Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday has indicated that some agreement was possible with France on civil nuclear cooperation at Tuesday’s talks with President Nicholas Sarkozy.
“India seeks cooperation with all countries of the world in matters relating to promotion of civil nuclear energy in our country. The US Congress is now engaged in the process of passing a legislation which would promote bilateral cooperation between US and India.”
“Sometime ago, the Nuclear Suppliers Group adjusted its guildelines in the matter of civil nuclear cooperation with India. We look forward to working with France and other countries in this area. We are having a summit tomorrow (with France), I hope some results will come out of this summit,” the Prime Minister said in an joint interaction with the press along with the French President.
He was asked whether India would sign a civil nuclear cooperation with France on Tuesday.
The French President said at a time when the whole world was talking about climate change it needs to be recognised that nuclear energy is the cleanest form of energy.
He said on Tuesday he would discuss with Singh the issue of nuclear cooperation and take a decision.
To a question on Iran’s nuclear programme, the Prime Minister said he had discussed the issue with Sarkozy at the India-EU rpt India-EU summit on Monday morning.
“I have said earlier and I repeat that Iran is a signatory to the non-profileration treaty and is entitled to all that is needed for development of its civil nuclear programme. And as a member of NPT, it has also to undertake all obligations of the NPT,” he said.
Singh said India would not like the emergence of a nuclear weapons state in its neighbourhood. “There is no question of supporting the nuclear weapon ambitions of Iran”.
This stand of India was explained to Sarkozy and colleagues in the EU, he said.
PM holds discussions with EU leaders
The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held discussions with EU leaders, US financial crisis, World Hunger, energy situation and further restructuring of international institutions.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said that fruitful and constructive discussions were held between India and EU members.
The Prime Minister Participated in the India-European Union Summit at Marseille in France.
After the summit Prme Minister told reporters that many issues like US financial crisis, World Hunger, energy situation, climate change and restructure of international institutions like UN were discussed.
He also told reporters that India and EU are likely top conclude the Free Trade Agreement by next year.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy addressing the press conference said that India is an important country for the European Union and the two side would like to see much closer interactions.
