China’s stance on Asian collective security and India-Soviet relations

The Peoples Republic of China supports disarmament and a nuclear-free zone in the Asian and Pacific Regions strictly for tactical reasons

This document reports on the visit by the Soviet premier, Alexsei Kosygin, to India in March 1979. The Indian leadership once again confirms its intention to retain close relations with Moscow irrespective of the future relationship with the US and China. During the visit a number of trade and scientific agreements are signed. The USSR expresses its readiness to cooperate in the nuclear field on the basis of peaceful use as laid down in the Indian-Soviet agreement of January 1979. Reacting to the Chinese threat and its perceived objective to gain a hegemonic position in Asia, India wishes to talk about the delivery of more sophisticated military equipment. The Soviet officials interpret Indian foreign policy as moving closer to the Socialist Bloc and joining Vietnam and Cuba in the formation of a ‘leftist wing’ in the Non-Aligned Movement.

This Soviet report on the results of Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko’s April 1977 visit to India encapsulates Moscow’s first impressions of the new Indian Government. The main issue of the Soviet-Indian talks was the maintenance of the close relations between the two countries. The Desai government promises strict adherence to the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The new Indian leadership also renewed the commitment not to weaponize its nuclear programme. With respect to China, Desai opposes any new initiatives to improve relations with Beijing.

Report on Soviet-Indian relations based on conversations with the Indian Foreign Minister and other officials. Gorbachev's visit to India resulted in the signing of several agreements, yet there are concerns in India about the direction of Soviet foreign policy. The two countries disagree about policy towards China, Afghanistan, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.