In the non-alignment movement also in order to maintain the solidarity of the non-aligned countries, we will have to find out areas of co-operation, taking into consideration the complementarily of the economics of these countries. We could build bridges of co-operation with the non-aligned, developing and "third world" countries, so that there should be solidarity among progressive forces in the world.

Non-alignment is a movement. I was asked the other day whether non-alignment was not becoming a mantra,* and I pointed out that "non-alignment is a dynamic, living organism". Notwithstanding the progress of detente, which all of us welcome and to which we subscribe in our own way, there is need for vigilance and solidarity among non-aligned countries in guarding against the tendency to carve out spheres of influences or settle matters over the heads of others.

(* A Sanskrit word meaning "incantation" or "hymn.")

The importance of solidarity was reiterated at the recent ministerial meeting of the co-ordination bureau of the non-aligned countries at Havana. The aims and principles of non-alignment continue to have great validity in the context of assuring genuine independence, peace and international security for majority of the world's population, and India will continue to play its due role in furthering these principles.

We have tried to make our foreign policy a dynamic and flexible instrument for projecting India's views and safeguarding her interests.

The objectives of Indian foreign policy are to promote the cause of peace and international co-operation, as we believe that these would secure the interests not only of India but also of the entire international community.

In the global context, we welcome the worldwide trend towards detente and reduction of tensions. It is in this atmosphere that humanity can achieve social, economic and political progress. It is also in this context that we can take steps in the direction of general and complete disarmament. At the same time, we advocate strongly the sovereign equality of nations, and we maintain that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, should have a voice in the working out of their destinies.

We attach paramount importance to promoting understanding and developing and strengthening bilateral co-operation in the political as well as economic and cultural fields. The conduct of our foreign policy has been directed towards these objectives bilaterally, regionally and globally — of building bridges of friendship, co-operation and understanding.