Interview with Zagreb Television
Pursuit for Peace and International Co-operation
Q.
In her pursuit of peace and international co-operation India is committed not only to
Non-alignment Movement, but also to the U.N.O. as well. How do you see the future of UNO?
A.
It is correct to say that in the pursuit of peace and international co-operation, India is committed not only to non-alignment but also to the United Nations. India has consistently worked for strengthening the United Nations in the promotion of international co-operation and understanding, based on equality and in the interest of all the countries.
Given the political will the Member States can make the United Nations Organisation a very effective instrument not only for the preservation and consolidation of peace but also for promotion of mutually beneficial co-operation. The United Nations should help to promote a spirit of co-operation rather than confrontation. It is necessary for the United Nations to adapt itself to the changing conditions including the establishment of a new international economic and social order.
Peace on Indo-China Peninsula
Q.
During the past decade the Asian Continent was the site of wars and many Asian countries were not on friendly terms with each other. In 1975 wars ended, and in 1976 it seems the political climate of Asia has changed. India contributed to this developmeat, especially recently when normal diplomatic relations are being restored with China and some other countries. How do you evaluate the situation in Asia today and the role of India?
A.
It is, indeed, an unfortunate historical fact that the Asian continent has been a highly troubled one, witnessing several wars and conflicts, over the last decade or more. The biggest such conflict, in terms of human misery and extent of destruction wrought, was the one in the Indo-China peninsula generally, with the war in Vietnam in particular focus. It should be remembered that, in each of the countries in Indo-China peninsula the conflict was essentially one in which the peoples of the countries concerned sought to assert their national identity, safeguard their cultural heritage and manifest their love for freedom and independence. The brilliant victories recorded by the peoples of Indo-China were not only a natural phenomenon but also a manifestation of Asia's will to free itself of the legacy of imperialism and foreign domination.
