... The preservation of peace forms the central aim of India's policy. It is in the pursuit of this
policy that we have chosen the path of nonalinement [nonalignment] in any military or like pact
or alliance. Nonalinement does not mean passivity of mind or action, lack of faith or conviction.
It does not mean submission to what we consider evil. It is a positive and dynamic approach to
such problems that confront us. We believe that each country has not only the right to freedom
but also to decide its own policy and way of life. Only thus can true freedom flourish and a
people grow according to their own genius.
We believe, therefore, in nonaggression and noninterference by one country in the affairs of
another and the growth of tolerance between them and the capacity for peaceful coexistence.
We think that by the free exchange of ideas and trade and other contacts between nations each
will learn from the other and truth will prevail. We therefore endeavor to maintain friendly
relations with all countries, even though we may disagree with them in their policies or structure
of government. We think that by this approach we can serve not only our country but also the.using this context Why (is the author stating this, is there a connection to the overall historical context of when it was said):