‘We hope India abides by IAEA rules’

Chancellor Angela Merkel says India and Germany can do a lot on nuclear energy

NEW DELHI: The government is going all out to ensure that a national consensus can be forged to keep the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal on track. This was the message from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“There is a delay but we have not reached the end of the road yet,'' the Prime Minister told reporters in Hyderabad House, at a joint interaction with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday.

“…efforts are on to evolve a broad based consensus, we are a democracy and  ultimately we have to take everyone along with us. I won't speculate on the consequences of a delay…,'' Singh said when asked if time was running out on the agreement.

The PM said that he and Chancellor Merkel had fruitful discussions on issues of civil nuclear co-operation. The PM explained to Merkel the internal domestic debate on the N-deal.

“Once the IAEA co-operation is in place,  India and Germany can do a lot together on nuclear energy,'' Merkel said. “We hope India abides by the IAEA rules, we want maximum transparency,'' the Chancellor said.

Germany is expected to take over the NSG chair in a few months, and Merkel's support would then be critical for New Delhi.

Seven agreements were signed between India and Germany including  on defence cooperation, science and technology and intellectual property rights.