Economic integration key to foreign policy, says PM

States that developmental aspects today have come to govern India's strategic relationship with other countries

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said economic integration had become a crucial element in the country’s evolving foreign policy. He said developmental aspects have come to govern India’s strategic relationship with other countries. “Recognition that India’s relations with the world — both major powers and our Asian neighbours — are increasingly shaped by our developmental priorities. The single most important objective of Indian foreign policy has to be to create a global environment conducive to the well-being of our great country,” Singh said in New Delhi, while addressing the Annual Conclave of Indian Ambassadors and High Commissioners.  “We are prepared to work with the international community to create a global economic and security environment beneficial to all nations.”

Highlighting five fundamental principles of India’s foreign policy, he said greater collaboration and establishment of bilateral ties based on economic aspirations will benefit India in the long run, thereby unleashing the creative potential of its citizens.

“We seek stable, long term and mutually beneficial relations with all major powers. We are prepared to work with the international community to create a global economic and security environment beneficial to all nations.”

Singh stressed that in order to achieve the full potential of global dynamics and successfully integrating it with India’s relationship with other countries, it is important to strengthen regional institutional capability and capacity which can be achieved only by investing in connectivity.

“Foreign policy is not defined merely by our interests, but also by the values which are very dear to our people. India’s experiment of pursuing economic development within the framework of a plural, secular and liberal democracy has inspired people around the world and should continue to do so. As you go about discharging your day-to-day responsibilities, please ask yourselves how these five principles are guiding your work.”