India opposed to formation of an Islamic bloc

New Delhi: India strongly opposed any formation of an Islamic bloc as it feels that a group based on religion will create new tensions and new problems in this part of the world, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi told the Rajya Sabha.

She had made known India’s view on the subject to President Nasser of the United Arab Republic when she had met him last. Other countries concerned were also informed from time to time of India’s stand when there were opportunities to meet their leaders, Gandhi said.

It appeared now that the idea sponsored mainly by Pakistan was not being pursued seriously.

Asked by Sri Rama Reddy whether the government had studied the proposal to ascertain if its purpose was religious or political, Gandhi said that different people had different ideas on it. Some would like to continue the discussion to religious matters. There were other views also. “But there are very few things which do not have political overtones,” she said.

Deputy minister for external affairs Surendra Pal Singh informed D. Thengari that only some countries, namely Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Tunasia and Jordan had shown interest in such a bloc.

Answering C. D. Pande, the Prime Minister said that while India opposed any persons getting together merely on the basis of religion she would like to make best use of the idea of Afro- Asian solidarity. Though some countries had different ideological points of view many had common problems such as poverty and illiteracy. She did not think that the differences would prevent the Afro- Asian nations from getting together, if such a get together would be advantageous.