Meaning: Foreign policy in general terms means maintenance of relations with other countries and participation in international political and economic affairs. It is a combination of principles, interests and objectives through which a state formulates and conducts its relations with other countries. Importance of Indian Foreign Policy:

(a) External Sovereignty: The foreign policy of a nation represents its external sovereignty and freedom. India adopted its own foreign policy after the emancipation from British colonialism and emerged as a sovereign nation in the world.

(b) Protection of National Interest: India’s foreign policy emphasizes the glory of Indian freedom struggle, importance of India’s geographical location for its economic development and patriotism.

(c) Peace and Non-Violence: An important facet of India’s foreign policy is the concern for Gandhian ideals of peace and nonviolence. India achieved its independence by using these weapons and succeeded in inspiring the world.

(d) Economic Development: India’s foreign policy comprises of economic development and political stability to ensure the unity and integrity of the country. National security was conceived to protect the independence, territorial integrity, self-reliance.

(e) Democratic Ideals: India supports the Human Rights as the basic condition for democratic world and for egalitarian world. Indian believes in promotion of the principle of democratic ideals to strengthen the foreign policy.