Page 122 - SST Class 08

2. Mutual non-aggression. plans for development. This concept led to the
3. Mutual non-interference in each other’s
internal affairs.
4. Equality and mutual benefit.
5. Peaceful coexistence.
In spite of this, in 1962, China attacked India in
the North-East and occupied a part of Indian
Territory. The war ended soon, but relations
between India and China remained strained for a
long time to come.
The visits of the Indian Prime Ministers Rajiv
Gandhi (in 1988) and Narasimha Rao (in 1993)
to China have improved the situation to some
extent. Several trade agreements have also been
signed. But, it is not an easy task to restore peace
and mutual trust between the two countries.
India and South Asia
South Asia comprises the countries lying to the
south of the Himalayas and the Hindukush
mountains. India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka are the
countries belonging to the region. Most of these
countries were previously ruled by the British.
They have similar cultures, social habits and
economic problems.
All these countries face problems arising out of
overpopulation, poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy
etc. It is believed that these countries of South
Asia could progress fast only through coopera-
tion with each other and by devising common
SAARC
Social Science-8 122
formation of the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) with the objec-
tive of mutual economic and social development.
India and Nepal
Being a small landlocked country, Nepal depends
on India for economic support and transit facili-
ties. Almost all of her imports pass through
Indian ports. India has made a significant contri-
bution to economic and social developments of
Nepal. She built the 204 km long Mahendra Raj
Marg to link Kathmandu and India. Agreements
have been signed for greater cooperation in
trade, education, industrial development and
cultural exchange programmes.
There are very few travel restrictions between
India and Nepal. Nepalese workers are employed
in India and Nepalese students’ study in Indian
universities.
India and Bhutan
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, is one of
the poorest countries of the world. India has
helped Bhutan in her telecommunication and
hydroelectric projects and in the construction of
hospitals, roads and bridges.
India and Myanmar
Myanmar (Burma), which was a part of British
India, became independent in 1948. Since India
and Myanmar share common boundaries, they
have to face problems of smuggling and illegal
migration. Rajiv Gandhi visited Myanmar in
1987 and the two countries agreed to solve these
problems through greater vigilance.
India supports Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel
peace prize winner who is the leader of the
democratic movement in Myanmar.
India and Pakistan
In 1947, India was partitioned and the country of
Pakistan was born. The two countries share the
same historical, linguistic and cultural heritage.