NCERT Class 12 Political Science Politics in India Since Independence: Chapter 4 — India's External Relations
This chapter, "India's External Relations," from the NCERT Class 12 Political Science textbook "Politics in India Since Independence," focuses on the external challenges faced by India after independence and the nation's response through the policy of non-alignment. It examines the international context that shaped India's foreign policy, including the aftermath of World War II, the emergence of new nations, and the Cold War. The chapter details the operational principles guiding India's foreign policy, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and peace. It explores India's relationships with its neighbours, particularly China and Pakistan, leading to conflicts in 1962, 1965, and 1971. Furthermore, the evolution of India's nuclear policy is discussed. This chapter helps students understand how external factors influenced India's internal politics and foreign policy decisions, crucial for CBSE learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Politics in India Since Independence |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — India's External Relations |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 658 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the international context influencing India's foreign policy post-independence.
- Identify the core principles guiding India's foreign policy.
- Analyze India's relations with China and Pakistan and the resulting conflicts.
- Trace the evolution of India's nuclear policy.
- Explain the concept and India's role in the Non-Aligned Movement.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Non-alignment | A foreign policy stance where a nation does not align itself with any major power bloc. |
| Colonialism | The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. |
| Sovereignty | Supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself or another state. |
| Cold War | A state of geopolitical tension after World War II between powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its allies) and powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others). |
| Directive Principles of State Policy | Guidelines or principles given to the Union and State Governments to be kept in mind while formulating laws and policies. |
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Practice questions
- What was the main aim of India's foreign relations after independence? Answer: To respect the sovereignty of all other nations and to achieve security through the maintenance of peace.
- Name the leaders who comprised the core leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) along with Nehru. Answer: Nkrumah from Ghana, Nasser from Egypt, Sukarno from Indonesia, and Tito from Yugoslavia.
- What were the major external challenges India faced after independence? Answer: The legacy of international disputes left by the British, pressures created by partition, and the need for poverty alleviation.
- What does independence fundamentally consist of, according to Jawaharlal Nehru? Answer: Foreign relations.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following was NOT a core leadership member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) mentioned in the text?
Explanation: The text explicitly mentions Nehru, Nkrumah, Nasser, Sukarno, and Tito as the core leadership. Ho Chi Minh is not listed.
Q2. India achieved independence in a context shaped by:
Explanation: The text states that India was born into a context of reconstruction after a devastating war and the emergence of new nations due to the collapse of colonialism.
Q3. According to Jawaharlal Nehru, what is the ultimate test of a nation's independence?
Explanation: Nehru stated that independence fundamentally consists of foreign relations, defining it as the ultimate test of a nation's independence.
Q4. The division of the world into two clear camps after World War II was primarily influenced by:
Explanation: The text explains that the world divided into two camps, one under the influence of the US and its allies, and the other under the Soviet Union.
Q5. Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a challenge left behind by the British government?
Explanation: The text mentions international disputes, partition pressures, and the task of poverty alleviation as legacies. Economic reforms are not listed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 4 of NCERT Class 12 Political Science?
Chapter 4, 'India's External Relations,' focuses on the external challenges India faced after independence, its foreign policy, particularly non-alignment, and its relations with neighbours like China and Pakistan.
What was the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)?
The Non-Aligned Movement was a group of states that were not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc during the Cold War. India played a key role in its formation.
Which wars did India fight with its neighbours mentioned in this chapter?
The chapter mentions three wars: in 1962, 1965, and 1971, primarily with Pakistan and China.
What international factors influenced India's foreign policy at the time of independence?
Factors included the aftermath of World War II, the collapse of colonialism, the emergence of new nations, and the Cold War division of the world.
What did Jawaharlal Nehru consider the fundamental test of independence?
Jawaharlal Nehru considered control over foreign relations as the fundamental and basic test of a nation's independence.
How did the Cold War affect the foreign policy of developing nations like India?
The Cold War led to a division of the world into two camps, and developing nations often had to navigate their foreign policy considering aid and credits from powerful states, though India pursued non-alignment.
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science — Politics in India Since Independence — Chapter 4 — India's External Relations. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.