India's Foreign Policy derives its strength from Gandhism, Liberalism, Democratic Socialism and Internationalism. Discuss the ideological basis of India's Foreign Policy on the basis of the above statement.

Like every nation’s foreign policy, India’s foreign policy derives its strength from the very well-established ideologies such as Gandhism, Liberalism, Democratic Socialism and Internationalism.
Within these broad boundaries are included other core ideal thoughts such as secularism, nationalism, anti-imperialism and anti-racism.
With respect to Gandhian ideas shaping our foreign policy are ideas of Gandhiji such as Ahimsa, Satya, Satyagrah, and Universal Brotherhood.
Further, there is total opposition to apartheid and the strong belief in world peace and peaceful co-existence which shape our foreign policy.
India strongly believes in the idea of non-alignment wherein India abstains from favouring any nation and being party to any power politics. This spells out the spirit of nationalism which is instilled at the core of our foreign policy.
When it comes to the idea of Liberal Internationalism, India stands for intimate and free co-operation amongst nations. It opposes imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racial discrimination, and any sort of war in international relations. On the basis of this ideology, Article 51 (DPSP) mirrors India’s commitment towards liberal internationalism wherein it has clearly spelt out the importance of promoting international peace.
Lastly, when we consider the idea of Socialism influencing our ideology towards our foreign policy, India is guided on one hand by Marxian form of socialism which is revolution based as well as Fabian form, wherein we have maintained love and respect for our democracy as well as Indian cultural values.
Therefore, India maintains a mix of these popular ideals to shape our foreign policy which makes definitely one of the kind and novel in nature.

Topics: GS-II: India's Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations