Co-operation

In the analysis of the international economic situation, the Colombo Summit was unequivocal about the definite responsi­bilities devolving on the developed nations of the world for fairer terms of trade and for an equitable share in the process of development. By emphasizing the inter-dependent nature of the global economy, the Colombo summit has made it clear that the rich countries of the world can no longer resist or refuse the demands of the overwhelming majority which have been suppressed for a long time. However, even while expressing disappointment with the attitude of the developed countries, which has belied the expectations placed, for example, on UNCTAD-IV and on the Paris conference on international economic co-operation, the basic emphasis at the Colombo summit was on co-operation rather than confrontation.

Among the urgent problems where concerted action would be necessary to achieve quick results are the pressing debt problems of developing countries, particularly the most seriously affected countries, the need to re-structure the present international monetary system and to make it more responsive to the needs of developing countries, and the need to implement the UNCTAD integrated Programme on Commodities, including the setting up of a common fund so that export earning of developing countries are protected. The Colombo summit also endorsed the creation of association of the producers of primary products in developing countries for raising their export earnings.

A council is to be set up for such a producer's association in order to facilitate exchange of experiences among them for evolving a common strategy.

India's Contribution

India is recognized as one of the founding fathers of the non-­aligned Movement. At each of the five summits held so far and in the years in between the summits, there has been a growing appreciation of India's efforts aimed at upholding the principles and policies of non-alignment and at increasing the effectiveness of the movement on the international scene. In particular, there is widespread realization that India has been motivated by sincere commitment to the ideals of the movement. We have never sought to gain any advantage by using this forum to ventilate bilateral differences.

One of the key contributions at the Colombo summit made by India together with other like-minded countries was the support generated for the principle that bilateral differences among non-aligned countries need not be projected at summit conferences but should be solved by direct negotiations. The efforts made by India in this direction served the movement well in strengthening its unity, cohesion and solidarity.