Did India before 1947 had an independent foreign policy of her own?

Before 1947, when India attained independence from British colonial authority, the British government played a significant role in determining its foreign policy. It would be erroneous to state that India at that time had no autonomous foreign policy of its own. The Indian National Congress, which was a key player in the war for freedom, did create and state its foreign policy stances.

When it was first established in 1885, the Indian National Congress sought constitutional changes within the British Empire. But as time went on, it changed into a nationalist movement that favored India's total independence. Particularly with the ascent of figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, Congress started developing its own foreign policy goals.
Nehru was a key player in establishing India's foreign policy and went on to become its first Prime Minister. He supported a non-alignment strategy that stressed keeping equal distance from the Western and Eastern Blocs during the Cold War. Nehru held the view that India should pursue its independent course in international affairs, avoiding allegiance to any power blocs and fostering international peace.

Under Nehru's influence, the Indian National Congress also promoted decolonization and backed other countries' rights to self-determination. India actively participated in international organizations like the UN and used these venues to raise awareness of colonialism and imperialism issues.

Even before gaining its independence, India developed diplomatic ties with many nations. It possessed a network of diplomatic outposts around the globe, including embassies and consulates. India also participated in bilateral discussions and agreements on particular subjects, such as trade and commerce, even though its ability to act independently was constrained by the British government's overall supervision.

In conclusion, although British control had an impact on India's foreign policy before 1947, the Indian National Congress and figures like Nehru did help to create and advance an independent foreign policy perspective. Decolonization, non-alignment, and active engagement in international forums were all promoted by the Congress. After gaining its independence in 1947, India continued to pursue an autonomous foreign policy.