"Our national goal is the rapid development of the country. We aspire for a nation in which the economic growth improves and the polity takes into account the legitimate aspirations of different sections of society," he said at the 42nd foundation day of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis here.

Noting that meeting the country's growing energy needs was one of the prime criterion of development, Mukherjee said developing nuclear energy was one of the key needs.

"Unfortunately we are dependent only on hydrocarbons to meet our growing energy needs. We need a multi-pronged strategy, including development of nuclear energy," he added.

"If we need to succeed in the international arena and secure ourselves, it would be essential for us not only have strong defence but also a robust economy," he said.

Observing that India was destined to become a global power, Mukherjee said, there was a need to take a holistic view of the foreign policy and security challenges facing the nation.

The Union Minister said that the country could not afford to neglect terrorism, accumulation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and other conventional weapons and also harbour mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbour.