BERLIN, Dec 12 � Reflecting their desire to deepen the strategic partnership, India and Germany have for the first time discussed the possibilities of entering into bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy, reports PTI.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh referred to the prospects of the two countries entering into the new area of cooperation while hailing Germany�s supportive role in the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which gave a crucial waiver in 2008 to help India come out of 34-year-old nuclear apartheid.
�On the bilateral side, we deeply value Germany�s consistent support, including in the NSG, for the opening of international commerce for India in the field of civil nuclear energy. We have discussed the possibilities of entering into bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy,� Singh told a joint news conference last night after wide ranging talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Vivek Katju, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, told reporters that Germany has �certain strengths� in the nuclear power generation which contributes in a big way to the country�s electricity needs. Civilian cooperation in the atomic sector by authorities concerned on both the sides will be explored, he said.
Germany has been keen on civilian nuclear cooperation with India but the first step in this direction could be about reactor safety, German Ambassador to India Thomas Matussek had said recently.
