India, China Ask World To Adhere To Panchsheel Principles

Beijing: India and China  observed the 60th anniversary of the Panchsheel agreement, enunciating the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, by calling on the countries of the world to uphold these principles universally.

Addressing a function commemorating the anniversary in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari said the pursuit of world peace adhering to these principles is a fundamental tenet of India's foreign policy.

In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on countries to uphold common security, saying that flexing of military muscles only reveals the lack of moral ground or vision rather than reflecting one's strength.

India and China had signed the Panchsheel agreement in 1954. The five principles enshrined therein include mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

"Pursuit of world peace is a fundamental tenet of India's foreign policy. It draws inspiration from our ancient civilisational value of considering the world as one family. This shapes and guides our actions in international relations," Ansari said in his speech.

The Constitution of India enjoins the state to endeavour to promote international peace and security and to maintain just and honorable relations between nations.

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