By IANS,
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday showcased India’s growing global stature and cited improving relations with neighbours, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar as key foreign policy achievements of the United Progressive Alliance-II government.
“In foreign policy, there were significant developments in our relations with neighbours, notably with Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar,” said Manmohan Singh on the occasion of the third anniversary dinner of the UPA-II government.
“The success of the BRICS Summit (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) held in New Delhi reflects India’s growing presence on the world stage,” he stressed.
“As a responsible member of the United Nations Security Council and other international fora, we have made important contributions in addressing global issues,” he added. India is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
India’s prickly relations with Bangladesh have been transformed under the UPA-II tenure, with New Delhi pledging $1 billion soft loans for reconstruction of that country.
Despite opposition from some quarters, the Manmohan Singh government has managed to revive India’s dialogue process with Pakistan that froze after 26/11 attacks.
India has welcomed the democratic opening of Myanmar and pledged half a billion dollars in lines of credit for the development of the country.
Signalling an upswing in bilateral ties, Manmohan Singh will go to Myanmar later this week.