One of the developments that gave a new shape to international relations during this period was the emergence of the concept of collective self-reliance, which took shape at the conferences of the non-aligned and commonwealth countries and in the north-south dialogue in Paris. I recall that my view at that time, as indeed at the present time, was that notwithstanding the varied levels of our development, we of the developing world could face the challenges thrown up by the interaction of major powers or events only if we stood together and co-operated with each other.
It is my view that co-operation would bring confidence in collective strength regardless of our individual status as small, medium or big nations. Such co-operation implies qualitative adjustment in joint endeavours among developing countries, rising above regional considerations and short-term advantages. The ethos of collective approach with due respect for national characteristics in the democratic or socialistic setting is the only corrective to individual paranoia or ultranationalistic chauvinism. If we closely examine the pattern of inter-relations it will be found that there are many new ways to co-operate and strengthen collective self-reliance in various spheres — in industry, technology, agriculture, and physical and social sciences. The areas could be enlarged to include many disciplines. The meaning of collective self-reliance has unhappily been misunderstood in some quarters as an "aggressive design" of disparate elements. This is not true.
During the period I was foreign minister, one of the important problems I had to deal with related to the law of the seas. This is an extremely complex issue to which a solution has to be found in the coming decade. Only at the peril of mankind can rivalry on land be extended to the seas and oceans. I have said repeatedly that the Indian Ocean should be a zone of peace, free from super-power tension. As land resources are being progressively tapped and depleted, equitable sharing of resources of the ocean is a compelling necessity. Such sharing can take place only if there is peace and global understanding.
Other important developments during the period were the election of Jimmy Carter as the President of United States and the rise of a new leadership in China after the passing away of Chou En-lai and of Mao Tse-tung. These events gave a new contour to international relationship, a manifestation of which was the U.S. decision to establish diplomatic relations with China. The U.S. move implied the acceptance, of a politica! factor which India had recognised much earlier.
