Historical Evolution of Indian Foreign Policy: A Product of Independence or Ancient Historical Legacy

It is believed that Indian foreign policy got its existence only after 1947 a product of Independence from British rule. Also it is assumed that Bharat/India never had its sovereign foreign policy before independence. Although during colonial rule, Bharat had its foreign relations, especially after World War 1, But in the real sense, it was controlled and managed by the British government only, so it was not sovereign foreign policy. Was it the continuation of the British India foreign policy after Independence? Did Indian foreign policy have any existence before British rule came to Bharat? Is it a product of Colonial Independence or Ancient Indian legacy? To find out this, we must revisit Indian history from the ancient period to contemporary times.

The very first instance of Indian Civilization’s relations with the outside world was during the Indus valley civilization (3300 BCE to 1300 BCE). They had trade relations with several countries, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Persian Gulf. They also had trade relations with Central Asia, as well as with other regions and civilizations in the Indian subcontinent. This is evidenced by the discovery of various artefacts and materials from these regions in Indus Valley archaeological sites. 

There were extensive maritime trade relations operating between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations. Regions of Mesopotamia include most of modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, and parts of Syria. Long-distance sea trade over bodies of water, such as the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. They had traded with Iran and Afghanistan also for Minerals, while Lead and Copper were exported from Bharat.

The Maurya Empire (322 BCE to 185 BCE) had foreign relations with many surrounding countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Egypt and Greece. Notably, the Greek ambassador Megasthenes, dispatched by Seleucus Nikator, contributed to cross-cultural understanding by documenting Indian society and Mauryan administration in his work "Indica." Diplomatic ties persisted during Bindusara's reign, with Greek sources referencing relations with Antiochus, the Syrian king, and King Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt. Under Ashoka's rule, the empire further expanded its connections, establishing diplomatic links with South Asia and Western countries. The strategic Khyber Pass facilitated trade and interactions with regions beyond the empire's borders, including Greek states and Hellenic kingdoms in West Asia. This extensive trade network also reached Southeast Asia through the Malay Peninsula, emphasising the Mauryan Empire's significant role in fostering cultural exchange and commerce across a vast geopolitical landscape.

The Kushan Empire (30 CE to 375 CE) spanning nearly three centuries, maintained extensive diplomatic relations across various ancient regions. With the Roman Empire, diplomatic ties were evident through embassy exchanges and gifts, supported by Roman coins found in Kushan territories, highlighting robust trade links. Relations with the Sasanian Empire in Persia were marked by conflicting accounts, as the Sasanian king claimed victory over the Kushans, though some doubt the accuracy of this assertion. In China, the Kushans, referred to as Guishuang or Yuezhi, engaged in diplomatic exchanges, with King Kanishka sending missions to the Han emperor and facilitating cultural and religious interactions, including the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road. The Kushan Empire also had diplomatic links with Central Asian regions, interacting with entities such as Khotan, Kashgar, Yarkand, Bactria, and nomadic groups like the Scythians, Parthians, and Hephthalites. As a cosmopolitan and multicultural entity, the Kushan Empire played a pivotal role in connecting the East and the West during antiquity.

The Gupta Empire (319 to 467 CE) known for its flourishing trade and diplomatic engagements, established notable connections with various regions and kingdoms. During Chandragupta II's reign, diplomatic ties with the Roman Empire were evident, as an envoy was sent to the court of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The Gupta Empire engaged in extensive trade, importing commodities such as ivory, tortoise shell, silk, and medicinal plants from Africa, China, and the Far East, while exporting food, grain, spices, salt, gems, and gold bullion. Additionally, the Guptas navigated complex interactions with the Huns, a nomadic tribe from Central Asia that initially faced resistance under Skandagupta but eventually succeeded in overthrowing Gupta rule in northern Bharat. 

