In fact, we have expressed the view that to be meaningful, detente must extend to other continents and areas of tension and conflict. In our own region we are constantly striving to build a structure of durable peace and friendly co-operation. Military alliances are still a reality. In fact, some of the pacts which were so far dormant have been revived again. What is more important, impelled by a vision of global scarcity of basic resources, raw materials and energy, an economic dimension is being added to the military groupings.
Recent events in Africa and the intensification of efforts for domination of the Indian Ocean are symptomatic of the stress and strains to which detente is subject. It would therefore be premature and unwise to conclude that military pacts have become a thing of the past. The non-aligned movement has played a very important role in preserving the independence of the newly-liberated countries, in sustaining and strengthening the liberation movements, in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and racialism. The movement has also been in the vanguard of the struggle for securing a new and just internal economic order. We welcome the growing strength and the increasing appeal of the non-aligned movement.
“Aam” or “Khas” Friendship
It is also essential to remember that the basic strength of the movement lies in unity and cohesion and not in more numbers. We believe that this unity and cohesion of the non-aligned movement cannot be maintained if any of its fundamental principles are sacrificed in the interest of expediency. India's foreign policy is certainly aimed at looking after India's national interests. It cannot afford to do anything else. But it has also an international framework. These two arcs organically inter-connected. One flows from the other.