Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday described India and China as 'strategic partners', and said that pursuit of world peace is a fundamental tenet of India's foreign policy.
"India and China are ancient civilizations. We are neighbours. We are strategic partners. Historically, there has been much that has bound us together, not merely through the exchange of goods and commodities but through a flourishing interchange of ideas, values and philosophies," said Ansari at an event held to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Panchsheel or Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
"The imperatives of the 21st century propel us towards a better understanding of each other's objectives and more purposeful cooperation for mutual benefit. Greater interaction between the people of our two countries, in all fields, is a necessary condition for stronger overall bilateral relations," he added.
He emphasized that pursuit of world peace is a fundamental tenet of India's foreign policy, while adding, "It draws inspiration from our ancient civilisational value of considering the world as one family. This shapes and guides our actions in international relations."
He asserted that even before India became an independent nation, the leaders of its freedom struggle had outlined the fundamental precepts and values that embody the Five Principles of Peaceful Existence or Panchsheel.
"The Constitution of India enjoins the State to endeavour to promote international peace and security and to maintain just and honourable relations between nations," he said.
He also pointed out that the relations between India and Myanmar are rooted in shared historical, ethnic, cultural and religious ties.
"Geographical proximity has helped develop and sustain cordial relations and facilitated people-to-people contacts. A significant population of Indian origin resides in Myanmar. Our shared history and common interests paves the way for greater mutually beneficial cooperation," he added.
He further stated that India believes that globalisation should transform the world into, as Mahatma Gandhi had envisaged, "a federation of friendly, interdependent nations", without domination or exploitation.
"Panchsheel is the basis of such a world order. We need to work together to develop a framework for equitable globalisation, for genuine multilateralism, and for seeking common and fair solutions for challenges that transcend national borders and threaten humanity," he pointed out.
Ansari also called for a new paradigm for global action and said that countries should work for a framework in which opportunities and challenges for the betterment of our societies co-exist.
"In this endeavour, Panchsheel can act as a catalyst to help us better coordinate our efforts, enhance mutual understanding, share developmental experiences and tackle trans-national threats more effectively," he added.
He also said that on the global level, Panchsheel preserves the right of all nations to choose their own path while interacting with others on the basis of mutual respect and equality.
"It facilitates the expression of views of all members of the international community, particularly the developing countries, so that their concerns are highlighted and interests are protected in the international economic, social and political order," he added.
Ansari pointed out that Panchsheel provides the framework within which a just and equitable global order can be achieved to the satisfaction and benefit of all.
