Countries should regard one another as equals, irrespective of size, the level of their economic development, or the extent of their military power. Ours is a small world and its resources ought to be pooled, not for the prosperity of the privileged few but for the uplift of humanity as a whole. We, in India, are committed to a vision of the world at peace with itself, in which no small nation should feel threatened, and all should work toge­ther in harmony and co-operation for the common good of mankind.

In today's world international relationships, particularly among neighbouring countries, can best be nurtured through mutual co-­operation on the basis of reciprocity and mutuality of interests.

Deep and Complex Relationship

The welfare of the people of India is closely linked with the well-being and prosperity of the people of Nepal. Economic de­velopment and the eradication of poverty, ignorance and disease are the common goals of both our countries. The scale of the development effort needed to improve the lot of our people rules out complete self-sufficiency as the aim of our planning. Inter­dependence among nations is unavoidable and might profitably he accepted as such and built upon as a positive asset. We regard mutual co-operation between Nepal and India as the key to the prosperity of our two peoples and a basis for a stable and durable friendship.

Although we are ourselves a developing country, with our re­sources always falling short of the needs, it is in this spirit that we have always been willing to contribute our mite to Nepal's economic development.

In a relationship as extensive, as deep and complex, as exists between India and Nepal, both sides must always be vigilant and make every endeavour to remove any misunderstanding and mistrust that may arise for whatever reason. We must always be ready to expand the areas of mutual understanding and co-opera­tion. I have no hesitation in saying that there are forces whose constant effort it is to sow suspicion and distrust between us. We shall, with our sincerity and vigilance, foil their designs.