Indian PM urges steps to boost economy

(AP) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says India's national security is at risk if urgent steps are not taken to boost economic growth and attract new investments in infrastructure.

Singh urged all political parties to help reach a consensus that is conducive to pushing ahead with economic reforms.

His comments Wednesday in a speech marking the 65th anniversary of India's independence from British rule come after large parts of India's power grid collapsed over two days last month, leaving hundreds of millions without electricity.

Singh also called on political parties to pass legislation that would enable the government to tackle corruption that is holding back economic development.

Singh promised to accelerate infrastructure development and said the government would work to remove barriers to investment to attract foreign capital.