Non Aligned Movement

India has been always part of the non-aligned movement. Long ago,in a world torn by cold war, there was urgent need to keep aloof from the two giants—America and Russia. Even when cold war had ended long ago, there is a need to keep away from strong powers. Hence non-alignment is relevant even today. Four days ago the NAM summit was held at Tehran.Thirty six leaders (out of 120expected) from around the world met in Tehran and attended the Non Aligned Movement’s summit. These nations represent 55% of the world population, or two thirds of those in the United Nations.  Many issues were discussed. Some expressed that Western powers enforce their interest in the name of ‘democracy’ and ‘international law’
When many nations are still developing, or underdeveloped, they cannot participate in the “trade” activity in an equal footing with a developed nation. There is a tendency is to exploit the underdeveloped nation which has rich resources and exchanges are manipulative; an advanced nation is a position to keenly understand the advantages and it dictates the “trade relations” to its own selfish benefit. There is no international organization can bring an order to stop this kind of exploitation. Why?
Many nations which had made better and better development felt that there is an “Islamic awakening” The meaning is that, there is more consciousness about one’ own cultural identity and individuality. After economic development has taken place, there is political awareness of oneself(or nations) to seek an individual status. For an outsider, this awakening may be threatening. Such fears have to be set aside.
India feels that countries like Syria have a right to determine their own destiny and that there should be no foreign intervention. Meanwhile International Atomic Energy Agency was scrutinising Iran’s nuclear facilities. Main topics were nuclear power, human rights and how to deal with international terrorism.

Iran has at last made efforts to be part of global mainstream, after long isolation. Iran is also attempting to improve ties with its own neighbors.

Two main accomplishments were that there was signing of the documents proposed and that all countries had a chance develop bilateral ties with other nations. It was a highly beneficial summit. The pressure exerted by the security council in the United Nations was absent, and all were allowed to say what their feeling is. That is the greatest positive point of this summit.