The newly launched class 7 NCERT social science textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, presents a bold and candid narrative on India’s fraught relations with its neighbors, notably highlighting Pakistan-backed terrorism and escalating tensions with China.

For the first time, young students are introduced to the realities of regional conflicts that have long shaped India’s foreign policy and security landscape.

The chapter ‘India and Her Neighbours’ acknowledges the deep historical and cultural ties India shares with its neighbours but does not shy away from describing the complex, often volatile geopolitical realities.

It explicitly references the ongoing impact of terrorist attacks supported by the Pakistan army that continue to thwart normalization of bilateral relations. The textbook traces the enduring legacy of Partition and subsequent wars, including Kargil, painting a nuanced picture of one of South Asia’s most complicated relationships.

On China, the textbook characterizes recent years as marked by “heightened tensions,” primarily stemming from border disputes and serious conflicts. Yet it also emphasizes ongoing efforts at dialogue, trade, and conflict resolution, reflecting a pragmatic approach to managing these challenges.

The book further explores India’s ties with Afghanistan, underscoring centuries-old cultural and historical bonds despite contemporary geopolitical hurdles, and highlights India’s ongoing development support there.

Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and the 2023 National Curriculum Framework, this new curriculum represents a significant step towards preparing students for a realistic understanding of India’s regional dynamics, encouraging awareness of both conflict and cooperation in South Asia.