Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

The NAM is an international forum of 120 developing countries that believe in the idea of non-
alignment with the major power blocs. It was established in 1961 in Belgrade, former
Yugoslavia under the leadership of the then Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,
President of Egypt Gamal Abdel Nasser and the President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito.

 In the aftermath of the Second World War and the decolonisation process, many
countries in the developing world in Asia and Africa felt the need for a strong movement
towards securing peace and prosperity and establishing security for all countries.
 This was when the world was divided into two power blocs, that of the USA and the
Soviet Union, especially after the signing of the NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
 Most of these countries felt the need for mutual cooperation and coordination with
respect to not formally aligned with or against any of the power blocs.
 The collapse of colonialism and the cold war led to the need for improved coordination
among the Global South.
 It is interesting to note that the term ‘third world’ arose during the cold war era to denote
countries that were not aligned to either of the two power blocs.
NAM Functioning
NAM does not have a permanent secretariat or a formal hierarchy. 

 Its administration is rotational and non-hierarchy. 

 NAM takes decisions by consensus, which need not be universal, but only requires
substantial agreement.
 It has a Coordinating Bureau which is based at the UN in New York City.
 NAM meets every three years at the NAM Summit Conference of Heads of State.
 At the Summit, a chair is chosen, which is a post held for three years.
 In NAM, every member country has equal weight.
 The current chairperson of NAM is Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. He holds
the post till 2022.

NAM Objectives
One of the chief objectives of NAM was “to create an independent path in world politics that
would not result in member States becoming pawns in the struggles between the major powers.”

 The three elements that define the approach of the organisation are:

 Right of independent judgement

 Struggle against imperialism and neo-colonialism
 Use of moderation in relations with all big powers
 In the current times, an objective of the organisation is restructuring the international
economic order.
 NAM espouses ideals such as the right to self-determination, anti-apartheid, anti-
colonialism, national independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations, anti-
imperialism in all forms, non-adherence to multilateral military pacts, disarmament,
against racism, against foreign occupation and domination, peaceful coexistence among
all countries, strengthening the UN, no use of threat of force in international relations,
socio-economic development, etc.
Principles
As J.L Nehru was founding members, the principles of NAM was largely
guided by Panchsheel principles, some of them are:

 Respect for the principles enshrined in the charter of the United

Nations and international law.
 Respect for sovereignty, sovereign equality and territorial integrity
of all States.
 Peaceful settlement of all international conflicts in accordance
with the charter of the United Nations.
 Respect for the political, economic, social and cultural diversity of
countries and peoples.
 Defence and promotion of shared interests, justice and
cooperation, regardless of the differences existing in the political,
economic and social systems of the States, on the basis of mutual
respect and the equality of rights.
 Respect for the inherent right of individual or collective self-
defence, in accordance with the charter of the United Nations
 Non-interference in the internal affairs of States. No State or
group of States has the right to intervene either directly or
indirectly, whatever the motive, in the internal affairs of any other
State.
 Promotion and defence of multilateralism and multilateral
organisations as the appropriate frameworks to resolve, through
dialogue and cooperation, the problems affecting humankind.
Failures of Non-Aligned Movement:

 In principle, the responsibility of NAM is to ensure the neutrality of nations, but in

