No shift in India's foreigh policy: PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1 (UNI) Allaying the apprehension expressed by certain quarters that the UPA government altered India's foreign policy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said that there was no basic changes in the country's foreigh policy as laid down by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and followed by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

"There is only some flexibility of tactics" in the changed circumstances as the country had to widen its horizon in international relations, he said while addressing a special convention of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) here.

"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. The Chinese President is going to be our guest in the next few weeks and the Russian President will be our guest at the next Republic Day. There is no shift in our direction, but only want to widen our horizon in international relations, the Prime Minister said.

"We are also trying to develop friendly ties with Pakistan despite difficulties arising out of their support for terrorist operations directing against India," he said and stressed the need for fostering peace and friendly relations with other neighbouring countries also. India would also strive to improve its relations with South Asian countries.

On the economic front, the Prime Minister said the country had been able to achieve eight per cent growth under the UPA regime and was poised for a growth of ten per cent in the coming decade.

While gearing up for faster growth, it was also essential that policies were oriented to protect the interests of the poor section of the society thereby empowering them for active participation in the development process.

To achieve these objectives, the UPA government had been implementing projects like the Rural Employment Guarantee Programme, the Urban Renewal programme and Rural Health Schemes. All these programmes were aimed at ensuring empowerment of the poor and involving them in the development process, he said.

KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala presided.

Defence Minister A K Antony and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi also spoke.

UNI PMM1355