Sarkozy comes to India with an eye on the nuclear market

New Delhi, 25 Jan 2008. - French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in India with a full schedule of official meetings, which aim to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and to deal on civilian nuclear cooperation.
Leading a delegation of ministers, 50 businessmen and 90 journalists, Sarkozy is the guest of honor at this year's parade on Republic Day of India, which is celebrated every January 26.
"I expressed to President (Pratibha Patil) and Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) my warmest thanks for the wonderful welcome you have given us," said Chirac after being welcomed upon arrival at the presidential palace.
But Carla Bruni, who decided to stay in France, Sarkozy made ​​a wreath at the tomb of Gandhi before meeting with Manmohan Singh, who spoke on terrorism, nuclear cooperation and strengthening ties between both countries.
"The meeting was very productive. We talked about trade, defense, education, research, education, technology, aerospace and civilian nuclear energy, among other things, "said Singh.
Singh and Sarkozy presided over the signing of five agreements relating to defense cooperation, exchange of convicts, development aid, the construction of a science laboratory and Indian participation in the nuclear reactor in Cadarache (France).
The current interest of France in India goes through civil nuclear cooperation since the Asian country these days negotiating a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which could open a new market for France.
The India reached an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation with the United States last year, and although it is subject to ratification, Sarkozy and Singh said they had "finalized negotiations for an agreement" similar.
"India has never contributed to nuclear proliferation-Sarkozy defended today, and has separated the civil power of the defense. Respect a moratorium on nuclear weapons and is willing to meet the conditions set by the IAEA. "
France, the French president said in a joint press conference with the media, is ready to be "the lawyer of India to the international community" to end the restrictions on nuclear suffers the Asian country, a possessor of the weapon not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
"Without nuclear power, India should opt for polluting energy. Do not forget that the French nuclear technology is the safest in the world. France is in a position to help India to sustainable development, "said the French president.
The result of their close traditional relations, India considers France a "strategic ally" and get off for it: Sarkozy, his face tired from the trip, he argued that the Asian country enjoys permanent seat on the Security Council of the UN and the G-8.
"The world needs to introduce an organization that matches this new century, 'said the French president. Unable to accept that India, with its 1,000 million people, is not present at the summits. "
The two leaders mentioned Islamic terrorism as one of the greatest challenges of democracy and said "share enemies", so were willing to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and intelligence services.
For both, the challenge is to extend this line to the framework of trade policy, in order to achieve trade worth 12,000 million euros in 2012, twice as far.
After the press conference, Sarkozy left the room to meet Sonia Gandhi, opposition members, Vice President and President of India, before attending a banquet given by Singh and, tomorrow, the parade's Day Republic.
French President could also spend part of his visit, two days, to see the Taj Mahal in Agra city, but this time his love will walk with his girlfriend, Carla Bruni, who dismissed accompany Sarkozy.
India had discussed these days how to receive the Presidential girlfriend without breaking the protocol, to the extent that an official called the situation "a logistical headache."
Although Bruni's decision served to settle the debate, the Republican interest groups, however, continues.
"They are talking Sarkozy and Singh, yes, but where is Carla Bruni?" He said upon leaving the press conference a photographer clueless.

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