practice many NAM countries have not lived up to it. 
 The policy of NAM has failed to provide any security to the member countries.
 To get cooperation Non-Aligned countries have signed many contracts with both
super powers. 
 NAM has not also provided the economic security to its member states. 
 The founders of NAM India, Egypt and Yugoslavia could not make any change in the
hostile policies of the two leaders. 
 For example: China tightened its hold on Tibet.
 The Arabs and Israel fought four wars but no NAM country played any active role in
stalling them.
  In the freedom struggle of countries like Algeria, Angola and Mozambique, the role of
NAM countries has been negligible. 
 NAM was unsuccessful in ending the aggressive policy of superpowers.
 Failed to resolve regional tensions: In the era of cold war the
tension in South Asia escalated due to regional conflict
between India- China and India-Pakistan. NAM failed to avoid
tensions in the region, that further led to the the nuclearisation
of the region.
India’s Position
 India being a founder and largest member in NAM was an active
participant in NAM meetings till 1970s but India’s inclination
towards erstwhile USSR created confusions in smaller members.
It led to the weakening of NAM and small nations drifted towards
either US or USSR.
 Further disintegration of USSR led the unipolar world order
dominated by US. India’s New Economic Policy and inclination
towards US raised questions over India’s seriousness over non
alignment.
 Prime Minister of India skipped the 17th Non Aligned Movement
(NAM) summit held in Venezuela in 2016, it was only second such
instance when Head of a state didn’t participate in NAM
conference.
 Moreover, NAM continued losing relevance for India in a unipolar
world, especially after the founding members failed to support
India during crisis. For instance, during 1962 War with China,
Ghana and Indonesia, adopted explicitly pro-China positions.
During 1965 and 1971 wars, Indonesia and Egypt took an anti
India stance and supported Pakistan.
 India in particular, but also most other NAM countries, have
integrated themselves to varying degrees within the liberal
economic order and have benefited from it.
 India is a member of the G20 (Group of 20 promotes global economic
growth, international trade, and regulation of financial markets).  and has
declared itself as a nuclear weapons power and has for all
practical purposes abandoned the call for global nuclear
disarmament.
 India has also engaged itself with new and old global powers.
India joining the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quard), a
 coalition seen by many as a counterforce to China’s rise in the
Indo-Pacific and Shanghai cooperation organisation led by
China shown India’s balancing approach in new world order.
 India is striving hard for a multipolar world order and asserting
itself as one of the player. Multi polar world order is very much
closed to NAM principles.
How India moved from NAM (Non-Align Movement) to all align.

India’s shift towards multi-Alignment:

1. Deepening India-U.S. ties: 
 Indian ties with USA has reached new heights despite of many issues.
 India signed a nuclear deal with US in 2008.
 India today is a signatory to 3 of 4 US foundational agreements that it signs with its
strategic defence partners that is LEMOA, COMACASA and GSOMIA.
 US changed the name of its Pacific command to Indo-Pacific command.

2. Reaffirming ties with Russia: 

 Russia is India’s long-term friend.
 The strong links that exist between the two nations still exist.
 Russia is regaining its position as India’s principal defence supplier.
 The list of agreements drawn up in Moscow covers nuclear, space, energy and
defence.
 Russia has committed to building additional nuclear reactors at Kudankulam (Tamil
Nadu) and in Andhra Pradesh.

3. Focus on Asia: 
 India is a member of QUAD which partners Japan, US, Australia, and India.
 It looks to further Indian interest in pacific region creating a major power bloc in the
region.
India is also member of major groupings such as BRICS, ASEAN and BIMSTEC etc.
Emphasizing Indian engagement in multiple global fronts.

4. Relations with China:

 India’s biggest border dispute is with China.
 Despite the 1962 war, serious localized fighting at the Nathu La and Cho La passes in
1967; and the Doklam stand-off in June 2017, China maintains good economic
relations with India.
 It was because of the maturity of political leadership on both sides, as well as a
commitment made by the two nations to non-violence three decades before.

5. Focus on middle east:

 Relations between India and Pakistan remain stagnant, but with other Islamic
countries like Saudi, Oman, Iran has deepened significantly.
 Significant investment has been made by Middle East countries in India.
  Middle East is one of major supplier of oil to India and relations with missile east
countries has reached new heights recently.

6. Change in attitude for Israel:

 India today has vibrant relations with Israel which were earlier marred with
Palestinian considerations.
 India’s traditional stance has always been of recognition of Arab rights of Palestine
and limited relations with Israel.

