Question map
In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the
Explanation
Article 51 of the Indian Constitution lays down some Directive Principles of State Policy on 'Promotion of international peace and security'.[1] The State shall endeavour to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised people with one another, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.[1]
Article 51 of the Constitution (Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the Indian State to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.[2] These principles are not found in the Preamble, Fundamental Duties, or the Ninth Schedule, making option B the correct answer.
Sources- [1] Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > The Constitutional principles > p. 56
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > D I Promotion of World Peace > p. 608
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a 'Sitter'—a fundamental Polity question that requires zero analysis, just memory. It comes directly from the bare text of Article 51. If you get this wrong, you are not reading the actual Articles of the Constitution, which is a fatal error in UPSC preparation.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Is "promotion of international peace and security" included in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
- Statement 2: Is "promotion of international peace and security" included in the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India?
- Statement 3: Is "promotion of international peace and security" included in the Fundamental Duties in the Constitution of India?
- Statement 4: Is "promotion of international peace and security" included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India?
- Explicitly identifies 'promote international peace and security' as part of Article 51 (Directive Principles), not the Preamble.
- Shows the State shall endeavour to promote international peace and security, placing the phrase within Part IV (Directive Principles).
- Lists '51. Promotion of international peace and security' under Part IV/Directive Principles, confirming the provision is Article 51.
- Makes clear the phrase is a Directive Principle ('The State shall endeavour to...'), not language from the Preamble.
Explicitly quotes Article 51 listing 'promote international peace and security' as a Directive Principle of State Policy.
A student could compare the text of Article 51 (Directive Principles) with the Preamble text to see which document contains the phrase.
NCERT text states Article 51 'lays down some Directive Principles on "Promotion of international peace and security"' and reproduces the Article's clauses.
Use the reproduced Article 51 wording and then check the Preamble wording (from other snippets) to note presence/absence of the phrase.
Gives the full Preamble text as presently amended and shows its enumerated aims (Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) without mentioning international peace and security.
A student can directly compare this Preamble text with Article 51's text to judge whether the phrase appears in the Preamble.
States that the Preamble 'summarises the aims and objects' and reproduces the Preamble text, again lacking any phrase about promoting international peace and security.
Combine this Preamble reproduction with the Article 51 excerpts to infer the topic is covered under Directive Principles rather than in the Preamble.
- Directly quotes Article 51, listing 'Promote international peace and security' as one of the Directive Principles.
- Explicitly frames this provision as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
- Cites Article 51 and reproduces the clause including 'promote international peace and security'.
- Authoritative commentary (D.D. Basu) treats this as a constitutional pledge under Directive Principles.
- States that the Constitution (Directive Principles) directs the State to promote international peace and security.
- Links the promotion of peace and security explicitly to India's foreign policy aims and the Directive Principles.
- Text shows 'The State shall endeavour to— (a) promote international peace and security', indicating this obligation is on the State (Directive Principles/Article 51).
- The excerpt immediately proceeds to 'PART IVA FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES 51A', distinguishing Directive Principles from Fundamental Duties.
- Explicitly labels '51. Promotion of international peace and security' and states 'The State shall endeavour to- 1. promote international peace and security', placing it under Article 51 (Directive Principles).
- Shows 'PART IVA. FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES' occurs separately, confirming promotion of international peace is not listed as a citizen's Fundamental Duty.
States Article 5 (Article 51) directs the State (Directive Principles) to promote international peace and security — showing this phrase appears as a State duty, not necessarily a citizen's duty.
A student could compare the text/location of Article 51 with the text of Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) to see whether the phrase appears in the duties of citizens.
Explicitly quotes Article 51 listing 'promote international peace and security' among Directive Principles of State Policy.
Use the Article number and wording to check whether the same wording occurs in Part IV-A (Article 51A) which contains Fundamental Duties.
Reiterates that Article 51 lays down Directive Principles on 'Promotion of international peace and security', linking the phrase to Directive Principles rather than Fundamental Duties.
A student could consult a constitution text or table of contents to note that Directive Principles are in Part IV and Fundamental Duties in Part IV‑A, and compare their contents.
Explains Fundamental Duties were added as Article 51‑A (Part IV‑A) and summarizes the kinds of duties included (respect Constitution, flag, unity, brotherhood), suggesting typical items and scope of Article 51A.
Compare this summarized list with the phrase in question to judge whether 'promotion of international peace and security' fits the enumerated citizen duties.
Provides the actual list of Fundamental Duties under Article 51A (examples shown) and does not include 'promotion of international peace and security' among them.
A student could use this partial list to infer absence and then verify by checking the full text of Article 51A for any international‑peace clause.
- Shows the clause text and location: the State shall endeavour to 'promote international peace and security'.
- This text appears as part of the Directive Principles (Article 51), indicating it is a Directive Principle, not a Ninth Schedule entry.
- Explicitly labels 'Promotion of international peace and security' as Article 51 and places it under Directive Principles.
- Confirms the State's duty to 'promote international peace and security', again locating the phrase in Part IV (Directive Principles).
Shows the exact phrase appears in Article 51 as a Directive Principle: 'The State shall endeavour to... promote international peace and security.'
A student could note that Article 51 is a constitutional provision (Directive Principle) and check whether Ninth Schedule entries are constitutional articles or a list of acts/regulations.
Reiterates that promotion of international peace and security is an aim in Article 51 (Directive Principles).
Use the distinction between Directive Principles (constitutional articles) and Ninth Schedule contents to infer whether such a principle would normally be listed in the Ninth Schedule.
Again identifies the same Directive Principle text in Article 51, reinforcing that the phrase is located in the Directive Principles chapter of the Constitution.
A student could consult the structure of the Constitution (where Directive Principles are placed) and compare with what the Ninth Schedule actually contains.
