New Delhi, Aug 26 - 'Pervasive corruption' was tarnishing the image of India that is respected all over the world for its secular values and 'commitment to freedom', Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Wednesday.

Addressing the two-day 17th biennial conference of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and State Anti-Corruption Bureaux, Manmohan Singh said the 'malaise of corruption' should be treated 'effectively and immediately' because it was sapping 'our efforts to march ahead as a nation'.

'The world respects our democracy, our plural and secular values, our independent judiciary and free press, our commitment to freedom and peace and our pursuit of equitable and inclusive growth,' he said, but quickly regretted that 'pervasive corruption in our country tarnishes our image'.

'As the country grows and integrates with the world economy, corruption continues to be an impediment to harnessing the best of technology and resources,' he said at the Vigyan Bhawan here.