Indian Constitution At Work

Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, believed in forging closer relations with the United States and its bloc during the formulation of India's foreign policy in the 1960s. His tenure saw efforts to build diplomatic relations with Western powers while maintaining India's non-alignment stance, especially during the Cold War.
Thus, the correct answer is (D) Lal Bahadur Shastri.

India has played a crucial role in maintaining Afro-Asian unity by:
1. Leadership in the Bandung Conference (1955): India, along with other newly independent nations, organized the Bandung Conference, which led to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), aiming to unite Afro-Asian countries against colonialism and imperialism.
2. Support for African Independence Movements: India consistently supported the independence struggles of African nations and provided moral and political support for movements in countries like South Africa and Algeria.
3. Advocacy for South-South Cooperation: India has emphasized the importance of economic and political cooperation among developing countries, particularly in the Global South, to foster collective growth and development.
Thus, the correct answer is (b).

India’s foreign policy has pursued the dream of a peaceful world through:
1. Non-Alignment Movement (NAM): India was a founding member of NAM, which aimed to avoid alignment with either of the Cold War superpowers, the USA or the USSR, and instead focus on global peace and cooperation.
2. Peacekeeping Missions: India has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world, promoting peace and stability in conflict zones.
3. Support for Disarmament: India has consistently advocated for nuclear disarmament and global efforts to reduce military arms, underlining its commitment to a peaceful world free from the threat of nuclear conflict.
Thus, the correct answer is (a).