Context:

• The 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation with then Soviet Union was perhaps the most consequential international pact entered into by India since Independence, said Indian envoy at an event to mark 50 years of the historic agreement.

More about news:

• The two countries are discussing on the possible formats for India’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) 2021 and Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2022.

Alignment of interests

• The treaty symbolised an alignment of interests in the face of regional and international challenges.
• It also symbolised an “extraordinary convergence of national interest of both countries on the most critical issues of war and peace.”
• It immensely contributed to country’s ability to successfully meet one of the greatest security challenges it has faced in the past seven decades.
• It was not a military alliance. But, it strengthened the basis for India’s strategic autonomy, and its capacity for independent action.
  • The 1971 India-Pakistan war led to the creation of Bangladesh.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/1971-indo-soviet-pact-most-consequential-international-treaty-by-india-since-independence-envoy/article35888267.ece

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