Emphasis on Peace
The priority given to the word "peace" is noteworthy. The four years that have elapsed since the Treaty was concluded have already shown that it serves as a shining example of how relations between two countries can, and should, be developed and how they can serve not only the interests of the two countries but be an important stabilizing factor for strengthening peace and security in this region and throughout Asia and the world. The Treaty is not aimed against any third country. It is, in its true sense, a treaty of peace. It strengthens India's policy of nonalignment, respect for which is expressly mentioned in the treaty. Both India and the Soviet Union have consistently pursued a policy of building, preserving and consolidating peace all over the world.
Both the countries have successfully co-operated in the United Nations and elsewhere for promoting relaxation of tensions and eliminating areas of conflicts in different parts of the world. Thus the emphasis on peace in the treaty is deliberate. It reflects that the foreign policies of the two countries are oriented towards promoting peaceful co-existence and ushering in a climate of enduring peace throughout the world.
In this context, we have all along appreciated the initiatives taken by the Soviet Union in promoting detente in Europe and among all States with different social and political systems. We are very happy indeed that these efforts have been crowned with success recently at Helsinki. We regard the successful conclusion of the European conference on security and co-operation at Helsinki and the historic documents signed there as a very positive step forward towards a new era of peace and stability in Europe.