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Sovereignty

Q. What does sovereignty mean which is mentioned in the Preamble? Does India’s sovereignty remain unaffected in changing national and international scenarios?

 Answer

• The idea of having supreme authority over a defined territory is termed sovereignty. The term has been used by Western philosophers to describe the supremacy of the state over the people being governed. The supremacy also extends to its institutions such as the government, the judiciary, and parliament.
• The state has a legitimate claim to sovereignty for its role in offering protection to its people, keeping the society cohesive and maintaining peace through its control over law and order.
• India is a sovereign nation, which means that it has the right to govern itself without any external interference.
• India’s sovereignty is derived from its constitution, which was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950.
• The constitution declares India as a “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic” and lays down the basic principles of its political system, such as parliamentary democracy, federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and duties, and judicial review.

 Indian Constitution asserts the sovereignty of India in several ways

• The Preamble of the Constitution states that “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic”.
• Article 1 of the Constitution declares that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
• Article 51 of the Constitution states that “The State shall endeavor to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honorable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organized peoples with one another.”
• The Constitution of India also protects the sovereignty of India by laying down certain duties and obligations for its citizens.
• Article 253 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to make laws for implementing any treaty, agreement, or convention with any other country or country or any decision made at any international conference, association, or other body.
• Article 368 of the Constitution provides for the amendment of the Constitution by a special majority of Parliament.

India’s Sovereignty in its foreign policy

• India’s sovereignty is also reflected in its foreign policy, which is based on the principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and cooperation, and respect for international law and norms.
• India has established diplomatic relations with almost all the countries in the world and is an active member of various regional and global organizations, such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Group of Twenty.

India’s Sovereignty in Its Defence and Security Policy

• India’s sovereignty is also manifested in its defense and security policy, which aims to protect its territorial integrity and national interests from any external or internal threats.
• India has a strong and professional armed forces, which consist of the army, the navy, and the air force.
• India also has a nuclear deterrence capability, which it declared in 1998 after conducting five nuclear tests.
• India follows a policy of “no first use” of nuclear weapons and maintains a “credible minimum deterrence” posture.

India’s Sovereignty in its Economic and Social Development Policy

• India’s sovereignty is also demonstrated in its economic and social development, which is guided by its vision and priorities.
• India has achieved remarkable progress in various fields, such as agriculture, industry, science and technology, education, health, and infrastructure.
• India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is expected to become the third-largest economy by 2030.
• India is also a diverse and pluralistic society, which respects and celebrates its cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic diversity.

Conclusion

India’s sovereignty is a source of pride and inspiration for its people and a symbol of its identity and dignity in the world. India’s sovereignty is also a responsibility and a challenge for its people and its leaders to uphold and safeguard it from any internal or external threats or challenges. India’s sovereignty is not only a legal or political concept but also a moral and ethical value that defines its national character and destiny.