The Perspective of Deendayal Upadhyaya on International Relations: Relevance in Contemporary Indian Diplomacy

Abstract: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was a prominent political thinker and nationalist leader who emphasised self-reliance, ethical governance, and the preservation of the civilizational values of India. His views on international relations were shaped by the principles of sovereignty, national interest, and global justice. He advocated for a reformed United Nations that would ensure equal representation for newly independent nations and resist dominance by powerful states. Upadhyaya was both a critic and a proponent of government policies, urging strong leadership, strategic diplomacy, and a pragmatic approach to foreign relations. His concept of Dynamic Neutrality-which calls for an independent, interest-driven foreign policy, and his emphasis on cultural diplomacy is reflected in contemporary global engagements of India. The contemporary relevance of the vision of Deendayal Upadhyaya on foreign policy is evident in the strategic approach of India under the present government. Policies such as Neighbourhood First, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and increased cultural diplomacy align with his vision of self-reliance and India-centric international relations. This paper examines the thoughts of Deendayal Upadhyaya on international relation and their influence on modern Indian diplomacy, demonstrating how his vision aligns with the current geopolitical strategies and foreign policy objectives of the country. Keywords: Dynamic Neutrality; Cultural Diplomacy; National Interest; Self-Reliance; National Security. Title: The Perspective of Deendayal Upadhyaya on International Relations: Relevance in Contemporary Indian Diplomacy Author: Hareet Kumar Meena, Sangeeta Dhayal International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, January 2025 - March 2025 Page No: 232-237 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 17-March-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15057165 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/the-perspective-of-deendayal-upadhyaya-on-international-relations-relevance-in-contemporary-indian-diplomacy