- Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984.
- This period marked significant events and developments of India's foreign relationships including:
The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh.
- The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 was a significant conflict that arose from tensions between India and Pakistan over the disputed region of East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh).
- India intervened in support of Bengali separatists, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
- This war had a profound impact on the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia and solidified India's position as a regional power.
The signing of the Indo–Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation.
- The Indo–Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, signed in 1971-1991, reaffirmed the close political and economic ties between India and the Soviet Union.
- The treaty included provisions for mutual defense and assistance in case of an external threat to either country.
- It was a significant step in strengthening the strategic relationship between the two nations during that period.
The establishment of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).
- Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role in the establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985.
- SAARC aimed to foster cooperation and mutual development among the countries of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.
