Manmohan Singh thanks Nicolas Sarkozy for UNSC permanent membership bid support

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday stressed on partnerships with France in the nuclear and defence sectors, while thanking the European nation for its support to India?s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC.

Addressing a joint press conference with visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy after bilateral discussions at the Hyderabad House here, Singh said the two nations have decided to take forward their partnership in various fields.

?In the field of nuclear energy, negotiations have reached an advanced stage to pave the way for the launching of nuclear power reactors in Jaitapur in partnership with Indian industry,? the PM said.

He added that several other agreements to expand interaction in the nuclear sector to areas such as research and training of scientists and students, nuclear safety, nuclear waste management and regulatory practices have been concluded.

Stating France is one of India?s ?most important and reliable defence partners?, Singh said, ?We deeply appreciate France?s willingness to supply us advanced defence technologies in a way that contributes to the modernisation of our own defence industry.?

He further said, ?France has been a consistent advocate of India’s permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. It has also been an active supporter of India in other international forums, for which we are grateful.?

Informing that regional global issues of common concern were discussed during the talks, Singh said, ?Counter-terrorism is a significant area of cooperation, where we are making good progress.?

Among the issues discussed included the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Myanmar, terrorism and climate change, the Indian PM said, adding ?We have agreed to work closely with each other on all these issues during our membership of the UN Security Council.?

Singh also thanked France for being highly supportive of India?s space capabilities in Europe which we value immensely.

On the trade front, the Indian PM reiterated the two leaders ?determination to achieve the trade target of 12 billion Euros by 2012?.

?We value the role being played by the India-France CEOs Forum. We will examine their recommendations on increasing investments in the energy, water and infrastructure sectors, establishment of joint ventures in third countries, and enhancing collaboration in areas of R&D and higher education,? he added.

Singh further said, ?We will work closely with France to push forward the process of global economic recovery, better regulation, and financial sector reform.?