Unit 4 Foreign Policy : Panchseel and Non Alignment

Panchsheel

Panchsheel, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, is a set of guiding
principles in international relations that was first formally enunciated in the 1954 Sino-Indian
Agreement. These principles were meant to govern the relations between countries and
promote peaceful coexistence.

Origin and Significance:

Panchsheel was initially formulated during the early 1950s in the context of resolving border
disputes between India and China (Tibet). It was formally outlined in the "Agreement on
Trade and Intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India."

The preamble of the agreement stated the five principles as follows:

1. Mutual Respect for Sovereignty: Nations should respect each other's territorial
integrity and sovereignty. This principle emphasizes non-interference in the internal
affairs of other countries.
2. Mutual Non-Aggression: Countries should refrain from the use of force or aggression
against each other. This principle promotes the peaceful resolution of conflicts and
disputes.
3. Mutual Non-Interference in Internal Affairs: Nations should not interfere in each
other's domestic matters or internal affairs. This principle upholds the principle of
self-determination for nations.
4. Equality and Mutual Benefit: All countries, regardless of their size or power, should
engage in mutually beneficial cooperation. This principle promotes fairness and
equality in international relations.
5. Peaceful Coexistence: Countries should strive to live together in peace and friendship.
This principle emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful
conflict resolution.

Legacy and Impact:

 Panchsheel played a significant role in shaping India's foreign policy during the early
post-independence period, emphasizing non-alignment and peaceful coexistence in
international relations.
 While it was initially aimed at Sino-Indian relations, the principles of Panchsheel
have been cited in various international contexts as a basis for peaceful cooperation
and diplomacy.
 These principles have influenced diplomatic discussions and negotiations on conflict
resolution and international relations, emphasizing the importance of peaceful means
to resolve disputes.

In summary, Panchsheel represents a set of principles that advocate for peaceful coexistence,
non-interference, and equality among nations. While it has historical significance in the
context of Sino-Indian relations, its broader principles continue to be relevant in
contemporary international diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts.
Non Alignment Movement

India’s policy of non-alignment was a result of its own colonial experience and its nonviolent
independence struggle. It would be determined that an independent India’s new foreign
policy should be free from the political domination and economic interference from Western
capitalism and Soviet communism.
The term “Non-Alignment” was coined by India’s first defence minister V K Menon during a
speech at the United Nations in 1953 and later would be used by Prime Minister Jawaharlal
Nehru from 1954 onwards. In a speech at Colombo, Sri Lanka that same year he laid down
five principles that would be the cornerstone of NAM policy.This 5 principles would become
the Panchsheel, the guiding force in Indo-China relations
The movement was spearheaded by India along with Egypt, Ghana, Yugoslavia and
Indonesia who became the founding fathers of NAM. The five principles served as an
important policy for the movement aiming to bring about world peace and security.

Principles of Non-Alignment:
1. Political Neutrality: NAM nations committed to staying neutral in the ideological and
military conflicts of the Cold War. They aimed to avoid taking sides with either of the
superpowers.
2. Sovereignty: NAM members emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and
the right of every nation to determine its own domestic and foreign policies without
external interference.
3. Peaceful Coexistence: The movement advocated for peaceful coexistence among
nations, urging the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes through diplomatic
means.

Objectives and Achievements:

 Promoting Peace: NAM played a significant role in advocating for peaceful
resolutions to conflicts, including the Suez Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the Korean
War.
 Decolonization: NAM nations actively supported the decolonization process, helping
newly independent nations gain recognition on the global stage.
 Development: NAM focused on economic development and cooperation among
member states, aiming to reduce economic inequality and improve living standards.
 Global South Solidarity: The movement served as a platform for countries from the
Global South to voice their concerns and interests on the international stage.