Policy of Peace
Just as we are committed to peaceful democratic methods in our internal matters, we are committed to a policy of peace, friendship and co-operation in our external relations. Peace and stability in Asia, particularly in the subcontinent, are matters of great importance to India. It was with this vision of peace and co-operation in the sub-continent that the Simla Agreement was concluded with Pakistan in July, 1972. Subsequently, we have signed some other agreements on trade, travel and restoration of communications, though the path of normalization has been rather zigzag and the pace has fallen short of our expectations.
We have close ties of friendship with Bangladesh and it is our policy to continue and strengthen this friendship. Our co-operation with other countries in the area such as Sri. Lanka, Afghanistan, Burma, Nepal and Bhutan, has continued to gain strength in recent years. The nations in Asia are experiencing a new surge of nationalism. They are determined to shape their destiny themselves. The urge to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of the countries of the region, the desire to prevent intervention from outside and the aspirations for improving the living conditions of the people and for creating a climate of peace are more compelling today than at any time in the past. These developments are in tune with the goals of peace and co-operation which India has consistently pursued since its independence.
We have welcomed and endorsed the proposal to establish a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality in South East Asia as well as the United Nations resolution declaring the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace. It is in that spirit that we welcome the historic final act signed at Helsinki. However, detente in Europe can have real meaning for the rest of the world only if this process is extended to other continents, and particularly to the crisis situations of today.