India's Role in the Vietnam War: A Neutral Approach

In the global political landscape of the 1960s, India emerged as a significant mediator and advocate for peace during the Vietnam War. This article explores India's stance and actions during this tumultuous period, highlighting its efforts to maintain neutrality in the face of superpower conflicts.

The International Context and India's Involvement

In 1965, India was a key player in the efforts to resolve the Vietnam War through negotiation. The country was the presiding member of the International Commission formed in 1954 to implement the Geneva Agreements, an alliance comprising India, Canada, and Poland, aimed at facilitating peace in Vietnam.

U.S. Military Actions and India's Response

Following the U.S. military escalation in 1965, which included the 'Rolling Thunder' bombing campaign against North Vietnam and a significant troop increase from 23,000 to 185,000, India expressed grave concerns over the escalating tensions. On February 8th, India urged both sides to de-escalate and called for a Geneva-type conference to resolve the conflict peacefully.

On May 24th, Indian President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan proposed a peace plan that called for an end to hostilities, the deployment of a peacekeeping force along the 17th parallel, and the maintenance of the current boundary as long as it was acceptable to both North Vietnam and South Vietnam. This reflects India's commitment to preserving the sovereignty of both entities while advocating for peace.

India's Neutral Stance

Considering India's strategic position, maintaining neutral relations with both the United States and the Soviet Union was crucial. As a country deeply committed to its business interests and maintaining peace, India's approach was marked by cautious neutrality. India did not align itself with either superpower, recognizing the delicate balance necessary in a bitterly divided world.

India was also a member of the International Control Commission, monitoring the implementation of the 1954 Geneva Agreements, which the United States had violated. This placed India in a unique position to observe and critique both sides, further emphasizing its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.

Support for North Vietnam and Advocacy for Peace

While India maintained a neutral stance, it openly supported the North Vietnamese during the conflict. In cooperation with the Soviet Union, India consistently criticized the U.S.'s aggressive actions, emphasizing the inhumane impact of the war on the Vietnamese people. India also supported efforts to suspend U.S. bombing of North Vietnam, as seen in the joint communique issued by Yugoslav President Tito and Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on August 1st.

India's Critics and Neutrality

Despite India's principled stand against the war, there were critics who questioned its neutrality, particularly regarding the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. While India nominally supported non-alignment, its actions often reflected a closer alignment with the Soviet Union.

Under Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, India participated in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), but it was clear that India was strategically siding with the Soviet Union. This was evident in India's stance on the Afghanistan issue, where India supported the Soviet Union's actions while remaining silent on the U.S. and other Western countries' concerns.

In conclusion, India's role in the Vietnam War was marked by a complex and nuanced approach characterized by a commitment to peace and a neutral stance. India's efforts to balance its international relationships and support for peace highlight its importance in global affairs during this critical period.