The Seventh Non-Aligned Summit is being held in New Delhi from 7th to 11th March, 1983. The earlier summits were held in Belgrade (1961), Cairo (1964), Lusaka (1970), Algiers (1973), Colombo (1976) and Havana (1979). Over the years the Non-Aligned member countries have grown from twenty five in Belgrade to about a hundred. The post-Second World War period saw the emergence of new nations, throwing off the shackles of colonialism; but it also saw the beginning of cold war confrontation and rivalry between the great Powers. The new nations had acquired political freedom after years of bitter struggle against their colonial masters and were engaged in the task of economic reconstruction and development. Their yearning for a peaceful environment, which would enable them to pursue their economic and social development without hindrance, was frustrated by the creation of military alliances and the intensification of the arms race.

It was at this critical juncture of human history that the Non-Aligned Movement was forged, putting forth an alternative vision and a viable strategy for the handling of international affairs and the resolution of international affairs and the resolution of international tensions. Booted in the five principles of peaceful co-existence, Panchasheel, the movement stands for dialogue and the search for mutually acceptable solutions as the alternative to confrontation and the search for domination.

Over the years, the Movement has increasingly come to represent the demands of the developing world. It has repeatedly emphasised the need for peace, disarmament and development and stressed the concept of global interdependence in the search for a new and more just world order.

Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a set of two commemorative stamps on this occasion.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India