Sudhakaran asked: What role do the noble ideals of the Indian constitution have in the practical formulation of strategic domestic and foreign policies?

Arvind Gupta replies: The Indian Constitution encompasses the noble ideas of democracy, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity etc. The Constitution has made India a sovereign democratic republic. Every citizen has certain fundamental rights. The rights of minorities are also protected under the Constitution. All policies of the government, domestic or foreign, derive their legitimacy from the Constitution. Article 51, which forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, deals with international interests and foreign policy. It requires the state to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, have respect for international law, fulfill treaty obligations and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. This Article forms the basis of India's foreign policy which promotes peace and cooperation.