Explains the nature of the Ninth Schedule: it contains acts and regulations saved from challenge under Article 31B, originally focused on land reforms and zamindari abolition.
From this, a student can infer the Ninth Schedule lists specific laws/acts, not standalone constitutional articles like Article 51, making inclusion of a Directive Principle unlikely.
States Ninth Schedule entries are amendments made over time and that many entries are acts/regulations included before 1973 were upheld.
A student might check the Ninth Schedule's table of entries (acts/regulations) rather than constitutional articles to test whether the phrase appears there.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct lift from Article 51 (Part IV). Covered in Laxmikanth (Chapter: Directive Principles) and NCERT Political Science Class XI (Indian Constitution at Work).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Location' of Constitutional Values. Distinguishing between the Preamble (Vision), DPSP (Instructions to State), and Fundamental Duties (Instructions to Citizens).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Confusing Cousins': 1. Article 50: Separation of Judiciary from Executive (DPSP). 2. Article 51A(g): Protect natural environment (Duty). 3. Article 44: Uniform Civil Code (DPSP). 4. Article 45: Early Childhood Care (DPSP). 5. Preamble: Contains 'Fraternity' but not 'International Peace'.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not rely on summaries. You must memorize the subject matter of Articles 1–51A verbatim. Create a table: 'Is this a Right (Part III), a Directive (Part IV), or a Duty (Part IV-A)?' and map keywords like 'Environment', 'Education', and 'Peace' to their specific parts.
The phrase 'promote international peace and security' appears in Article 51 as a Directive Principle, not in the Preamble, as shown in the references.
Directive Principles (especially Article 51) are frequently asked in UPSC prelims and mains on constitutional provisions and foreign policy. Master this to distinguish non-justiciable goals from fundamental rights/Preamble values, and cite Article numbers and short text in answers. Learn by memorising key DPSP provisions and linking them to India’s foreign policy history.
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 24
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > D I Promotion of World Peace > p. 608
- Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > The Constitutional principles > p. 56
Several references reproduce the Preamble text and enumerate its core values, showing what the Preamble does and does not include.
The Preamble is a high-yield topic for UPSC (prelims facts, mains essays, constitutional interpretation). Know the exact words, amendments (e.g., 1976 change), and how its values (Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) inform interpretation. Prepare by memorising the Preamble text and practising short notes on each value and their constitutional connections.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 42
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 22
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 46
References discuss the significance and judicial treatment of the Preamble and point to Directive Principles (Article 51) as constitutional guidance distinct from Preamble text.
Understanding the differing legal force of the Preamble and DPSPs (judicial views like Kesavananda Bharati referenced) is vital for answering mains questions on constitutional interpretation and landmark cases. Focus on landmark judgments, article numbers, and practical implications; use case summaries and table-based comparisons for revision.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > PREAMBLE AS PART OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 47
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 24
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PREAMBLE > p. 46
Article 51 is the specific Directive Principle that names promotion of international peace and security; it is the precise constitutional basis for the statement.
High-yield for UPSC polity/IR questions: candidates should remember Article 51's content and its placement in Part IV. It connects constitutional provisions to foreign policy aims and is often used in essay and prelims/GS mains questions. Best preparation: memorize the Article text and note typical applications in foreign policy analysis.
- Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > The Constitutional principles > p. 56
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 24
The question concerns whether a policy aim is included in the Directive Principles; references explain that DPSPs are in Part IV and are non‑justiciable guidance to the State.
Core constitutional concept tested often: distinction between Fundamental Rights and DPSPs, their legal status, and policy implications. Master it for mains answers that link constitutional provisions to governance. Preparation: compare Part III vs Part IV, note examples (like Article 51).
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > IDirective Principles of State Policy > p. 30
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 9: Directive Principles of State Policy > FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES > p. 108
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > What do the Directive Principles contain? > p. 43
References show India's foreign policy aims (respect for sovereignty, peace) echo the Directive Principles, tying domestic constitutional directives to external policy choices.
Useful for interdisciplinary UPSC answers (Polity + International Relations + Ethics): explains how constitutional values shape foreign policy. Practice by mapping specific DPSPs to policy domains and citing relevant Articles in answers.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > D I Promotion of World Peace > p. 608
- Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > International context > p. 55
Multiple references state that Article 51 (Directive Principles) directs the State to 'promote international peace and security'.
High-yield for UPSC: knowing the specific subjects covered by Directive Principles (e.g., international peace) is frequently tested in polity and international-relations questions. It links to questions on State duties versus citizen duties and helps answer items asking which provisions are State obligations. Learn by mapping key Directive Principles to their article numbers and typical themes.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > D I Promotion of World Peace > p. 608
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 3: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > EVERY Constitution has a philosophy of its own. > p. 24
- Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > The Constitutional principles > p. 56
Article 51 has four specific sub-clauses often ignored: (a) promote peace, (b) maintain just relations, (c) respect for international law/treaties, and (d) encourage settlement by arbitration. A future trap could be: 'Does the Constitution explicitly mention arbitration for international disputes?' (Yes, Art 51(d)).
Apply the 'Actor Test': Who is responsible for international peace? The Government (State), not the individual citizen. Therefore, it cannot be a Fundamental Duty (Option C). The Preamble (Option A) deals with the nature of the Indian State (Sovereign, Socialist, etc.) and objectives for citizens (Justice, Liberty), not foreign policy directives. Ninth Schedule (Option D) is a list of Acts. Option B is the only logical fit for a State policy directive.
Mains GS-2 (International Relations): This is the 'Constitutional Genesis' of India's Foreign Policy. When writing answers on Non-Alignment, Panchsheel, or UN Peacekeeping, always start by citing: 'India's commitment to global order is constitutionally mandated under Article 51 of the DPSP.'