|
|
Like with any other democratic nation, it is not easy to name individuals or offices which make Foreign Policy. There are many individuals who influence and aid in the foreign policy process, but, there is not a set group of people. However, the following are the people who are most involved and are notorious for being involved in this process. One important actor of the foreign policy process is President Abdul Kalam. Among other powers, the President can proclaim an emergency in the country if he is satisfied that the security of the country or of any part of its territory is threatened whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion and make treaties which are unquestionable by Parliament. When there is a failure of the constitutional machinery in a state, he can assume to himself all or any of the functions of the government of that state. Under the Constitution the President has all executive powers. The President appoints the prime minister, who is currently Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and, in reality exercises all executive powers. He is also India's Foreign Minister, Chairperson of various important Standing Committees of Parliament and Leader of Opposition, Vajpayee is also an active participant in the shaping of India's post-Independence domestic and foreign policy. The leader of the party which controls the Lok Sabha is usually appointed prime minister. India’s prime minister’s hold special responsibilities for foreign affairs and defense. They are usually the major decision maker in their foreign policy process. Not only does the Prime Minister serve as the “aid and adviser” to the president, but he also advises the appointments of the Cabinet; whom also helps the Prime Minister with his “Executive Powers.” The Cabinet is expected to prepare the government’s legislative program as a whole, and manage it. “After the Sino-Indian confrontation in 1962, however, Nehru established the Emergency Committee of the Cabinet. Also referred to as the “inner cabinet,” it was composed of the prime minister, home minister, external affairs minister, defense minister, and the finance minister.” The Constitution of India grants the Parliament exclusive power to make laws in respect to foreign affairs, and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country. Although the lower house truly represents the overwhelming rural character of the Indian society as a whole, it also reflects that the largest number of Parliament members have no familiarity or concern with foreign affairs.
|
