Which of the following is not an international obligation of India according to Article 51 ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
**Promote disarmament and arms control**

Article 51 is a crucial Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) under Part IV of the Indian Constitution. It lays down the objectives of India's foreign policy and is intended to guide the state in its conduct of international affairs. This article explicitly enumerates four specific directives for the State. While India's foreign policy consistently advocates for global disarmament and arms control—it is a central tenet of non-alignment and multilateral engagement—this specific phrase, "Promote disarmament and arms control," is **not** explicitly written as one of the four directives under the constitutional text of Article 51. The principles mentioned in Article 51 are foundational for promoting a just and peaceful international order, and while disarmament is an inferred goal of promoting peace, it is not textually included as a direct clause in the Article itself, distinguishing it from the other three options which are direct excerpts. Therefore, among the given choices, "Promote disarmament and arms control" is the one that is not a direct, stated international obligation of India according to the language of Article 51.

The incorrect option is 1:
**Promote international peace and security**
This statement is incorrect because it is the primary and overarching international obligation explicitly mentioned in Article 51 (a). The article begins by stating that the State shall endeavour to "promote international peace and security." This clause reflects India's deep commitment, dating back to its independence, to non-violence, peaceful coexistence, and maintaining global stability, serving as the fundamental guiding principle for all of India's diplomatic activities and foreign relations.

The incorrect option is 2:
**Incourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration**
This statement is incorrect because it is clearly mentioned as one of the explicit duties under Article 51 (d). The Article mandates that the State shall endeavour to "encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration." This constitutional direction underscores India’s preference for peaceful and negotiated resolutions to conflicts, rather than military confrontation, reflecting the country's historical legacy of advocating for diplomacy and international law as the most effective tools for dispute resolution.

The incorrect option is 3:
**Maintain just and honourable relations between nations**
This statement is incorrect as it constitutes a direct, explicit obligation under Article 51 (c). This clause directs the State to strive to "foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one another" and to "maintain just and honourable relations between nations." This principle emphasizes that India's interactions with other sovereign states must be based on fairness, dignity, and mutual respect, thereby upholding the moral and legal fabric of the international system.