybersecurity, establishing trade routes, ensuring food and energy security, and the wider global concerns of world peace and protecting the environment. Foreign policy is integral to ensuring the security of national interests and supporting India's growth through creating cooperative external global partnerships. 

• Learning new skills: If you choose to study Indian foreign policy, you can learn new skills. Besides developing a deep understanding of India’s needs and ideals, learning to assess policies, and having a strong understanding of how policies operate, you can learn workplace skills. These include decision-making, critical thinking, research, discussion, and presentation skills.

• Networking: Studying foreign policy at a university can offer avenues for networking with fellow students, academic staff who may have relevant experience and contacts, and alumni. Networking is useful for making contacts for potential job opportunities, mentoring, and general learning. 

How to become an Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer

If you have an interest in Indian foreign policy and want to pursue a career in this field, one of the most sought-after positions is an Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer, which is a civil servant serving in diplomatic relations worldwide. The path to becoming an IFS officer is incredibly competitive, with a series of steps to clear before you even become eligible to apply for a position. 

1. Get a degree.

If you plan to apply to become an Indian foreign services officer, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Any subject counts, but it can work to your advantage if you study politics, history, and international relations. 

2. Take the UPSC CSE exam.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) consists of two parts. The preliminary exam comes first, and you must pass it to move on to the main exam. The main exam consists of nine papers, seven of which are core and two of which you can choose according to your interests. These exams are notoriously difficult. If you pass the exams, you participate in an interview and personality test.

3. Complete IFS training.

IFS training takes place in various stages at different locations, including three months at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, followed by a year's training at the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi, and a further six months at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Post training, you may have to take an ability test issued by the School of Foreign Languages under the Ministry of Defence.  

4. Start working as an IFS officer.

You can become an IFS officer once you have completed the training and a final ability test. IFS officers are based at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi or posted abroad for missions. 

Next steps with Coursera

India's growing importance on the world stage has increased interest in its foreign policy, which focuses on nonalignment, promoting peace, and protecting national interests. Studying this policy offers benefits like supporting India's growth and developing valuable skills for a career in diplomacy. You can become an IFS officer by earning a bachelor's degree, taking the CSE exam, and completing training before being assigned domestically or abroad. 

If you have an interest in Indian foreign policy and are considering a career as an Indian foreign service officer, a great starting point is to upgrade your knowledge and skills with some online courses. Check out the Power and Foreign Policy in International Relations course or look at completing a master’s degree, such as the MA in International Relations, Security, and Strategy offered by O.P. Jindal Global University and available on Coursera.