SINGAPORE, Nov 11 — Re-engaging Southeast Asia is the stand of India’s foreign policy and India’s future is based more on this region than any other part of the globe. That is the underlying message of President K.R. Narayanan’s official visit to this high-tech city state. It is apparent India sees for itself a role to play in the region.

In the wide-ranging discussions with Singapore President S.R. Nathan, Mr Narayanan said New Delhi viewed China as an important factor in Southeast Asian politics. India is keen to engage Southeast Asia in a manner that is progressive. The endeavour is to revive the old “Look East” approach which had lost thrust.

India has consistently pursued a policy of forging friendly ties with all countries, especially with its neighbours. New Delhi considers Beijing a friend and wants to work with it. The period of conflict and misunderstanding with China is over.

Economic cooperation with Southeast Asia is the primary component of New Delhi engagement. Continuity in ties with all countries is imperative and policies must be well thought out and implemented in a refined manner.

Intellectuals of this country had an extended interface with Mr Narayanan. They questioned about what India can contribute and if there is a danger of those inimical to New Delhi containing it. But no one touched on what Singapore can do in forging a new era in its bilateral relations with India.

Mr Narayanan laid at rest any misgivings in the minds of these intellectuals. He emphasised that the economic reforms process is irreversible. A sustained rate of growth of 7 per cent is possible and if this is realised, India’s economy will be strong enough to contribute to some of the needs of Southeast Asia.

About India’s relations with the USA, it was pointed out that Washington is more friendly with New Delhi now. New Delhi is not thinking in terms of any alliances or cutting down its ties with any country as it has consistently endeavoured to be friends with all, including Pakistan.

On India having achieved nuclear capability, it was pointed out that New Delhi firmly believes in the policy of having a minimum nuclear deterrent. In this context, it was explained that India and Pakistan can put pressure on the nuclear powers to adopt real nuclear disarmament without hurting each other. India is trying to evolve a national consensus on signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).