Government sources said India would “like to believe” Iran’s claim that it was against the misuse of nuclear power. “Unfortunately, the world does not believe that,” government sources said. India is expected to attend a meeting being hosted by Iran on the peaceful use of nuclear energy on April 17 and 18.
It was also indicated that India was “very worried” about the ongoing developments in Pakistan.
Coming to the domestic front, the government indicated it was open to the option of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill being referred to a standing committee. The government is also open to the modifications being suggested in the nuclear liability bill. However, it may be pointed out that the government is not bound to adhere to the recommendations of the standing committee. But the government feels that taking the “bill to the standing committee might be the best step forward at this juncture”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, visiting Washington for the Nuclear Security Summit, will engage in a bilateral meeting with US President Barack Obama on April 11 at Blair House in Washington, DC. The leaders will discuss bilateral relations and take stock of the situation in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Asia. The Indo-US bilateral will also discuss security issues, maritime security and the economy.
Prime Minister Singh is not scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Mr Yousuf Raza Gilani, in Washington DC during the Nuclear Security Summit. Sources said no bilateral meeting had been scheduled and that neither Pakistan nor India had sought a meeting.
Government sources indicated that there was “no strain in Indo-US relations” over Afghanistan. “Both India and US have similar goals as far as the welfare of Afghanistan is concerned,” sources said. It was further clarified that India “will play its role in Afghanistan with or without America”.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will also hold a bilateral meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on April 12. The Nuclear Security Summit, being held at the initiative of the US, will focus on issues related to nuclear security, which has rapidly moved up the international agenda. The summit also aims to promote a collective international response to nuclear terrorism.
Sanjay Basak