Abstract
The Constitution of India as the supreme law of land represents the fundamental human rights of all individuals and provides a framework for the way people govern themselves in a democratic manner while protecting individual rights and promoting social justice. The Constitution contains various provisions for providing this protection.
This article will explain how these various provisions of the Indian Constitution (specifically the Fundamental Rights, the Directive Principles of State Policy, the Fundamental Duties, and Article 51) demonstrate India’s dedication to supporting world peace and respecting international law, as well as to solving conflicts peacefully.
Additionally, this article will discuss India’s commitment to:
- Supporting democracy
- Promoting inclusive and equitable social policies
- Maintaining a foreign policy of non-alignment
- Playing an active role in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions
- Signing and adhering to various international treaties
Based on this understanding of the Constitution and its application to international communities, it is clear that India’s constitutional ideals are essential to supporting both individual liberty and the establishment of global peace through mutual understanding and collaboration.
Introduction
The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the land and serves as the cornerstone of national governance. After being approved by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, it came into effect on January 26, 1950, superseding the Government of India Act (1935).
The Constitution outlines the fundamental principles, institutional structure, customs, powers, and duties of governmental bodies, while also describing the rights and obligations of individual citizens.
The principles, policies, and objectives outlined in the Indian Constitution serve as a major catalyst for the progress of world peace and harmony. As the supreme law of the land, it provides a framework for government, safeguards fundamental rights, advances social justice, and preserves secular and democratic values.
By ensuring that every citizen has freedom, justice, and equality, the Indian Constitution fosters harmony both within and outside of the nation.
Features of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution’s commitment to universal values provides a strong foundation for promoting global unity and peace. The longest and most comprehensive written constitution in the world, it is a detailed and complex document that draws significantly from the Government of India Act of 1935 and other national constitutions (approximately 250 provisions from the 1935 Act were incorporated).
Fundamental Rights (Part III)
Part III of the Indian Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens. The Constitution places strong emphasis on the protection of basic rights, built on the underlying principle that all people have the right to certain freedoms as fellow humans. The enjoyment of these liberties is unaffected by the opinions of the majority or minority, and a majority cannot take away these rights.
Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
Part IV of the Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy, included to guarantee social and economic justice for the nation’s inhabitants.
While the original constitution did not specify the fundamental duties of citizens, these were added in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment Act following the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. Ten Fundamental Duties were initially listed, which every Indian citizen is required to uphold. Later, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 included one more fundamental duty.
- The rights are provided to the people as assurances
- The obligations are expectations placed on each and every citizen
Secular Character of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution upholds a secular government. Consequently, it opposes designating any one faith as India’s official state religion. This concept aims to establish a secular state, though it does not mean that religion is not tolerated by the Indian government.
Secularism—treating all religions equally and offering equal protection to them all—is best represented by the Indian Constitution.
Article 51 of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution’s Article 51 encourages world peace and unity. It expressly states that the state shall uphold all provisions pertaining to international law, endeavor to carry out its obligations under treaties, and promote the use of arbitration to settle disputes between nations. Although it does not specifically mention it in Indian laws, this article instructs the state to uphold international law.
Objectives and Scope of Article 51
According to Article 51, the state must work to uphold fair and respectable relations between states, advance international peace and security, encourage the settlement of international disputes through arbitration, and foster adherence to treaty obligations and international law in the interactions of organized peoples.
The article reflects the relationship between international law and municipal law—that is, state law that pertains to India.
Principle of Pacta Sunt Servanda
The principle of “Pacta Sunt Servanda” (agreements must be kept) is emphasized in Article 51©. The maintenance of India’s relations with other nations is outlined in Article 51(b) and (d). India is a nation that values peace, and Article 51(a) states that it should advance global peace and security.
Legal Status and Enforceability
Article 51 is included in the “Directive Principles of State Policy” section of Part IV of the Indian Constitution, which is not enforceable in court.
However, Article 372(1) of the Indian Constitution states that unless they are changed, repealed, or amended by an appropriate legislature, the laws that were in place at the time the Constitution was adopted will remain in effect and be adopted going forward.
This means that until they are revoked, changed, or amended, the treaties and agreements signed by the British Government on behalf of British India will remain in effect.
Key Constitutional Provisions at a Glance
| Constitutional Provision | Subject Matter |
|---|---|
| Part III | Fundamental Rights |
| Part IV | Directive Principles of State Policy |
| Article 51 | Promotion of International Peace and Compliance with International Law |
| Article 372(1) | Continuance of Existing Laws and Treaties |
Promotion of International Peace and Security
Since World War II, 81 countries have fought in 199 wars, with 69 of those countries serving as direct combat zones (Mr. Janez Stanovnik, Paris, UNESCO, 1978). After making a heroic effort to tally the number of man-made deaths in the 20th century, Mr. Gil Elliot arrived at 110 million deaths between 1900 and 1970, including 38 million soldiers. This indicates that one in every 30 people on the planet died as a result of crimes committed by governments.
