In India's Foreign Policy, 'Indira Doctrine' is related to
A. It aims to make India a global power
B. It is a policy to develop cooperation with neighbours
C. It equates India's security with that of South Asia
D. Any interference in the South Asian region will be considered a threat to India's security
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

The Indira Doctrine is closely associated with India's security strategy during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The doctrine emphasized the following key points:
· C. It equates India's security with that of South Asia: The doctrine viewed the security and stability of the entire South Asian region as closely linked to India's own security. It advocated for India's leadership role in the region and aimed to prevent external powers from interfering in the affairs of South Asian nations.
· D. Any interference in the South Asian region will be considered a threat to India's security: This was a core component of the Indira Doctrine. It held that India would not tolerate interference by external powers in the internal matters of South Asian countries, considering such actions as a direct threat to India's national security.
Options A and B are incorrect:
· A (It aims to make India a global power): This does not directly relate to the Indira Doctrine, which was more regionally focused on South Asia.
· B (Policy to develop cooperation with neighbours): While cooperation with neighbors is important, the Indira Doctrine focused more on preventing external intervention in South Asia rather than on cooperative development with its neighbors.
Information Booster:
1. Indira Doctrine: A regional security doctrine developed during Indira Gandhi's time as Prime Minister, emphasizing India's leadership in South Asia and the exclusion of external powers from the region.
2. Focus on South Asia: The doctrine equated India's security with that of the entire South Asian region, asserting that India must be the dominant power.
3. Non-Interference Policy: It was a strategic policy designed to prevent foreign (especially superpower) involvement in the affairs of neighboring countries.
4. Regional Leadership: India sought to play the role of a regional leader, protecting its neighbors from external influences.
5. Security Concerns: The doctrine was shaped by events such as the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and India's concerns about external powers like the U.S. and China exerting influence in South Asia.
6. Legacy: Although the Indira Doctrine is no longer explicitly followed, its principles have influenced India's foreign policy in the region, particularly in maintaining strategic autonomy and preventing external interference.
Additional Information:
· A (Making India a global power): Incorrect, as the Indira Doctrine was more regionally focused rather than globally ambitious.
· B (Cooperation with neighbors): While important, this is not a defining aspect of the Indira Doctrine, which was primarily concerned with preventing external interference.
· C (Equating India's security with South Asia): Correct, as the doctrine tied India's security to the stability and security of the South Asian region.
· D (External interference seen as a threat): Correct, as this was a fundamental principle of the Indira Doctrine, discouraging external powers from meddling in South Asia.