Cold War was the period between 1945 and 1991 when the United States, its allies, and Soviet Union, with its allies, were in a state of political and militaristic tension. Even though the Cold War did not include a direct confrontation of the superpowers on the battlefield, the impact it had on the global political landscape and how we live today was profound.
Cold War has had a significant impact on Indian foreign policy as well as domestic politics. India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nathru led the country to adopt a policy non-alignment in the Cold War. This was done so as not to get entangled with either the United States or the Soviet Union. This policy was built on the principles that India had sovereignty, independence, as well as non-interference with the internal affairs other countries.
The Sino-Indian Border Conflict of 1962 was one of the most important Cold War events in India. It was the Cold War rivalry between the United States, the Soviet Union and Britain that exacerbated the dispute between India and China over their border. China aligned themselves with the Soviet Union whereas India leaned towards the United States. China won the conflict decisively, which led to India’s foreign policies being reassessed and a greater alignment with Soviet Union.
The alliance between Pakistan and the United States was another important Cold War aspect in India. Pakistan was seen by the United States as a crucial ally for containing Soviet power in South Asia. During the Cold War, the United States provided Pakistan with military and financial assistance. India-US relations were strained by this alliance, and India’s anti-alignment policies was further reinforced.
India’s internal politics was also affected by the Cold War. Indian National Congress was the ruling party of India at the time. It had different views on how best to handle the Cold War. Some members of the Indian National Congress favored stronger ties with Soviet Union while others advocated a balanced approach which did not alienate United States. This debate was a reflection of the Cold War’s impact on the global political scene and the tensions that existed within the party.
Conclusion: The Cold War had profound effects on India’s political and foreign policies. India’s non-alignment policy allowed the country to maintain independence and sovereignty while navigating the Cold War. The rivalry between America and the Soviet Union, however, had lasting effects on India’s relationships with countries around the globe and in its region. India’s current foreign policy is shaped by its legacy from the Cold War.
