Question

What marked the zenith of India's engagement with the newly independent Asian and African nations?

• A. Asian Relations Conference, 1947
• B. International Conference for freedom of Indonesia, 1949
• C. Bandung Conference, 1955
• D. Belgrade Summit, 1961

Hint:

Think of the 1955 meeting in Indonesia attended by Nehru, Nasser, Zhou Enlai and Sukarno.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
After independence India reached out to other newly free countries of Asia and Africa. This support was part of its policy of anti-colonialism and Afro-Asian solidarity. The question asks for the event that was the peak of this effort.

Step 2: Key Fact
The Bandung Conference of 1955 was held in Indonesia. It brought together leaders of 29 Asian and African countries. Nehru played a big part, and it is called the high point of India's engagement with these nations. It also led to the idea of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Step 3: Check option 1
The Asian Relations Conference of 1947 was held in New Delhi before independence was complete. It was an early step, not the peak. So option 1 is wrong.

Step 4: Check option 2
The 1949 conference on Indonesian freedom was held in New Delhi to back Indonesia against Dutch rule. It was an important gesture, but not the peak. So option 2 is wrong.

Step 5: Check option 3
The Bandung Conference of 1955 was the largest and most visible Afro-Asian gathering. So option 3 is right.

Step 6: Check option 4
The Belgrade Summit of 1961 was the first Non-Aligned Movement summit. It came after the peak of the Afro-Asian push and its focus was non-alignment. So option 4 is wrong.

Final Answer:
The peak of India's engagement with Asian and African nations was the Bandung Conference, option 3. \[ \boxed{\text{Option 3}} \]