7. Relations with Japan:

 Japanese relations with India, is more than strategic, with defence, foreign policy, and
economic aspects all receiving attention.
 Japan’s willingness to cooperate on peaceful nuclear energy and willingness to
acknowledge India as a reliable and trustworthy nuclear power despite not being a
signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is again certain to have a positive
impact on nuclear establishments across the world.

Reason for shift towards multi-alignment:

1. Economic needs of the fast-developing India had to be supported by opening of its
economy and getting more foreign assistance.
2. World that emerged post-soviet era saw the rise of US as both an economic and
strategic power. It was difficult to pursue India’s growth trajectory without engaging
with US.
3. Globalization, growing interdependence, and the emergence of transnational
challenges have pushed India to engage with multiple global partners.
4. Emergence of economic powerhouse in form of China has also posed a new challenge
in front of India.
5. Indian foreign policy is evolving to encompass the growing needs of its national
security and prosperity.

QUE. Do you think that the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has lost its sheen in today’s world? Give
reasons to support your opinion.

Ans. The Non-Aligned Movement is a Movement of countries representing the interests and priorities
of developing countries. The Movement has its origin in the Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung,
Indonesia in 1955. Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the Cold War as an organization of
States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union,
but sought to remain independent or neutral.

With the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the cold war in 1991, non-alignment, both as an
international movement and as the core of India’s Foreign Policy, lost some earlier relevance and
effectiveness. However, non-alignment retained some core values and enduring idea, after the end of
the cold war it started giving more importance to economic ideas.

NAM is still relevant today. This is because of the following reasons:

  NAM was based on the principle that decolonised countries share a historical affiliation and
can become powerful if they all come together. This affiliation is still relevant.
 NAM stressed on the idea that it is not necessary for small and poor countries in the world to
follow any powerful country if they are able to follow any independent foreign policy.
 NAM is also based on the value of democratizing the international system by thinking about
an alternative world order to address several issues such as poverty and existing inequalities.
 With the emergence of neo colonialism ( use of economic, political, cultural or other pressure
to influence former colonies), many newly independent nations were unable to take concrete
decisions in the economic fields due to the pressure exerted by the powerful nations and
organisations like the World Bank, WTO, IMF etc. Under such circumstances, NAM came
forward to help these countries in trying to assert their economic rights.
 USA off late has emerged as a powerful nation. NAM has immense potentialities and
experience to prevent the dominating of USA over countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thus, NAM still remains an important and powerful force which aims at achieving international
peace, disarmament and economic development. Non-Alignment has not lost its relevance rather it
has stood the test of time. It has served the useful purpose of protecting and preserving the interest
of the Third World countries well in the past, so it is also expected to serve their interest well in the
future to come.
ASEAN
What is ASEAN?
 The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional
organization which was established to promote political and social
stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-
colonial states.
 The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One
Community”.
 8th August is observed as ASEAN Day.
 ASEAN Secretariat – Indonesia, Jakarta.
Member Nations
 Indonesia
 Malaysia
 Philippines
 Singapore
 Thailand
 Brunei
 Vietnam
 Laos
 Myanmar
 Cambodia

Genesis of ASEAN
1967 – ASEAN was established with the signing of the ASEAN
Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by its founding fathers.
Founding Fathers of ASEAN are: Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
 2015 – Launch of ASEAN Community.

 ASEAN Community is comprised of three pillars:

1. ASEAN Political-Security Community
2. ASEAN Economic Community
3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
Objectives
 To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural
development for a prosperous and peaceful community of
Southeast Asian Nations.
 To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect
for justice and the rule of law and adherence to the principles of
the United Nations Charter.
 To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters
of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical,
scientific and administrative fields.
 To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilisation of
agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, the
improvement of transportation and communications facilities and
the raising of the living standards of peoples.
 To promote Southeast Asian studies.
 To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing
international and regional organisations.

ASEAN Fundamental Principles

1. Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and
national identity of all nations;
 2. The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference,
subversion or coercion;
3. Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;
4. Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;
5. Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and
6. Effective cooperation among themselves.

