The CPI and the International Communist Movement

CPI centenary rally in Chhattisgarh -- image via the CPI Facebook page

By Pallab Sengupta

The centenary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) is not only an occasion to commemorate a hundred years of struggle within the country, but also a moment to recall and reaffirm its consistent and principled engagement with the international communist and workers’ movement. From its formation in 1925 to the present day, the CPI has understood the Indian revolutionary struggle as inseparably linked with the global struggle against imperialism, capitalism and exploitation, and for socialism and peace.

Formation and Early International Orientation

The Communist Party of India was founded in 1925 at Kanpur, at a time when anti-colonial struggles were intensifying across Asia, Africa and Latin America. From its very inception, the CPI adopted proletarian internationalism as a core principle. It recognised that the fight against British colonialism in India was part of a wider global struggle led by the working class and oppressed peoples.

In its early years, the CPI maintained close relations with the Communist International (Comintern). The Comintern played an important role in helping Indian communists understand Marxism-Leninism, analyse colonial and semi-colonial societies, and develop strategies suited to Indian conditions. While learning from international experience, the CPI also contributed to debates on colonial questions, agrarian struggles and united front tactics, thus enriching the collective understanding of the international communist movement.

Role in international Party Conferences

The CPI has always upheld unity of the international communist movement on a principled basis. This was reflected in its positive and constructive role in the historic 12-Party Conference (1957) and the 81-Party Conference (1960) of Communist and Workers’ Parties. Com. Ajoy Ghosh, then the General Secretary of the Party played an important role as member of the drafting committee of the both meetings. CPI also participated at the World Communist Meeting held in Moscow in 1969. These conferences and meetings were crucial moments for developing a common understanding on peaceful coexistence, the struggle against imperialism, and the recognition of diverse paths to socialism.

At these forums, the CPI firmly defended Marxism-Leninism, while also arguing for the recognition of national specificities and the need to creatively apply theory to concrete conditions. The CPI’s interventions were guided by the objective of strengthening unity without suppressing differences, and of resolving ideological questions through comradely debate rather than sectarianism or dogmatism.

Principled Position on Marxism-Leninism and Opposition to So-called “Maoism”

Throughout its history, the CPI has consistently upheld Marxism-Leninism as a living and developing science. It has opposed all forms of revisionism as well as “left” adventurism. In this context, the CPI has taken a clear and principled stand against so-called “Maoism”, which it has identified as a distortion of Marxism-Leninism and a deviation that harms the interests of the working class and revolutionary movement.

The CPI has argued that revolutionary politics cannot be reduced to isolated armed actions or sectarian practices divorced from mass movements. Instead, it has emphasised the centrality of mass struggle, democratic alliances, and the concrete analysis of concrete conditions—core tenets of Marxism-Leninism.

Solidarity with National Liberation Movements

A defining feature of the CPI’s international role has been its unwavering support for national liberation and anti-imperialist movements. Guided by proletarian internationalism, the CPI has actively expressed solidarity with peoples fighting colonialism, racism, apartheid and occupation.

The CPI strongly supported the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people against French colonialism and later US imperialist aggression, mobilising solidarity within India and internationally. It stood firmly with the African National Congress and the people of South Africa in their long struggle against apartheid and racial oppression.

The CPI also played an important role in mobilising solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during their liberation struggle in 1971, supporting their right to self-determination and independence. Similarly, the CPI has consistently supported the just struggle of the Palestinian people for an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This solidarity with Palestine continues today, as the CPI condemns Israeli occupation, aggression and violations of international law, and stands for a just and lasting solution based on UN resolutions.

After the Collapse of the Soviet Union: Renewed Confidence

The collapse of the Soviet Union and socialist countries in Eastern Europe was a severe setback to the international communist movement. It led to ideological confusion, demoralisation and aggressive claims about the “end of history” by imperialist forces.

In this difficult period, the CPI did not abandon Marxism-Leninism. Instead, it undertook a serious and self-critical analysis of the causes of the setbacks, distinguishing between the failures of practice and the enduring validity of socialist ideals. The CPI reaffirmed its confidence that the crisis was not of Marxism-Leninism, but of its incorrect application and of deviations from socialist principles.

This ideological firmness enabled the CPI to continue its work, both nationally and internationally, with renewed clarity and confidence.

International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties

Reflecting its commitment to rebuilding and strengthening international communist unity, the CPI actively supported initiatives leading to the formation of the International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties (IMCWP). The CPI has positively participated in this forum from its early stages, contributing to discussions on imperialism, neoliberalism, peace, democracy and socialism.

In a significant expression of this commitment, the CPI, jointly with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), took the initiative to organise and host the International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties in New Delhi in 2009, which witnessed the participation of a large number of parties from across the world and strengthened the collective voice against imperialism and neoliberal globalisation.

While fully supporting the IMCWP, the CPI has always participated with its own independent understanding, shaped by Indian realities and its historical experience. It has upheld the principles of equality among parties, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs—principles essential for genuine international unity.

Broad International Relations

Except for the Party Congresses held at Patna, Puducherry and Kollam, the Congresses of the Communist Party of India have generally been attended by fraternal delegates from a number of countries. The most recent Congress at Vijayawada in 2022, witnessed the participation of a large number of fraternal Communist and Workers’ Parties, reflecting the CPI’s standing and credibility in the international communist movement. At the same time, the CPI has consistently participated in the congresses of fraternal Communist and Workers’ Parties wherever it has been invited, thus strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations. In the Chandigarh Party Congress, fraternal parties were not invited with the understanding that they would be invited to the closing function of the Centenary year; however, this plan had to be finally cancelled due to non-clearance from different government agencies. Today, the CPI maintains fraternal relations with more than 70 Communist and Workers’ Parties across the world. These relations are based on Marxism-Leninism, proletarian internationalism, equality, and respect for diversity of paths to social transformation. Through bilateral exchanges and multilateral forums, the CPI shares experiences, learns from others, and contributes to collective resistance against imperialism, war, and exploitation.

Resolve for the Future

As the CPI concludes its centenary year, it reaffirms its resolve to further strengthen the Party in India, deepen its roots among workers, peasants, youth, women and all oppressed sections, and intensify the struggle against communalism, neoliberalism and authoritarianism.

At the same time, the CPI renews its commitment to international cooperation and solidarity. The challenges facing humanity—imperialist wars, economic crises, climate catastrophe and growing inequality—demand stronger coordination among communist and progressive forces worldwide.

With confidence in Marxism-Leninism, faith in the working class, and commitment to proletarian internationalism, the Communist Party of India enters its second century determined to contribute more effectively to the revival and advance of the international communist movement, and to the historic struggle for socialism and human emancipation.