Answer: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed at the 1st Belgrade Conference of 1961 with its prominent leaders being Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) and Gamal Abdel Nassar (Egypt). Originating with a participation of 25 members, it has become the biggest independent and informal association out of the United Nations, comprising 120 member nations and 17 observers. About the Non-Aligned Movement:

• Immediate reason for its formation: It was established due to the emergence of two blocs, one led by the USA and the other by the Soviet Union following the Second World War.
• Roles and objectives:
  • It was not to stay neutral on issues and challenges confronting the international community, but to adopt common and joint positions based on merits of each case.
  • It was committed to fight against colonialism, imperialism, racism and apartheid, and to create a new international economic order which would be fair and equitable and safeguard the interests of developing countries.
• Crisis phase and evolution: The end of the Cold War and disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 put a question mark on its relevance as its initial objectives of de-colonisation and end of apartheid had been largely realized by then.
• New role of the NAM: Ensuring peace, security and economic development of developing countries has emerged as the new mantra to be pursued by the Movement.

In present times, the NAM is relevant in the following ways:

• Integral part of foreign policy: Many developing countries like India still follow the NAM principles. The policy to avoid colonisation and imperialism continues to remain valid for all small and developing countries.
• South-South cooperation: It raises issues that are of major concern for the global South. This will help democratise the international system to promote equality and peace all over the world.
• Peaceful settlement of international disputes: The NAM can act as a platform to negotiate and conclude international disputes peacefully, thereby securing favourable decisions for each member.
• Preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty: The NAM reiterates the preservation of territorial integrity and state sovereignty. It stands as a unifying force against the expansionist policies of big powers.

Despite its relevance, the NAM faces many challenges like poor cooperation between the member states, being merely a forum for talk shop, lack of initiatives on emerging security concerns such as global terrorism etc. Therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen the NAM and the member countries need to reaffirm their commitment to it, so that the NAM can play a prominent and leading role in the current international scenario.