In such a scenario, the spirit of Article 51’s provisions, enshrined in the Indian Constitution, serves as a beacon and expresses an earnest desire to maintain global peace and security by averting conflicts and wars for the benefit of all people. The world has become a “global village” as a result of the advancement of science, technology, communication, transportation, and information technology. Despite the fact that Article 51 is one of the “directive principles of state policy” and cannot be interpreted as implying a mandate to create a new world order, all of these developments call for the creation of a new world order, which is only possible by maintaining global peace and security.
Need for Reasoned Global Governance
The world’s current problems can only be resolved with reason and awareness, taking into account the gravity of the circumstances and establishing an impartial international body with the authority to impose laws, directives, or decisions. These problems include:
- The massive stockpile of nuclear weapons that could destroy the entire planet multiple times
- The threat of low-intensity and high-intensity international wars
- Terrorism, including cross-border terrorism
- Boundary disputes and ethnic conflicts
- Political and economic issues
- Environmental degradation and pollution
- Religious disputes and other issues affecting all of humanity
The aforementioned Article 51 offers a new perspective, and every country should not only adopt these provisions in their own constitutions but also abide by them.
Article 51 And International Law
Article 51 of the Indian Constitution outlines a vision for global peace and security and calls on all of us to work toward promoting “respect for international law” in its clause ©. However, international law can be respected if it is founded on equality and justice, is enacted by a properly constituted international body with universal recognition, and is binding on all peoples and nation-states.
Because it is not enforceable and lacks universal recognition, the current international law has proven to be insufficient in that it has not been able to resolve issues. As a result, large and powerful nations have only made more people miserable, hungry, sick, and impoverished through their bombings and sanctions.
Therefore, it is clear that Article 51 of the Indian Constitution is a special clause that presents a great Indian philosophy, raises awareness, and serves as a lighthouse for global peace and security.
Democracy And Human Rights
The Indian Constitution protects democracy by guaranteeing that the people have the final say. The main components of this democratic framework are respect for individual rights, the rule of law, and regular elections. India is now a global role model for developing democracies due to its dedication to democratic governance. The very fact that India is home to a thriving, pluralistic democracy encourages other countries to follow suit, which is essential for maintaining world peace.
Fundamental human rights including equality before the law, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion are guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. The judiciary upholds these rights, guaranteeing that people have options for redress in the event that their rights are violated. This dedication to the universal principles of human rights inspires other countries to enact comparable protections for their people.
The defense of human rights encourages accountability, transparency, and justice in politics, all of which contribute to world peace.
Social Justice And Inclusivity
Social justice and inclusivity are highly valued in the Indian Constitution. Social disparities have been lessened through the implementation of affirmative action policies, such as reservations for historically marginalized communities. These initiatives promote world peace and unity by encouraging other nations to confront their own problems with discrimination and inequality.
Minority rights are guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, including rights to culture and education. These safeguards promote social cohesion and set a good example for other nations, especially those with diverse populations. India supports the inclusion and respect of diverse cultural and religious groups by defending the rights of minorities, thereby advancing world unity.
India’s Non-Aligned Policy and Diplomacy
The free development of the individual as well as the social and economic advancement of nations have become the primary goals of India’s non-alignment policy. This approach combines the objectives of national economic growth and peace with the liberation of peoples from all forms of exploitation and subjugation. India was instrumental in lowering tensions throughout the world during the Cold War by refusing to side with any major power bloc. The non-alignment policy promoted cooperation and a peaceful way of life, which helped to settle disputes peacefully all over the world.
Contribution of India to U.N. Peacekeeping Mission
The United Nations uses peacekeeping as a crucial instrument to assist nations in transitioning from war to peace. It entails the deployment of law enforcement, military, and civilian personnel to areas impacted by political unrest or conflicts. Facilitating peace and security, safeguarding civilians, and assisting in the restoration of stable governance structures are the main goals of UN peacekeeping. In an endeavor to uphold global peace and security, it brings together the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, Secretariat, troop and police contributors, and the host governments.
India has a long history of supporting UN peacekeeping efforts. It is one of the nations that contributes the most troops, and it has a history of sending soldiers, doctors, and engineers to various peacekeeping operations across the globe. Thus far, India has sent approximately 275,000 soldiers on peacekeeping missions.
Sacrifices and Training Initiatives
- With 179 soldiers dying in the line of duty, Indian Army soldiers have made enormous sacrifices while serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
- The Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) has been established in New Delhi by the Indian Army.
