India's foreign policy before independence was shaped by a number of factors, including the country's geographical location, its size and population, its history, and its economic and military strength.

India is located in a strategic location, at the crossroads of Asia and Africa. This has made it a key player in the region and has allowed it to exert influence over its neighbors. India is also the world's second most populous country, with over 1.2 billion people. This gives it a significant voice in the international community. India has a long and rich history, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. This has made it a culturally diverse country, with a rich heritage. India is also one of the world's leading economies, with a GDP of over $2 trillion. This makes it a major player in the global economy. India is also a nuclear power, and has a strong military. This gives it the ability to defend itself and its interests.

India's foreign policy before independence was largely shaped by the British Empire. The Empire had two main goals in India: to protect its own interests and to prevent other European powers from gaining a foothold in the country. Toward these ends, the British government tried to keep India isolated from the rest of the world. This policy changed after World War II, when the British realized that India could not be kept isolated forever and that it needed to have a more active role in international affairs.

After independence, India's foreign policy was based on the principles of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence. India tried to stay away from the major power blocs and to build good relations with all countries. This policy was successful in many ways, but it also had some drawbacks. For example, India's relations with its neighbors were often strained, and it was not always able to play a major role on the international stage.

Finally, the country's political system was based on a number of princely states which were often in conflict with each other. This made it difficult for India to develop a unified foreign policy.