India's approach: from the freedom struggle to the Constitution
India's approach to peace grew in the freedom struggle and is written into the Constitution, especially Article 51, the federal system and local governments.
Why India needed an approach
India's location and its rise as a global power expose it to outside threats. It has fought wars with neighbours, China and Pakistan, and has faced international terrorism. Inside the country, it has faced insurgency and separatist movements since independence. Naxalite violence began about two decades after independence. So India began shaping its approach to peace and security early, during the freedom movement itself, and has adjusted it over the years.
Ideas from the freedom movement
- Leaders knew that democracy after independence could work only in peace and security, and that development needs peace.
- They promised that free India would work for international peace and security.
- They supported anti-colonial and anti-racist movements around the world, and the cause of democracy.
- A shared choice of a socialistic path to development, with social justice and secularism, aimed to remove the causes of internal unrest.
- In a 1949 speech in the USA, Jawaharlal Nehru said India's policy was positive and not neutral. It flowed from the freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi's teachings.
Article 51: the State shall endeavour to
| Clause | Aim |
|---|---|
| (a) | Promote international peace and security |
| (b) | Maintain just and honourable relations between nations |
| (c) | Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations |
| (d) | Encourage the settlement of international disputes by arbitration, that is, through a neutral third party |
How the Constitution protects peace at home
- Federal system: states take decisions on their own development, so power is not over-centralised. Over-centralisation breeds regional discontent.
- Rural and urban local governments bring mass participation into decisions about development.
- A commitment to liberty, equality, social justice and secularism, fair development and the removal of social inequalities.
- Equal chances for all citizens to take part in elections and decision-making, so that no group feels ignored.
- The reason: a feeling of discrimination breeds discontent, protest and political violence, which threaten peace.
India has settled some border and water issues with neighbours through treaties, in the spirit of Article 51. At home, gram sabhas and ward committees let people shape local decisions, as the Constitution's design intends.
3 marks: “What approach to peace and security is reflected in the Indian Constitution?” (1) Article 51 (Directive Principles) asks the State to promote international peace, just relations, respect for international law, and arbitration. (2) The federal system and local governments prevent over-centralisation and regional discontent. (3) Liberty, equality, social justice, secularism and participation for all remove the causes of unrest.
2 marks: “What did the freedom movement contribute to India's approach to peace and security?” Its leaders promised to promote international peace, supported anti-colonial and anti-racist movements, and chose a socialistic path with social justice and secularism to remove the causes of internal unrest.
1 marks: “Which Article of the Constitution asks the State to promote international peace and security?” Article 51.
Article 51 = PJLA: Peace and security, Just relations, Law and treaties, Arbitration.