- More than 12,000 troops receive specialized training in peacekeeping operations from this center each year.
- It hosts national and international courses for aspiring peacekeepers and trainers.
- In order to exchange best practices and strengthen peacekeepers’ capabilities, CUNPK is essential.
Women in UN Peacekeeping Missions
The second-largest women’s contingent after Liberia, India has sent Female Engagement Teams to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei and the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. India has also sent female staff officers and military observers on different missions, as well as women military police, to the UN Disengagement Observer Force.
International Treaties and Commitments
India has signed numerous treaties with other nations. The Legal and Treaties Division of the Ministry of External Affairs maintains a database known as the “Indian Treaties Database,” which contains an exhaustive database of all the treaties that the Indian government has entered into with other nations and intergovernmental organizations since 1950.
India is a party to several historic international agreements that demonstrate its commitment to global peace and cooperation:
Key Areas of International Commitment
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Change and Environment | India is a party to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, a legally binding international treaty adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on December 12, 2015. It entered into force on November 4, 2016. Its purpose is to address global warming. India is making a significant contribution to international efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment, which is essential for maintaining global peace and sustainability, by pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. India is also a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which aims to protect biological diversity and encourage the sustainable use of biological resources. For ecological stability and cooperation on a global scale, biodiversity protection is crucial. |
| Human Rights | India is a party to two international human rights treaties: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which place strong emphasis on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Maintaining these rights is essential to advancing world harmony and peace. |
| Regional Peace and Security | India and China have signed several agreements, including the Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement, to preserve peace and stability along their disputed border. India and Israel have agreements pertaining to defense and security that include the sharing of intelligence, counterterrorism, and military technology. |
| Disarmament | The development, manufacture, and storage of biological weapons are prohibited by the to which India is a party. By forbidding the use of biological weapons in combat, this agreement promotes security and peace. |
| Counterterrorism | India has actively participated in international counterterrorism operations and has agreements with other countries to work together to combat terrorism and violent extremism, promoting international security and peace in the process. |
| Maritime Security | To enhance maritime security and safety, which are essential for preserving regional and international peace, India has signed agreements with its neighbors in the Indian Ocean region. |
Overall Commitment to Global Peace
India’s commitment to global peace is reflected in these international agreements and initiatives, which cover counterterrorism, environmental sustainability, disarmament, and conflict resolution. India has demonstrated its commitment to advancing international peace and cooperation through its participation in these agreements.
Secularism And Pluralism
By adhering to a policy of secularism, India has allowed the coexistence of many different religions such as Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. Religious diversity fosters peace throughout the world by demonstrating that individuals of many different beliefs can live together peacefully. It is an example of how individuals of different religions can co-exist peacefully with each other through a common goal of promoting world peace.
Additionally, the responsibilities of secularism in India provide respect for all religions, and an acceptance of people from various faiths ultimately assist with the creation of a global community based on mutual respect and understanding.
Interfaith Harmony And Global Peace
Because of its commitment to respecting human rights at the universal level, India is committed to promoting world peace and harmony through interfaith collaboration and communication between the many religions represented in India.
Through numerous festivals and events, religious leaders and community members from the many diverse religious traditions come together to promote peace and understanding within their communities.
By promoting interfaith harmony through the reduction of religious tension and conflict, India serves as an example for other nations facing issues of conflict and division based on religion to create more inclusive and welcoming communities.
Key Contributions Of Secularism In India
- Peaceful coexistence of multiple religions
- Respect for all faiths and belief systems
- Promotion of interfaith dialogue and collaboration
- Reduction of religious tension and conflict
- Creation of inclusive and welcoming communities
Secular Values And Their Global Impact
| Constitutional Value | Global Impact |
|---|---|
| Secularism | Encourages peaceful coexistence of diverse religions |
| Human Rights | Promotes dignity, equality, and universal respect |
| Interfaith Cooperation | Builds trust and understanding across communities |
| Social Justice | Supports inclusive and equitable societies |
Conclusion
By creating a framework for global cooperation through a common set of ideals, the Indian Constitution has created a basis upon which to promote stability and peace for all nations.
India’s commitment to democracy and non-interventionism; secularism; social justice; cooperation between peoples of all faiths and cultures; and when these concepts are pursued in parallel will future generations continue to be inspired by the Indian Constitution and contribute to the realisation of the goals of the UN and the ideals of the UN Charter.
The Constitution exemplifies what can happen when people work together in peace as one human family.
The example of India proves that, through its commitment to the principles outlined in the Constitution, will continue to inspire future generations to work towards achieving their fullest potential and realise their dreams.
