Arrange the following foundational elements of Indian foreign policy in order of their appearance:

(A) Gujral Doctrine
(B) Panchasheela
(C) Look East Policy
(D) Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

The correct chronological order of these foundational elements of Indian foreign policy is as follows:

​(B) Panchasheela (1954)
Panchasheela, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, was established in 1954. It was the cornerstone of India's foreign policy under Jawaharlal Nehru and laid the foundation for peaceful relations with neighboring countries. The principles emphasized mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence.

(D) Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship (1971)
The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed in 1971 between India and the Soviet Union, marking a significant shift in India's foreign policy during the Cold War. The treaty was seen as a strategic alliance between the two nations, particularly in the context of the geopolitical situation in South Asia.

(C) Look East Policy (1991)
The Look East Policy was launched by India in 1991 to strengthen its economic, strategic, and cultural ties with Southeast Asia. This policy was a response to the changing global dynamics post-Cold War and sought to engage more effectively with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

(A) Gujral Doctrine (1996)
The Gujral Doctrine was articulated by I.K. Gujral, the then Prime Minister of India, in 1996. It emphasized India's commitment to improving relations with its neighbors in South Asia, based on the principles of non-interference, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

Information Booster:

1. Panchasheela (1954)

   • Panchasheela was a cornerstone of India's foreign policy during the Nehruvian era and was pivotal in India's relations with China and other Asian nations.
     

2. Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship (1971)

   • Signed during a period of rising tensions in South Asia, particularly due to the Bangladesh Liberation War and the growing influence of China.
   • The treaty played a crucial role in strengthening India’s strategic position.
     

3. Gujral Doctrine (1996)

   • India’s approach toward South Asian neighbors was characterized by mutual cooperation without interference in internal affairs.
   • It was seen as a significant departure from India's previous policies which emphasized stronger central leadership in regional matters.
     

4. Look East Policy (1991)

   • Initiated post-economic liberalization, it aimed to bolster India's relations with ASEAN nations and East Asia.
   • The policy enhanced India’s strategic and economic engagement with countries like Japan, Australia, South Korea, and others.
     

Additional Information:

• Panchasheela was the first attempt to provide a philosophical framework for India's foreign relations, marking the initial phase of post-independence Indian foreign policy.
• Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship strengthened India’s security position vis-a-vis Pakistan and China, especially during the 1971 Bangladesh War.
• Gujral Doctrine focused more on India's immediate neighbors and sought a more peaceful neighborhood, especially in relation to countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
• Look East Policy expanded India's focus from traditional allies like the Soviet Union to broader partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.