EU parrots stale logic on NPT

NEW DELHI: The European Union continued to insist that India move towards the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and also swiftly conclude the safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

EU Commissioner for external relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, who is here on a five-day visit, on Friday reiterated this position and said the EU would consider supporting India’s civilian nuclear aspirations once these `few steps’ are taken.

These include India ultimately entering NPT, CTBT and the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, and coming within the ambit of the nuclear non proliferation regime. India’s opposition to the `discriminatory’ NPT regime, however, is widely known.

There is no unanimity of views within the 25 member state EU on India’s civilian nuclear aspirations. But countries like Britain have already extended their support to India’s civilian nuclear aspirations after the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement was announced.

The EU official added that the body, which is a strong proponent of the nuclear non proliferation regime, was closely examining the issue of civilian nuclear cooperation with India and that it is aware of India’s energy needs.

She added that the EU would watch India’s negotiations with the IAEA for signing a safeguards agreement, as well as note the decision of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which regulates international nuclear trade.

The EU commissioner, who met prime minister Manmohan Singh, also said she was hopeful that negotiations with India on a trade and investment treaty, including services, would start before May. She said the European Commission had already submitted its recommendations on the trade and investment treaty which would be examined by the member states.

While discussing trade, investment and energy issues with the prime minister, Ms Waldner said the issue of cutting gas emissions to curb global warming had also come up. The EU has set a target of 20 % reduction by 2020. Ms Benita said that if India and China joined the effort, the target could become 30 %. She is also meeting Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and Commerce Minister Kamal Nath on Monday.

The official also said that the EU supported SAFTA’s implementation and that the EU was ready to share its experience in this area. Pakistan, which has implemented the treaty, has refused to extend SAFTA benefits to India. She, however, also said that trust between Pakistan and India is the key to regional integration.