The Chola Empire (907 to 1215 CE), had a dynamic foreign policy marked by extensive maritime trade and diplomatic relations. The Cholas actively engaged in trade with various regions, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange. Their naval prowess facilitated connections with Southeast Asia, including present-day Malaysia and Indonesia, where they established strong trade links and exerted influence. Additionally, the Cholas maintained diplomatic ties with China and the Arab world, contributing to the cosmopolitan nature of their empire. The maritime routes controlled by the Cholas facilitated the exchange of goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones, showcasing their strategic importance in the global trade network of the time. This diplomatic and economic acumen contributed significantly to the Chola Empire's prominence in the mediaeval Indian Ocean trade system.

The Vijayanagara Kingdom (1336-1646 CE), maintained a strategic foreign policy marked by diplomatic alliances, military prowess, and active trade relations. The rulers of Vijayanagara, particularly during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya, engaged in diplomatic ties. Trade was a vital component of their foreign relations, with the empire serving as a vibrant economic hub. The capital city, Vijayanagara, was a melting pot of cultures and attracted merchants from various parts of the world. The empire's trade routes extended to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Europe, contributing to a flourishing economy. The Vijayanagara Empire's foreign policy, characterised by a balance of military strength and diplomatic engagements, allowed it to maintain stability and prosperity while fostering cultural and economic exchanges with diverse regions.

Delhi Sultanate(1206-1526 CE) had a foreign policy characterised by both military expansion and engagement in trade with different regions. The sultans, particularly during the Khalji and Tughlaq dynasties, pursued aggressive military campaigns to extend their dominion. Diplomatic relations were maintained with neighbouring empires, such as the Ilkhanate in Persia. The Delhi Sultanate actively participated in the transcontinental trade network, benefiting from its strategic location along the trade routes connecting the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia and the Middle East. The Delhi Sultanate's foreign policy was more driven by territorial ambitions and strategic dominance rather than fostering cultural and economic ties. 

Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE) pursued a nuanced foreign policy characterised by diplomatic relations, military campaigns, and vibrant trade networks. The Mughals established diplomatic ties with various powers, including the Safavids in Persia and the Ottoman Empire, engaging in cultural and intellectual exchanges. In terms of trade, the Mughal Empire was a significant economic player, fostering commerce along the Silk Road and maintaining sea routes with European powers. Internal conflicts, weak successors, and external invasions ultimately led to the decline of the Mughal Empire, eroding the positive aspects of Bharat's historical legacy of cosmopolitanism and cultural amalgamation.

Bharat's current foreign policy reflects echoes of the ancient diplomatic strategies employed by powerful empires of Bharat with a commitment to principles such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), Sarva Dharma Sambhava (equal respect for all religions) and Bharatiyata (Indianness). Much like the Mauryan Empire, which under Ashoka emphasised non-aggression and peaceful coexistence, Bharat's contemporary foreign policy underscores diplomatic dialogue and cooperation. Similarly, the Gupta Empire's emphasis on cultural exchanges and intellectual pursuits finds resonance in Bharat's current soft power approach, promoting Indian culture, education, and technology globally. The Gupta influence is seen in Bharat's integration policies, secularism, and support for diverse faiths. The Kushanas, known for their strategic positioning along the Silk Road, correlate with Bharat's modern 'Act East' ‘look west’ 'Connect Central Asia' policies, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian, West Asian, Central Asian nations. The Kushana emphasis on cultural assimilation parallels Bharat's commitment to universalism and inclusiveness. Furthermore, the Chola Empire's maritime trade and cultural diplomacy can be paralleled with Bharat's focus on economic partnerships and people-to-people connections in the Indian Ocean region, Bharat pursues naval dominance and cooperation in the Indian Ocean, fostering leadership in regional partnerships.

While the geopolitical landscape has evolved, Bharat's foreign policy today draws inspiration from its ancient history, emphasising both regional connectivity and global engagement. However, Bharat's modern approach also considers evolving global dynamics, national interests, and emerging challenges, making its foreign policy a dynamic and pragmatic response to the contemporary world order.