Initial Nation Granting India Recognition Post Independence May Come as a Shock
In the decades since 1947, India has built relations with most nations of the world, but there remain a few exceptions where recognition is not yet granted. One such instance is the recognition of India by the United States, a significant event that marked the beginning of India's journey on the world stage.
On August 15, 1947, India gained freedom from British rule, and millions across the country felt a sense of pride and joy. India became a sovereign nation, and a new responsibility was bestowed upon it - recognition from the world.
While there is no absolute historical clarity on the very first country to recognize India, many reports agree that America demonstrated early formal recognition by opening an embassy in India prior to its independence day. Other major powers such as Britain, the Soviet Union, and France followed soon after with recognition.
This differentiation is notable since Pakistan, India's neighbour, was recognized first by Iran. The process of international recognition varies, with some countries gaining it quickly and others facing long waits.
In the case of India, the United States may have been the first country to officially recognize its independence in 1947, even establishing diplomatic relations before August 15. This early recognition was crucial for India's entry into the community of nations, shaping trade, security, and cultural exchanges, and building trust between nations.
India's first acknowledgements gave it a voice in global affairs and opened doors for cooperation in defense, technology, and education. The first recognitions still hold value today, as they marked India's transition from freedom into full nationhood.
Seventy-eight years later, India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day this year, reminiscing about the memory of those first recognitions and the journey that followed.
It is worth noting that while Taiwan has strong trade links with India, there is no formal diplomatic recognition between the two countries.
References:
[1] Kochhar, Ruchir. "The U.S. was first to recognize India as an independent nation." Pew Research Center, 14 Aug. 2017, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/08/14/the-u-s-was-first-to-recognize-india-as-an-independent-nation/
[2] "India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru." BBC, BBC, 27 May 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-24370091
[3] "India's Independence Day." History, A&E Television Networks, LLC, https://www.history.com/topics/india/indias-independence-day
[4] "India's Independence Day." The Indian Express, 15 Aug. 2018, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-indias-independence-day-5225133/
[5] "India's Independence Day Speech by Jawaharlal Nehru." The Indian Express, 15 Aug. 2018, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-indias-independence-day-5225133/
The United States' recognition of India in 1947 served as a catalyst for India's entrance into the global community, paving the way for trade, political, and cultural exchanges that continue to this day, showcasing the profound impact of technology, politics, and general news in shaping international relationships. On the other hand, despite Taiwan's substantial economic ties with India, no formal diplomatic recognition has been established between the two nations, indicating the complex interplay of politics and diplomacy on the world stage.
