Explain Jawaharlal Nehru’s contribution to the development of Non-aligned movement.

Jawaharlal Nehru's Contribution to the Development of Non-Aligned Movement

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Nehru's contributions were instrumental in shaping the principles and objectives of NAM during a critical period of global geopolitics.

1. Leadership and Advocacy:**

• As one of the founding leaders of NAM, Nehru provided dynamic and visionary leadership to the movement. He believed in steering a course of non-alignment for newly independent nations, asserting that they should not align with any major power bloc during the Cold War.

2. Panchsheel:**

• Nehru's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known as Panchsheel, became a cornerstone of NAM's ideology. These principles emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and peaceful coexistence. Panchsheel became a guiding framework for NAM nations in their diplomatic engagements.

3. Asian-African Solidarity:**

• Nehru actively supported and participated in the Bandung Conference in 1955, where leaders from Asia and Africa convened to promote Afro-Asian solidarity. The Bandung principles aligned with the ideals of NAM, emphasizing the right to self-determination, anti-colonialism, and opposition to racial discrimination.

4. Nuclear Disarmament and Peaceful Coexistence:**

• Nehru was a vocal advocate for nuclear disarmament and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. He articulated the vision of a world free from the threat of nuclear war and consistently pressed for disarmament discussions at international forums.

5. Promotion of Neutrality:**

• Nehru emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality in international affairs, especially during the height of the Cold War. He believed that non-alignment would provide newly independent nations with the autonomy to pursue their national interests without succumbing to external pressures.

6. Role in NAM's Formation:**

• Nehru played a crucial role in the establishment of NAM at the Bandung Conference. The movement aimed to provide a platform for countries seeking an independent path, free from the influence of major power blocs. Nehru's diplomatic skills and influence were vital in garnering support for NAM's objectives.

7. Diplomatic Initiatives:**

• Nehru engaged in diplomatic initiatives to strengthen NAM's position on the global stage. His interactions with leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, and Sukarno of Indonesia helped forge a sense of solidarity among non-aligned nations.

8. Influence on NAM's Charter:**

• Nehru's principles and ideas significantly influenced the drafting of NAM's Charter. His commitment to decolonization, opposition to military alliances, and advocacy for peaceful coexistence became integral components of NAM's foundational principles.

9. Legacy and Continuation:**

• Nehru's vision for non-alignment and the principles he articulated continue to shape NAM's identity. The movement, despite evolving geopolitical dynamics, remains rooted in the ideals of neutrality, sovereignty, and mutual respect that Nehru championed.

In conclusion, Jawaharlal Nehru's contributions to the Non-Aligned Movement were characterized by visionary leadership, the articulation of key principles such as Panchsheel, active participation in international forums, and the promotion of a world free from the threat of nuclear war. His efforts laid the groundwork for NAM's emergence as a significant force in global diplomacy, providing a voice for nations seeking an independent path in a tumultuous international landscape.