Foreign policy should not jeopardise the harmony of world

New Delhi, Mar 11: India emphasised that foreign policy should not jeopardise the harmony of world relations in pursuit of self-interest.

Addressing the valedictory function of the 40th professional course for foreign diplomats here last evening, Minister of State for External Affairs, E Ahamed said that against the backdrop of globalisation, foreign policy need to be managed in a way that the pursuit of self-interest does not jeopardise the larger harmony of the world relations.

India have always given importance to relations with developing nations and South-South cooperation, he added.

India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru two decades before independence had referred to common challenges faced by India and other colonies and concluded that it would be to common advantage to know more of each other and to cooperate wherever possible, Mr Ahamed said.

''It was, therefore, but natural for India to champion the cause of emancipation from colonial rule and susequetnly to lay stress on South-South cooperation and solidarity among developing countries,'' he noted.

Calling upon the world nations to work together, he said, sharing of knowledge and experiences is imperative not only for hastening the pace of development but also for structuring an equitable world order.

Mr Ahamed said India has taken several initiatives, bilaterally and with regional organisations, to create and augment capabilites and promote development in South.

''In Africa, there is the Pan African e-network project covering the 53 African states. We are cooperating with the ASEAN and at the fourth India-ASEAN Summit held last year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered assistance to Cambodia, Laos, Mynamar and Vietnam in setting up Centres for English language training and establishing a satellite-based telemedicine and tele education network,'' Mr Ahamed added.

''West Asia, where a very large number of our expatriates are present, is for other reasons as well of very high priority and important to India. We have deep-rooted ties on shared traditions with the countries of the West Asian region. With Latin America too, our engagement is now more substantive, he said.

The Minister also distributed certificates to 28 diplomats from 25 countries and the League of Arab States.

UNI