I'ndia has indeed often been a major spokesman of the Third World, in the United-Nations and elsewhere. It has voiced and championed the demands of Third World countries for greater political and racial equality, for the end of imperialism and racism, for human rights, for economic assistance and development, for a fairer share of world resources, trade, and technology, for a lessening of the gap between developed and developing nations, for a more just treatment of "weak nations in a world of the strong," for peace and international cooperation, and for a greater voice and role in the changing international system. India has taken a leading role in the United Nations Confrerence on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).