Jawaharlal Nehru, the inaugural Prime Minister of India, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's overarching agenda. Remarkably, he also took on the responsibilities of the Foreign Minister, thereby wielding significant influence over India's foreign policy formulation and implementation spanning from 1946 to 1964. During this period, Nehru's impact was profound, stemming from his dual roles as both the head of government and the chief diplomat.

Central to Nehru's foreign policy were  three overarching goals: safeguarding the hard-earned sovereignty of the nation, upholding its territorial integrity, and facilitating rapid economic advancement. These objectives were underpinned by his envisioned strategy of non-alignment, a stance that he believed would guide India towards achieving its aspirations.

Which political parties leaned towards a pro-US foreign policy?

Both options 1 and 2

Within India's political landscape, there existed diverse viewpoints. While Nehru championed non-alignment, certain segments of society advocated for a closer alignment with the bloc led by the United States, citing its proclaimed pro-democracy stance. Leaders such as Dr. Ambedkar held this perspective. Additionally, certain political factions opposed to communism, such as the Bharatiya Jan Sangh and later the Swatantra Party, also leaned towards a pro-US foreign policy. However, Nehru possessed considerable latitude in shaping foreign policy decisions, ensuring that his vision prevailed.