Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers on “India’s Foreign Policy after Independence: A Historical Overview” suitable for the Civil Services Examination

What was the primary aim of India’s foreign policy after independence in 1947?
- A) To promote imperialism
- B) To ensure national security and unity
- C) To establish a military alliance with Western countries
- D) To isolate itself from global affairs
  Answer: B) To ensure national security and unity
Which of the following principles was a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy?
- A) Militarism
- B) Non-alignment
- C) Expansionism
- D) Colonization
  Answer: B) Non-alignment
Who was the first Prime Minister of India that played a significant role in shaping its foreign policy?
- A) Jawaharlal Nehru
- B) Indira Gandhi
- C) Lal Bahadur Shastri
- D) Rajiv Gandhi
  Answer: A) Jawaharlal Nehru
The Bandung Conference of 1955 is significant in the context of India’s foreign policy because it:
- A) Strengthened ties with the Soviet Union
- B) Promoted decolonization and non-alignment
- C) Established military alliances
- D) Focused solely on economic cooperation
  Answer: B) Promoted decolonization and non-alignment
Which event marked a significant shift in India’s foreign policy during the Cold War?
- A) The signing of the Panchsheel Agreement
- B) The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947
- C) The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation in 1971
- D) The Sino-Indian War in 1962
  Answer: C) The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation in 1971
Which country was India’s closest ally during the Cold War era?
- A) The United States
- B) China
- C) The Soviet Union
- D) Pakistan
  Answer: C) The Soviet Union
The Nehru Doctrine emphasized:
- A) Military alliances with the West
- B) The necessity of nuclear armament
- C) Peaceful coexistence and non-alignment
- D) Colonial expansion
  Answer: C) Peaceful coexistence and non-alignment
India’s first major military engagement post-independence was in:
- A) 1947 with Pakistan
- B) 1962 with China
- C) 1971 with Pakistan
- D) 1999 with Kargil
  Answer: A) 1947 with Pakistan
What was the primary focus of India’s foreign aid policy after independence?
- A) To promote military assistance
- B) To support economic development in newly independent countries
- C) To gain influence over smaller nations
- D) To establish trade dominance
  Answer: B) To support economic development in newly independent countries
The term “Non-Alignment” refers to:
- A) Aligning with one superpower
- B) Remaining neutral during the Cold War
- C) Forming alliances with all nations
- D) Military cooperation with regional powers
  Answer: B) Remaining neutral during the Cold War
Which Indian Prime Minister emphasized the “Look East” policy in the 1990s?
- A) Jawaharlal Nehru
- B) Rajiv Gandhi
- C) P. V. Narasimha Rao
- D) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
  Answer: C) P. V. Narasimha Rao
Which treaty in 1972 aimed at normalizing relations between India and Pakistan?
- A) The Simla Agreement
- B) The Tashkent Agreement
- C) The Lahore Declaration
- D) The Indus Waters Treaty
  Answer: A) The Simla Agreement
The “Panchsheel Agreement” was signed between India and which country?
- A) Pakistan
- B) China
- C) Nepal
- D) Sri Lanka
  Answer: B) China
India’s involvement in the United Nations primarily reflects its commitment to:
- A) Regional supremacy
- B) Global peace and security
- C) Economic exploitation
- D) Military alliances
  Answer: B) Global peace and security
Which of the following events led to the first significant strain in India-China relations?
- A) The Sino-Indian War of 1962
- B) The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
- C) The Bangladesh Liberation War
- D) The signing of the Panchsheel Agreement
  Answer: A) The Sino-Indian War of 1962
The “Green Revolution” in India was closely associated with which aspect of foreign policy?
- A) Agricultural aid from the United States
- B) Military cooperation with Soviet allies
- C) Economic reforms under liberalization
- D) Colonial agricultural practices
  Answer: A) Agricultural aid from the United States
What was the primary reason behind India’s nuclear program?
- A) To promote peace
- B) To achieve strategic autonomy and security
- C) To join military alliances
- D) To gain economic power
  Answer: B) To achieve strategic autonomy and security
India’s engagement in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was primarily aimed at:
- A) Military superiority
- B) Economic dominance
- C) Promoting peace and cooperation among developing nations
- D) Forming a global alliance
  Answer: C) Promoting peace and cooperation among developing nations
Which policy aimed at fostering relations with the countries of Southeast Asia post-Cold War?
- A) Look East Policy
- B) Act East Policy
- C) South Asia Policy
- D) West Asia Policy
  Answer: A) Look East Policy
What was a major outcome of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971?
- A) The formation of Bangladesh
- B) Increased tensions with China
- C) A new alliance with the U.S.
- D) Loss of territory to Pakistan
  Answer: A) The formation of Bangladesh
Which event in 1991 significantly altered India’s economic and foreign policy landscape?
- A) Liberalization of the economy
- B) Independence from the British
- C) The Kargil War
- D) The Sino-Indian War
  Answer: A) Liberalization of the economy
India’s first war with China in 1962 was largely based on:
- A) Territorial disputes
- B) Economic sanctions
- C) Colonial legacies
- D) Religious differences
  Answer: A) Territorial disputes
Which Prime Minister introduced the policy of “Act East” to strengthen ties with East Asia?
- A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- B) Manmohan Singh
- C) Narendra Modi
- D) P. V. Narasimha Rao
  Answer: C) Narendra Modi
The Treaty of Tashkent was signed after which conflict?
- A) The 1962 Sino-Indian War
- B) The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War
- C) The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War
- D) The Kargil War
  Answer: B) The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War
Which of the following was a significant feature of India’s foreign policy during the Nehru era?
- A) Military alliances with the West
- B) Focus on self-reliance and development
- C) Emphasis on trade with China
- D) Expansionism
  Answer: B) Focus on self-reliance and development
What was the impact of the Cold War on India’s foreign policy?
- A) Strengthening of ties with only one superpower
- B) Maintenance of a non-aligned position
- C) Increase in military spending
- D) Complete isolation from global politics
  Answer: B) Maintenance of a non-aligned position
Which Indian Prime Minister faced criticism for the nuclear tests conducted in 1998?
- A) Jawaharlal Nehru
- B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- C) Indira Gandhi
- D) Manmohan Singh
  Answer: B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Which of the following statements best describes India’s approach to the Middle East?
- A) Unwavering support for Israel
- B) Balancing relations with both Israel and Arab countries
- C) Complete non-involvement
- D) Hostility towards Arab nations
  Answer: B) Balancing relations with both Israel and Arab countries
The policy of “Panchsheel” is primarily associated with which of the following?
- A) Military cooperation
- B) Peaceful coexistence
- C) Economic exploitation
- D) Colonial expansion
  Answer: B) Peaceful coexistence
What was a significant shift in India’s foreign policy during the 1990s?
- A) Moving away from non-alignment
- B) Focusing solely on South Asia
- C) Establishing a strong military alliance with Russia
- D) Disengaging from global trade
  Answer: A) Moving away from non-alignment

These questions cover various aspects of India’s foreign policy after independence and provide a comprehensive overview for the Civil Services Examination.

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