Literally speaking non-alignment is not to align oneself with any particular side. In the perspective of the post-World War II, of course, non-alignment had a different connotation.

In the post- Second World War the Cold War virtually divided the world into two Power blocs. One centering round USA and the other under the leadership of USSR.

In such a world situation the emergence of independent countries in Asia and Africa marked a new phase in the international history.

The newly emerged independent countries of Asia and Africa gradually began to develop a common understanding on world affairs.

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They decided not to align themselves with any of the two Power blocs. Along with maintaining equidistance from the Power blocs they would maintain friendly relations with both the USSR and USA.