Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, played a crucial role in shaping India's foreign policy and its position in global affairs immediately following independence.

Nehru's Vision for International Relations

Nehru's foreign policy was characterized by a distinct vision aimed at asserting India's sovereignty and promoting peace in a world transitioning through decolonization and the Cold War.

Establishing Contacts with New Nations

A primary objective for Nehru was to establish strong connections between India and other newly liberated countries. He focused significantly on:

• Building relationships with newly independent states in Asia.
• Fostering ties with newly independent states in Africa.

This initiative was crucial for mutual support, collective bargaining power, and advocating for the interests of developing nations on the international stage.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the principal architects and founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This movement:

• United newly independent countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Advocated for non-participation in the military alliances led by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
• Promoted principles of peaceful coexistence, anti-colonialism, and economic cooperation.

The establishment of NAM, spearheaded by leaders like Nehru, directly addressed the question's focus on creating contacts between India and other newly independent states in Asia and Africa.

Comparative Analysis of Leaders

While leaders like Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Rajiv Gandhi also contributed significantly to India's foreign policy, Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure (1947-1964) was the foundational period for forging these initial, strategic international contacts with newly independent nations in Asia and Africa. His specific focus on Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence) and NAM solidified India's role as a leader among these emerging nations.