ASEAN Headquarters
 The body is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia.
 Secretary-General: Dato Lim Jock Hoi
 Official Languages: Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Khmer, Lao, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil,
Thai and Vietnamese
 Working Language: English

Institution Mechanism
 Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually, based on the
alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.
 ASEAN Summit: The supreme policy making body of ASEAN. As
the highest level of authority in ASEAN, the Summit sets the
direction for ASEAN policies and objectives. Under the Charter,
the Summit meets twice a year.
 ASEAN Ministerial Councils: The Charter established four
important new Ministerial bodies to support the Summit.
o ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC)
o ASEAN Political-Security Community Council
o ASEAN Economic Community Council
o ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council
 Decision Making: The primary mode of decision-making in
ASEAN is consultation and consensus.
Strengths & Opportunities
 ASEAN commands far greater influence on Asia-Pacific trade,
political, and security issues than its members could achieve
individually.
 Demographic dividend – It constitutes 3rd largest population in
the world, of which more than half is below thirty years of age.
 Economic:
 o 3rd largest market in the world - larger than EU and North
American markets.
o 6th largest economy in the world, 3rd in Asia.
o Free-trade agreements (FTAs) with China, Japan, South
Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.
o Fourth most popular investment destination globally.
o ASEAN’s share of global exports has also risen, from only 2
percent in 1967 to 7 percent by 2016, indicating the rising
importance of trade to ASEAN’s economic prospects.
o The ASEAN Single Aviation Market and Open Skies policies
have increased its transport and connectivity potential.
 ASEAN has contributed to regional stability by building much-
needed norms and fostering a neutral environment to address
shared challenges.
Challenges
 Regional imbalances in the economic and social status of its
individual markets.
 Gap between rich and poor ASEAN member states remains
very large and they have a mixed record on income
inequality.
 The members’ political systems are equally mixed with
democracies, communist, and authoritarian states.
 While the South China Sea is the main issue exposing the
organization’s rifts.
 ASEAN has been divided over major issues of human rights.
For example, crackdowns in Myanmar against the Rohingyas.
 Inability to negotiate a unified approach with regards to China,
particularly in response to its widespread maritime claims in the
South China Sea.
 There is no central mechanism to enforce compliance.
 Inefficient dispute-settlement mechanism, whether it be in the
economic or political spheres.
India and ASEAN
 India's relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of her foreign policy
and the foundation of Act East Policy.
 India has a separate Mission to ASEAN and the EAS (East Asia
Summit) in Jakarta.
 India and ASEAN already has 25 years of Dialogue Partnership,
15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic
Partnership with ASEAN.
 Economic Cooperation:
 ASEAN is India's fourth largest trading partner.
 India's trade with ASEAN stands at approx. 10.6% of
India's overall trade.
 India's export to ASEAN stands at 11.28% of our total
exports. The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area has been
completed.
 ASEAN India-Business Council (AIBC) was set up in
2003 to bring key private sector players from India and
the ASEAN countries on a single platform.
 Socio-Cultural Cooperation: Programmes to boost People-to-
People Interaction with ASEAN, such as inviting ASEAN
students to India, Special Training Course for ASEAN
diplomats, Exchange of Parliamentarians, etc.
 Funds: Financial assistance has been provided to ASEAN
countries from the following Funds:
 ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund
 ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund
 ASEAN-India Green Fund
 Delhi Declaration: To identify Cooperation in the Maritime
Domain as the key area of cooperation under the ASEAN-India
strategic partnership.
 Delhi Dialogue: Annual Track 1.5 event for discussing politico-
security and economic issues between ASEAN and India.
 ASEAN-India Centre (AIC): To undertake policy research,
advocacy and networking activities with organizations and
think-tanks in India and ASEAN.
 Political Security Cooperation: India places ASEAN at the
centre of its Indo-Pacific vision of Security and Growth for All in
the Region.