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Q)Role of Panchsheel in the context of Indian Foreign Policy & its current relevance.
- January 8, 2023
- Posted by: Akarias
- Category: Blog
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Panchsheel agreement “Five Principles of Co existence” are set of principles to govern relations between two sovereign countries. They were codified during an agreement between India & China in 1954.
1)Mutual respect for each others territorial integrity & sovereignty.
2)Mutual non – aggression
3)Mutual non-interference in each others internal affairs
4)Equality & mutual benefit
5)Peaceful coexistence
The Panchsheel agreement served as a foundation for India China relations. It would advance economic & security cooperation between the two nations.
The implied assumption of the five principles was that newly independent states after decolonisation would develop a more pragmatic approach towards international relations. It also guided India’s foreign Policy.
The Panchsheel agreement with China was set to last for eight years. When it lapsed, relations between two nations had deteriorated, resulting in Sino- India war 1962.
Panchsheel agreement also guided India’s Nuclear Doctrine ‘No First Use’, which aims that nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere.
Current relevance of Panchsheel Agreement-
Panchsheel Agreement has assumed greater relevance in modern times due to aggressive policies followed by some of the countries.
1)India-Pakistan Border dispute & Pak sponsered cross border terrorism in India.
2)China’s CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) violates India territorial integrity.
3)Sino-Indian clashes at Galwan valley, Pangong Tso Lake & Doklam plateau.
4)Dispute over islands in South China Sea among China, Vietnam & Phillipenes.
6) China’s One Belt One Road OBOR is highly exploitative. It poses financial risk & affects sovereignty of other nations.
7)Combating global terrorism
8)Inernational climate, trade & peace talks (WTO, UNFCCC, UNSC, FATF)
The Panchsheel Agreement, if implemented in “letter and spirit”, would resolve some of the major bilateral & multi-lateral issues which India and world is presently facing.
We will have to collectively work together to achieve peace & development in our society.