Monday, May 23 2005 09:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India is alert to the compulsions thrust on it by the rapidly transforming world order and will respond successfully to the "newly emerging challenges", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said yesterday (May 22, 2005).

"The new image of India as a confident and united nation derives greatly from the continuing political consensus that has all along been the hallmark of our foreign policy," he said on foreign policy and international relations in the UPA Government's one year report card.

Outlining Government's priorities, Singh said it has focussed attention on economic diplomacy, with particular emphasis on energy diplomacy.

In the 42-page document listing its efforts on the foreign policy front, Government said it attached great value to peace and prosperity in South Asia and to increased cooperation both in economic and security spheres with all neighbours.

It said the meetings between Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf helped take the bilateral relationship "significantly forward".

Observing that India-China relations have entered a new phase of constructive and cooperative partnership, Government noted that Beijing has formally acknowledged Sikkim as a part of India and indicated its positive attitude towards India's claim to a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.