Asked if he was satisfied with the outcome of the summit, the prime minister said: 'It is a very big struggle. I have put India's point of view before the G8 and G5 leaders. The G5 leaders have appreciated it while others may not agree.

'In my statements, I did mention that all available indications point to deceleration in the US and EU economies and therefore one can say the global environment and the development of the third world countries will undergo sharp deterioration. Our exports have suffered and capital flows have decreased. The challenge before us is to sustain and revive growth momentum built up in the last five years notwithstanding the global environment.'

The prime minister said that there was growing support that international structures, particularly the UN Security Council, which were set up after the Second World War, were not reflective of the present global structure.

'India has a legitimate claim to the permanent members' category of the UN Security Council. International relations are based on power relationships. Those who hold power are not ready to give to others. It is a long drawn struggle but ultimately we will get it,' he said.

Talking of his second term in office, often referred to by media as UPA-II, the prime minister said that it was a long arduous journey for his government but he intended to take full advantage of the 'instrumentalities available for more inclusive growth'.

'It is a continuation of our journey. The role of our government is to get the country rid of poverty, hunger and disease.'