Given below are two statements:

Statement I: A country's foreign policy is the product of its history.
Statement II: Core values of the Indian national movement constituted the building blocks of Indian foreign policy.

In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

Statement I:

• The statement "A country's foreign policy is the product of its history" is true.
• Foreign policy is shaped by a nation’s historical experiences, geopolitical position, economic interests, and cultural influences. A country's historical interactions with other countries, its colonial past, its wars, treaties, alliances, and other historical events significantly impact the formulation of its foreign policy.
• For example, India's foreign policy was influenced by its colonial past, struggle for independence, and the legacy of non-alignment.

Statement II:

• The statement "Core values of the Indian national movement constituted the building blocks of Indian foreign policy" is also true.
• The Indian national movement was founded on principles such as anti-imperialism, non-violence, and self-determination. These values became integral to India's foreign policy after independence.
  • Non-alignment was one of the most significant principles of India's foreign policy, reflecting India's commitment to not align with either the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
  • India's foreign policy also prioritized support for decolonization and the struggle for independence in various parts of the world, as well as peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries.
• Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, emphasized these values in shaping India's foreign policy and establishing its position in international diplomacy.

Thus, both statements are correct, and the correct answer is Option (1).