Shri T. N. Kaul, Foreign Secretary; Shri S. K. Banerji, Secretary (East); Shri P. N. Menon, Secretary (West); Shri H. Lal, Secretary, Minister of Foreign Trade; Shri R. Jaipal, Ambassador of India to Yugoslavia; Shri K. P. Menon, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; Shri R.D. Sathe, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; Shri A. P. Venkateswaran, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.
Both sides discussed the changing configuration of the international situation and agreed to intensify and co-ordinate their efforts further in the international area in the interest of world peace and the struggle for freedom, national liberation and independence.
Identity or closeness of views on many important questions of interest to the two countries was manifested during the talks which were held in an atmosphere of sincere friendship and in a spirit of mutual confidence and understanding.
Both sides noted with satisfaction that co-operation between the two countries had been further strengthened and consolidated over the years. It was acknowledged that there exist great possibilities for the further expansion and intensification of mutual co-operation in all spheres on a long-term basis. To that end they agreed to continue the practice of regular bilateral consultations.
The two sides stressed the necessity for the appropriate economic authorities of the two countries to undertake, through the Joint Committee and other bodies all measures designed to promote the further successful development of economic cooperation, including joint projects in either country or in third countries and the sharing of scientific and technological expertise on a mutually advantageous basis.
The grave situation created as a result of the recent events in East Bengal was discussed. The Yugoslav side shared India’s deep concern over the serious social and political tensions engendered in India and the strains placed on India’s economy, by the presence in India of many millions of refugees, whose number is daily increasing by many thousands. Both sides agreed that the problem could only be solved by a political solution acceptable to the representatives who had been elected by the people. This would enable the normalization of the situation in East Bengal, put an end to the exodus, and enable the refugees to return to their homeland in safety and honor, irrespective of their race or religion.
Both sides called for urgent measures to achieve this objective in accordance with the wishes, inalienable rights and lawful interests of the people of East Bengal. It was agreed that any attempt to by-pass the so clearly expressed wishes of the people would further aggravate the problem.
Both sides agreed that any postponement of the solution of the problem, which is in itself a source of instability and tension, is likely to lead to a serious aggravation of the situation.
The Yugoslav side expressed its concern over the fate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and manifold adverse consequences that the present treatment of this prominent public
