Bush watches powerpoint presented by 'hi-tech' Kalam

New Delhi, Mar 2 (UNI) A powerpoint presentation by President APJ Abdul Kalam on his dream of energy independence for India this evening impressed his American counterpart George W Bush, who called him a ''hi-tech President''.

''You are such a hi-tech President,'' Mr Bush told Dr Kalam at the end of his 40-minute presentation, which explained his concept of achieving energy security for India by 2020.

A high-level delegation accompanying the US President, including Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley sat through the presentation, which explained the plan to take the solar, bio-fuel and nuclear route for energy security.

Dr Kalam, himself a top scientist, told Mr Bush that India was keen on generating nuclear energy through thorium plants.

''India has enough reserve of thorium,'' he said. ''We have already set up a thorium plant,'' he added.

The presentation won the praise of Mr Bush who assured Dr Kalam that his country would cooperate with India in various sectors.

''The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere,'' said President Kalam's spokesman S M Khan. ''President Bush appreciated the manner in which President Kalam presented India's needs,'' he added.

Dr Kalam also invited Mr Bush's attention to the need of UN reforms to achieve its role in preventing wars and resolving conflicts between nations amicably.

''President Bush said the US was for reforms in the UN,'' Mr Khan said.

Dr Kalam impressed upon Mr Bush to make the world a better place where there is no economic deprivation. The rich nations should play a bigger role in this, he added.

Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and India's Ambassador to the US Ronen Sen were also present.

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