India's decision to not accept international aid for tsunami victims has not isolated it from the rest of the world, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.
"Our response was not shaped by false pride or by chauvinism. We are happy to be part of the global community and to work with it," Singh said while inaugurating the 11th Partnership Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, in which over 1,200 delegates from 27 countries are participating.
He said India would seek international assistance in the reconstruction effort in the aftermath of the disaster.
The national response to the tragedy was not only heartening but also showed that in the face of a crisis 'we have the national will and resources to meet the challenge head on', the PM said.
"I submit to you that do-it-ourselves mood of the nation is not an index of our isolationism. Far from it, it is an index of our resolve to turn an adversity into an opportunity. I hope we can all join hands to do just that and give the nation a new sense of hope and direction," he said.
Singh said the country sought partnership for development even as it demonstrated to the world its ability and capability to stand on its own feet.
"That, I believe, has been India's message to the world. I sincerely believe that the world appreciates this and values the contribution we have been able to make to global peace and prosperity," he added.
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