Panchsheel: A Ray of Hope

Abstract

A set of five principles, popularly known as Panchsheel conceived in great measure by former prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, was the basis of the Agreement on trade and intercourse between the Tibet region of Chain and India signed on 29 April, 1954. However, after Sino-Indian war in 1962 Nehru and his Panchsheel had to face criticism. Later on in course of time a number of contentions issues like China threat theory, string of pearls, border disputes, trade deficit etc come to the fore front. Thus, it is seemed that Panchsheel is no longer in existence in shaping India-China bilateral relations. Despite such adverse situation, in 2014 the two countries celebrated 60th anniversary of Panchsheel and tried to show that they would rejuvenate the relationship within the framework of Panchsheel. To prove it wrong spectrum of measures has been taken by both the countries in order to iron out differences and to make 21st country Asian country.