India’s Position in International Conflict

Abstract

In its directive principles the Indian constitution contains the provision that the state shall endeavour to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organized people with one another and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. Little has been done to carry out the final obligation. India did not accede to the revised General Act for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, as she was not prepared to accept any rigid rules in regard to this matter. Similarly, no arbitration agreements were entered into because issues involving fundamental political interests were better left to settlement through negotiations.¹ In general, India welcomed those methods of pacific settlement which did not involve an element of compulsion.