as of the rest of the world, from the agony of Bangla Desh by attempting to give an Indo-Pakistan complexion to the problem. The threat of war might be an act of desperation, but how can we fail to take note of it? However, we feel that the treaty will act as a determent against any rash adventurism on the part of Islamabad
But peace does not mean merely the absence of hostilities nor can there be peace while oppression and injustice prevails. Peace must be based on the fulfillment of the just aspirations of the people.
Q.- You have rightly said that the Treaty is not a departure from the concept of non-alignment, but that it actually strengthens the forces of non-alignment all over the world. Would you kindly elaborate this statement?
Ans.- While staying out of power blocs, we have sought the friendship of government of different persuasions. Peaceful co-existence and conviction that war should be ruled out as a means of settling issues, have been basic guiding principles of our policy, Simultaneously, we have also opposed colonialism and racialism. Many other nations of Asia and Africa have pursued a similar policy. The Soviet Union has extended unreserved respect and support to our policy of non-alignment. This was been incorporated in the Treaty itself.
The word ‘non-alignment, has been misinterpreted: that is why such doubts arise. The Treaty does not compromise our non-aligned position.
The national interest of non-aligned countries has to be safeguarded from threats of military adventurism. Security must be achieved in a manner which eschews hegemony or confrontation and ensures lasting peace. This is precisely what the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship. Peace and co-operation does.
Q.- What is your estimate of the prospects for Peace in South-East Asia and West Asia?
Ans.- Peace in South-East Asia depends on the solution of the problem of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. All these three are now inter-related. However, a settlement has to be reached in South Vietnam. There is increasing recognition of the fact that there is no military solution. Recently, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam made certain proposals. The crucial pointy there is that of the withdrawal of foreign forces, and more specially of American forces. I have no doubt that if this withdrawal is made within a certain fixed time-frame, then South Vietnam could be left to work out its future without military or political interference from outside. Sooner or later, the Vietnam problem will have to be settled along these lines.
There is at present a settlement in West Asia. However, potentially the situation is dangerous. The greater the delay in finding a solution, the more difficult the problem will become. The directions in which in which a solution has to be sought are laid down in the U.N.
