The Indian Civil Service and Indian Foreign Policy, 1923-1961

This book explores the history of Indian foreign policy during the last leg of British rule and the post-independence era, focusing on the first significant overseas diplomatic missions and forays made by Indian civil servants. It is rich in archival material and provides an authoritative account of the key events and figures that shaped India's approach to foreign policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating accounts of the pioneering overseas diplomatic missions and ventures undertaken by Indian civil servants during the early stages of India's foreign policy. It offers a detailed and authoritative exploration of the key events that shaped the formative decades of Indian foreign policy, highlighting the prominent figures who played pivotal roles in this transformative period.

The book takes readers on a journey through the history and evolution of the civil and foreign services in India, spanning from the last leg of British rule to the post-independence era of Nehruvian politics. It provides a rich tapestry of archival material, encompassing official files, correspondences, and diaries, which shed light on the terms of service of the pioneering diplomats, including Girja Shankar Bajpai, K.P.S. Menon, and Subimal Dutt. These individuals served in various countries, including Africa, China, the USSR, and others, and their interactions with the Indian political leadership are intricately documented.

Through meticulous analysis and meticulous reconstruction, the book sheds light on the activities, strategies, worldviews, and contributions of the first administrators and diplomats who shaped India's approach to foreign policy and its relationships with other political powers. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that influenced India's foreign policy decisions during this critical period.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers and academics seeking to delve deeper into the history of Indian foreign affairs. It provides a wealth of information and insights that will be of great interest to students of international relations, foreign policy, political science, and modern Indian history. Moreover, it is accessible to general readers with an interest in the history of politics and diplomacy in India and South Asia, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of this fascinating region.

Chapter 1 of this book is available for free download as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com. The book is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license, allowing for widespread dissemination and reuse.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367633417