4.3. The Non-Aligned Movement

India was largely responsible for launching the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. The basic concept for the group originated in 1955 during discussions that took place at the Asia- Africa Bandung Conference held in Indonesia. Subsequently, a preparatory meeting for the First NAM Summit Conference was held in Cairo, Egypt from 5-12 June 1961. It was initiated by Nehru, Yugoslav President Joseph Brez Tito and Egyptian President Colonel Nasser.

Twenty-five countries attended the first NAM conference held at Belgrade and presided over by Tito in September 1961. Invitations were sent out by Nehru, Nasser and Tito after careful scrutiny of foreign policies of proposed participants of the first NAM Summit.