On the 50th anniversary of the principles, Indian Ambassador Nalin Surie discussed the wider implementation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence with BEIJING REVIEW reporter Ding Ying, and reiterated the main diplomatic policies of the new Indian Government.

BEIJING REVIEW: India and China are the two countries that first raised the concept of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, or Panchsheel, in the 1950s. What do you think are the global influences of these principles?

NALIN SURIE: The principles enshrined in Panchsheel lie at the very heart of an international political order that is based on equality and democracy. They have had a major impact on the evolution of international relations over the past 50 years. The implementation of Panchsheel is essential to maintain international peace and harmony. Adherence to these principles has become even more pertinent in the present phase of rapid change and evolution in the international political order that is accompanied with an even faster pace of economic and social globalization and interdependence. There is growing recognition of this.

What more is needed to apply these principles on future international issues?

Application of the principles of Panchsheel requires both the political will of the members of the international community and a genuine belief in the intrinsic value of these principles.

After a new Indian Government came into power, what kind of adjustment on diplomatic principles might it have, for example, on relationships with China, the United States and Pakistan?

The government of India attaches the greatest importance to retain freedom of option in conducting its foreign relations. India¡¯s foreign policy is rooted in the abiding principles of equality among states, commitment to peace, attention to economic well-being and to the defense of the country. Within this perspective, India will continue to attach high importance to its relations with China and the United States.

The Indian Government will pay particular attention to fashioning a stable, working and cooperative relationship with Pakistan under the framework of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and subsequent declarations and agreements. Dialogue with Pakistan on all issues will be pursued systematically and on a sustained basis in an atmosphere free from terrorism and violence.

The government of India attaches the highest priority to nurturing and expanding relations between India and its neighbors in all respects.

What is your comment on the current Sino-Indian relationship?

Relations between India and China are in the process of diversification and development. The new government in India has made it very clear that this process of normalizing, strengthening and expanding relations with China will continue, for this is the most important factor affecting Asian security and stability. On May 26, [Chinese] Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing spoke to [Indian] External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh to congratulate him on his new appointment. During their conversation, the two ministers agreed to work closely together to further strengthen bilateral relations.

It is our expectation that the process of high-level exchange between us will continue this year. We expect such a visit from China to India later this year.

What is the best way to solve the boundary issue between India and China?

We already have in place a mechanism for addressing the boundary issue between our two countries. We expect the third meeting of the special representatives on the boundary question to take place soon.

As the two most populous countries on earth, what can we learn from each other?

There is an enormous amount for us to learn from each other for we are the two developing countries with the two largest populations in the world. We have in recent years adopted different paradigms for our socio-economic and political development. We are neighbors that have learnt from each other in the past and our modern day experiences have more relevance for each other than those of other countries. This process of learning from each other is already underway in many areas and is being encouraged by both sides.