The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has said that the foremost task before the country is to accelerate social and economic growth processes within a democratic framework. Addressing the 2004 batch of Indian Foreign Service probationers, Dr. Singh said that in the present era of interdependence there was a need to develop cooperation among States to tackle formidable problems like environmental degradation and chronic poverty. Foreign Service officers should project India's values and concerns to the outside world, he added.

Replying to a question by a probationer regarding economic diplomacy overcoming the problems with our neighbouring countries, the Prime Minister said that there were large number of economic complimentarities and there was a growing realisation that countries of the region are missing out the great potential for economic and social cooperation. So far India Pakistan relations have proved to be the stumbling block in carrying forward the processes of regional co-operation. Dr. Singh hoped that a new relationship with Pakistan can be found whereby a sustained effort would be made to resolve outstanding bilateral problems, however, these problems should not block possibilities of economic cooperation.

Mentioning the role of State and non-State actors in promoting terrorism, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for sustained struggle against terrorism while dealing with other problems like disease, poverty and inequality. Dr. Singh also highlighted India's role as responsible nuclear power and underlined the need for blocking any further unauthorised proliferation of nuclear weapons. India was ready to cooperate with like-minded countries in this regard. In securing a favourable international environment we should fight against any efforts of technology denial, Dr. Singh said. The Prime Minister stressed the need for understanding the forces that are shaping India's external and internal environment. The Prime Minister pointed out that deep understanding of civilisational values and India's national interest should be deployed to create a space for this great nation to realise its destiny.

On administrative reforms, Dr. Singh said that performance appraisal have to be the backbone of Government services. Explaining the emerging trends in economic diplomacy Dr. Singh said that compartmentalisation of the various facets of diplomacy should not be overdone, as complex situations today required an interdisciplinary approach.

The Prime Minister also said that in a democracy thinking people should not shun the political process. An environment would be created where more people from enlightened middle classes would come into public life for which we would have to work towards electoral reforms, Dr. Manmohan Singh added.