PM expects defence exchanges with China to continue


Apr 17, 12:25 PM


The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said, Defence exchanges with China will continue. Talking to reporters on board the special aircraft after his five day visit to China and Kazakhstan, Dr. Singh said, work is in progress to set up a mechanism to address the irritants along the border as per the agreements reached earlier. He said, China has assured India of steps to reduce trade imbalance with New Delhi. The Prime Minister said, wide range of issues came up for discussion in the BRICS meeting and at meetings with the Presidents of Brazil, Russia and South Africa on the sidelines of the summit. Dr. Singh returned home last night. He described his visit to the two countries as fruitful.

About his meetings with Kazakhstan President and the Prime Minister, Dr. Singh said, it was an opportunity for the two countries to upgrade the strategic partnership.On supply of nuclear reactors to Kazakhstan, Dr. Singh said, no concrete decision has been taken so far. The two sides also decided to strengthen their ties in the areas of pharmaceuticals, IT, Mining, Fertilizer, Science and technology, Cyber security, Mutual legal assistance and cooperation in agriculture, Healthcare and medical services. The two countries will also cooperate in establishing research and medical institutes. They signed eight agreements yesterday.

Referring to use of nuclear energy for generating power,the Prime Minister said he is convinced that it is a viable and clean source of energy. He said, there is alarm about the extensive use of nuclear energy in the backdrop of what happened at Fukushima in Japan. Our correspondent reports that New Delhi has taken a series of measures to ensure safety of nuclear power plants in the country. Governmet also proposes to bring legislation in the monsoon session of Parliament to tighten the nuclear regulatory regime. On a question about Pakistan, Dr. Singh said he will consider he has done his job well if relations between the two countries normalise.

In response to a question about attack by civil society members on him Dr. Singh said he is not unduly disturbed. He said, he respects social activist Anna Hazare as an important leader as he has done a lot of work in rural development.

Source:AIR