Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hopes that Germany can use its influence as a member of the Nuclear Supplier's Group in support of India
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Flanked by National Security Adviser MK Narayanan, Dr Singh addressed journalists accompanying him aboard Air India's Flight I to Germany and later to Uzbekistan.
On his visit to Germany, he said: "I will be discussing all elements of our strategic partnership and therefore I think energy security will be high on the list of issues that will figure in my discussions. I hope that Germany can use its influence as a member of the Nuclear Supplier's Group in support of India."
"What we are seeking is that India should not be denied the benefits of trade in civilian nuclear technology and processes. That is what we are seeking. We are not asking the world for example to supply us with bombs. All we are asking is cooperation in civilian nuclear field," he added.
The prime minister noted: "I do believe that there is a lot more scope for German foreign investment in our country. There is a change in German perception they keep talking of India and China, and I do hope that my visit at the margin will certainly strengthen the climate of opinion whereby more German investments will be coming to India."
As for recent American calls for restraint over nuclear testing, "We are not obliged to accept anything not a part of the July 18 statement. We have stated therein that we have unilaterally declared moratorium on further tests and explosions."
Dr Singh hoped that it would not be a sticking point in the debate in the US Congress over the nuclear deal.
'Germany, India are natural partners'
Asked about India's position on Nepal, he said: "Dr Karan Singh went as my special envoy. He gave his assessment of the situation in Nepal to his majesty. I think by and large whatever decision the king has made, we are moving in the right direction. There should be restoration of multi-party democracy and there should be a government in place, which exercises all the executive powers, and I think the process has begun."
"Our role is to ensure that all elements of Nepalese policy are talking to each other we are not dictating anything and our role is of a conciliator to ensure the democratic process is restored. Now I hope the king and political parties will be talking of the future consequential steps," he said.
"So far, our position has been that constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy are the two pillars of the Nepalese polity. There is not change in that stand. We cannot afford to have Nepal as a failed state. Whatever we can do as Nepal's close neighbors to strengthen it in every possible way. I am not saying that Nepal is a failed state. We have to help Nepal to deal with the difficulties in which they have got into."
Asked about the impact of the assembly elections in Kerala and West Bengal, he said: "I do not think there would be any adverse effect. I am not psephologist but whichever way the election results go, they will have no bearing on the stability of the United Progressive Alliance government."
However, he declined comment on the controversy over reservations in higher educational institutions, saying: "Elections are on in India. I do not want to comment on issues where the election commission may take offence to."
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Asked whether he would visit Pakistan soon, he replied: "I have accepted the invitation, which was mentioned in the April 2005 statement. Our relations with Pakistan are improving." However, he clarified that it was 'much too early' for him to announce a breakthrough on the Siachen issue.
Replying to a query on the Naxal issue, he said: "Narayanan has been having discussions with chief minister's of Naxal affected states, so is the ministry of home affairs. So state wise, we are working out effective arrangement to tackle this problem, and as I said in my speech, it is a two-fold strategy. We have to strengthen policing, security measures and better intelligence. And at the same time, if there are any root causes of discontent, alienation, those have to be addressed."
On whether Naxalism should be termed as terrorism, the prime minister said, "Whether you declare it or not, I think it is a serious security threat, of that there is no doubt."
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Returning to his agenda in Germany, Dr Singh said; "Our relations with Germany are quite healthy. Our trade is growing, Last time Dr Schroeder was in New Delhi in 2004, we agreed to double the volume of our trade to 10 billion euros. This figure will be touched much earlier than the year 2010. The other issues are with regard to energy security also greater thrust in meaning and content to our strategic partnership, and how to attract German investment and technology also that now many Indian companies have global many of them are present in Germany. There are some problems in visa systems. We need more liberal visa system. Some of these issues will be discussed."
About his visit to Uzbekistan, the prime minister said, "Uzbekistan is very important. It is the largest Central Asian county with about 40 per cent of the Central Asian population. The stability and progress of Uzbekistan is of great concern to us. We have common concerns: terrorism, how to deal with terrorism. All central societies are vulnerable to terrorist threat, plus explore possibilities of expanding our economic and technical collaboration between our countries.
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On the growing row over Iran's nuclear ambitions, he said, "Our position has been - whatever problems have arisen, be resolved through pursuit of dialogue and discussions. On sanctions, I do not believe the time has come to discuss it in those terms. Our position is - as a member of the NPT, Iran has certain rights. It also has certain obligations. There should be within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency, ways and means to find out how to reconcile the various positions on Iran, which ensure that the international community is assured is also honoring its obligations. We would like maximum space to be given to dialogue and discussions."
As for proposed gas pipeline from Iran to India through Pakistan, Dr Singh said, "Discussion are going on. We need that gas. And it is in the interests of all the three countries to see that this project goes on.
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On the controversy on the office of profit, the prime minister said, "We are in discussions with all the political parties and we have sought suggestions from them. Once we have received these suggestions we will see what we have to do in this regard."
