Bandung Conference: Laying the Foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement

The correct answer is option 'A', the Bandung Conference. The Bandung Conference, also known as the Asian-African Conference, was a meeting held in Bandung, Indonesia, from April 18 to 24, 1955. The conference was a significant event in the history of international relations, as it laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which was formally established in 1961.

The Background:
- The Bandung Conference was organized in response to the growing tensions and conflicts of the Cold War era.
- The two major power blocs, the United States-led Western Bloc and the Soviet Union-led Eastern Bloc, were engaged in a global struggle for influence.
- Many newly independent nations in Asia and Africa found themselves caught in the middle, facing pressure to align with one of the superpowers.

The Objectives:
- The Bandung Conference aimed to promote Afro-Asian solidarity and cooperation among newly independent nations.
- The participating countries sought to assert their independence and promote a neutral stance in the Cold War, avoiding alignment with either of the superpower blocs.

The Outcomes:
- The conference resulted in the adoption of the Bandung Declaration, which emphasized principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful coexistence.
- The participants also expressed their commitment to promoting economic and cultural cooperation.
- The Bandung Conference was a significant step towards the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961, which aimed to provide a platform for countries that did not want to align with the superpowers and wanted to maintain their independence.

Nehru's Role:
- Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, played a crucial role in the Bandung Conference and is often considered one of its co-founders.
- Nehru's policy of non-alignment, which he had been advocating since India's independence in 1947, resonated with many of the participating countries.
- Nehru's leadership and diplomatic skills helped shape the conference's agenda and outcomes.

Conclusion:
- The Bandung Conference laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement, which became an important platform for countries seeking to maintain their independence and promote peace and cooperation in the midst of Cold War rivalries.
- Nehru's role in the conference and his policy of non-alignment contributed significantly to the establishment and growth of the Non-Aligned Movement.