No basic changes in India's foreign policy: PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sought to allay the apprehension that his Government had altered India's foreign policy and said there were no basic changes in the policy laid down by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and followed by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Addressing a special Convention of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), he said there was only some ''flexibility of tactics'' in the changed circumstances, as the country had to widen its horizon in international relations.

''We want the goodwill of all major powers and it is because of that we sought to improve our relations with countries like the United States, Russia and China,'' he said and added that India was also trying to develop friendly ties with Pakistan ''despite difficulties arising out of their support for terrorist operations being directed against India''.

The Prime Minister, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit to the state capital, laid the foundation stone for a new terminal at the international airport and a Rs 50-crore Air India maintenance base.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh, promised better air connectivity with Kerala and a special package for the ailing plantation and traditional industries in Kerala.

''We need to make effective use of modern science and technology to improve productivity of the plantation sector in Kerala,'' he said, adding that the Centre was committed to improving the agricultural and plantation economies of Kerala, especially in areas like Wayanad and Alappuzha.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the golden jubilee celebrations of Kerala's formation, promising all possible assistance from the UPA Government for the State's development.

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