New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said the diplomatic efforts of the Modi government have got India "renewed respect" in the world.

"The diplomatic efforts of the government have got India renewed respect in the world," the President said in his address to a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the first day of the Budget Session.

He said that India has got representation in international bodies like International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, International Maritime Organisation and Economic and Social Council as well as notched success in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) elections.

"After becoming a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime last year, this year we have been included in the Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group. This success has been attained after a long struggle and is a major achievement of my government," he said.

He also termed opening of the Chabahar port in Iran, which provides India connectivity to Afghanistan, as a "historic incident".

"The opening in Chabahar port is a historic incident. Through this port, India has sent the first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan," he said.

The President also said that an air corridor has been started between India and Afghanistan for the first time, and it is already functional.