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Module - III Geo-Politics

Security and Geo-Strategy

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Note
GEO-POLITICS

International relations describe the type of relations a country has with other countries.

The relationship between two countries is based on the level of interactions on subjects
such as economy, military, law, environment etc. Two or more countries can have
'strategic relation', 'economic relation', 'political relation', 'bilateral (between two
countries) multi lateral' (between two or more countries) relation etc.

The type of relation depends upon each others' mutual interests and benefits. In the
region called South Asia India is centrally located and geo-politics determines bilateral
relations in the region. Land, location, terrain and other geographical factors have
influenced political decisions in a big way. You will learn that geographic factors impact
the political decision-making. Understanding the location of India's neighbours and the
meaning of soft and hard power of a nation will help to understand the need to have
good relations with all countries.

Objectives

After studying this lesson you will be able to:
• explain the meaning of geo-politics;

• locate India's neighbours and identify the differences in power potential among
nations;
• differentiate between treaties and alliances and derive the inter-se importance;

• describe the strategic areas of relations between India and its neighbours and
• describe the Panchsheel and non-alignment policy of India.

8.1 What is Geo-politics?

Before we proceed to discuss India's relations with neighbouring countries it is important
to understand the meaning of the term geo-politics and international relations. You
have learnt in the previous lesson about India's vast geographic and natural resources.

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