France backs India's nuclear energy plans

French President Jacques Chirac (R) speaks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday at the Elysee palace in Paris. Manmohan Singh met Chirac for talks on obtaining French help in developing its nuclear energy and military capabilities. PHOTO: AFP

"France recognises the need for full international cooperation with India in the civilian nuclear field and will work towards that by collaborating with other countries and with the Nuclear Suppliers Group," French President Jacques Chirac and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said after meeting in Paris.

"France welcomes the firm commitment by India to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the measures it has taken and intends to take in that regard," they said in a joint statement, issued in French.

"In this context, the two countries are working to seal a bilateral cooperation agreement in the nuclear field."

The Nuclear Suppliers Group comprises 30 countries including Britain, France and the United States, which work together to direct the development of atomic energy in the world while enforcing the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

India, which is not party to the treaty and which tested nuclear weapons in 1998, has already won approval for its civilian nuclear energy programme from the United States and Britain.