Part Six

BILATERAL RELATIONS

Our policy has consistently been to work for friendship with all countries, particularly with the neighbouring countries of our region. Recent developments are merely a continuation and fulfillment of this long-established policy of developing good neighbourliness. Wherever there we problems we have tried to isolate them, to get them under control and to solve them through direct contact.

India attaches great importance to its relationship with the countries of South-East Asia.

When the Indo-Soviet Treaty was concluded in August, 1971, both the countries made it absolutely clear that it was not directed against any third party and that they regarded it as a positive contribution to regional peace and stability. Indo-Soviet friendship has withstood the test of time and India has always valued the understanding shown by the Soviet Union in our most difficult moments.

The thoughts and deeds of great American leaders like Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln have left an indelible imprint on the thinking of our leaders. India and the USA share the common objectives of promoting peace, progress, co-operation and stability in the world. We also share a common faith in the democratic way of life.
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Asia in world affairs

Speaking to the Asian Conference in 1947, the late Prime Minister Nehru had expressed in his inimitable style the spirit that animates Asia in the following words:

"We stand at the end of an era and on the threshold of a new period of history. Asia, after a long period of quiescence, has suddenly become important again in world affairs. It was here that civilization began and man started on his unending adventure of life. Here the mind of man searched unceasingly for truth and the spirit of man shone but like a beacon which lighted up the whole world.... A change is coming on the scene now and Asia is again finding herself. We live in a tremendous age of transition and already the next stage takes shape when Asia takes her rightful place with other continents . . . . In this contemporary age, Asia will have to function effectively, in the maintenance of peace. Indeed, there can be no peace unless Asia plays her part. There is today conflict in many countries. Nevertheless, the whole spirit and dialogue of Asia are peaceful and the emergence of Asia in world affairs will be a powerful influence for world peace."

We must not lose sight of this historic canvas while dealing with the changing Asian scene.