NEW DELHI: What took years for the United States comes easily to France. Offering again a full-throated endorsement of India’s desire to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), French President Nicolas Sarkozy said it would be good not just for India, but for ‘equilibrium’ in the world.
In November, during an address to Indian Parliament, US President Barack Obama had backed India’s bid for the permanent UNSC seat. “India is about to join the ranks of the non-permanent members of the Security Council for the next two years. Are we going to ask India to stand down after that?” he asked.
An Indo-French joint statement recorded the sentiment and also noted that France had just begun the presidency of the G-20.
The statement said France favoured full membership of India on export control regimes such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime and Australia Group.
Sarkozy said France would support India in becoming the member of ‘any nuclear fora it wishes to be (in).’ He also offered France’s unlimited cooperation in combating terror.
“After the 26/11 attacks, France stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Indian democracy,” he said.
The French President appreciated Delhi’s restraint during the 26/11, and said France shared India’s view that ‘Pakistan must develop and live in peace with its Indian neighbours.’ “Pakistan should fight terrorism with determination,” he said.
France and India also expressed concern at the ‘continuing existence of safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorist groups beyond Afghanistan’s borders.’ On the Iran nuclear issue, the two countries expressed commitment to diplomacy to resolve the issue.
In November, during an address to Indian Parliament, US President Barack Obama had backed India’s bid for the permanent UNSC seat. “India is about to join the ranks of the non-permanent members of the Security Council for the next two years. Are we going to ask India to stand down after that?” he asked.
An Indo-French joint statement recorded the sentiment and also noted that France had just begun the presidency of the G-20.
The statement said France favoured full membership of India on export control regimes such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime and Australia Group.
Sarkozy said France would support India in becoming the member of ‘any nuclear fora it wishes to be (in).’ He also offered France’s unlimited cooperation in combating terror.
“After the 26/11 attacks, France stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Indian democracy,” he said.
The French President appreciated Delhi’s restraint during the 26/11, and said France shared India’s view that ‘Pakistan must develop and live in peace with its Indian neighbours.’ “Pakistan should fight terrorism with determination,” he said.
France and India also expressed concern at the ‘continuing existence of safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorist groups beyond Afghanistan’s borders.’ On the Iran nuclear issue, the two countries expressed commitment to diplomacy to resolve the issue.
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