'India must get comfortable with its power status'

Welcoming the passage of the India-United States civilian nuclear deal in the US Senate, leader of the British House of Commons Jack Straw on Friday lauded India for its consistent record of civilian, democratic control of its armed forces and nuclear weapons system.

An economically resurgent India can play a 'bridging role' between the developed and developing world and its growth is an immense opportunity and not a threat to the world, he said.

"As an emerging great power India must get more comfortable with its great power status and extend its diplomatic reach in sync with its economic reach around the world," he said.

Acknowledging that India 'in effect' was a nuclear weapons power, he noted that the country has had a 'consistent record of civilian, democratic control of its armed forces, including its nuclear weapons systems and has never posed any risk of proliferation.'

Addressing the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Straw said as India takes interests in its 'neighbours,' it should accept that there will be reciprocal interest from other nations about regional issues in its own backyard.

Speaking about the British experience, he said: "The UK has had a long tradition of offering advice to others, but has bridled for a long time about any outside interference in its own affairs -- Northern Ireland."

"But the 'interference' from -- the US, Canada, the EU has proved invaluable," he said, adding that he has observed over the last seven years a readiness in India to accept properly pitched advice on critical issues.