France is to assist India's efforts to pursue a civilian nuclear energy programme, President Jacques Chirac confirmed Monday after talks in Paris with Indian premier Manmohan Singh, reported dpa. India, as a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has long been restricted in its ability to purchase nuclear equipment. Chirac, in his first public engagement since being released from hospital Friday after treatment for a vascular problem, said India and France would work towards a bilateral agreement on nuclear cooperation. "France recognises the necessity of full international cooperation with India in the area of civilian nuclear energy," a joint statement said. Paris is to work with the 40-state Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) on India's behalf, the statement continued. The NSG currently places tight restrictions on the transfer of civilian nuclear technology. U.S. President George W. Bush agreed in July to help India develop its peaceful use of atomic energy, in return for New Delhi's promise to abide by international safeguards and step up efforts to combat weapons proliferation. --More 2301 Local Time 2001 GMT
