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India rejects G-8's 'coercive, intrusive prescriptions'

India has accused the G-8 countries of advising ''coercive and intrusive prescriptions'' instead of seriously considering its positive proposals for dialogue on issues of common concern.

In a hard-hitting statement, an external affairs ministry spokesman said India could not consider ''any prescriptions which have the effect of undermining India's independent decision-making."

Referring to the G-8 interest in the welfare and economic growth of South Asia, he said, ''These professions are inconsistent with the actions threatened in the joint communique'' issued by these countries after their meeting in London on Friday.

The spokesman said, ''Coercive and intrusive prescriptions are not only ill-advised but also counter-productive.'' He regretted that the G-8 communique had not taken into account India's positive gestures but ''has instead repeated unrealistic prescriptions couched in the language of pressure''.

He asserted that India, like any sovereign nation, ''will continue to take decisions on the basis of its own assessment and national security requirements''.

The spokesman recalled the proposals made by India recently which included a moratorium on nuclear testing, willingness to explore ways and means for de jure formalisation of this undertaking, readiness to engage on a fissile material cut-off treaty and maintenance and further development of strict export controls on nuclear-related materials and technologies.

He said these gestures reflected both India's desire to further the cause of global disarmament and non-proliferation as well as its dedication to promoting peace and security in the region.

UNI

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