PM asks Germany to use its influence in NSG

On Board PM's Special AI Aircraft, Apr 22 (UNI) Asserting that India should not be denied the benefits of trade in civilian nuclear technology products and processors, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked Germany to use its influence in their nuclear suppliers group in support of the Indo-US nuclear deal.

''We are not asking the world to supply us bombs. All we are asking is cooperation in civilian nuclear field,'' he told reporters accompanying him on his five-day visit to Germany and Uzbekistan.

The Prime Minister said he will discuss all elements of the Indo-German strategic partnership on energy issues when he meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel tomorrow.

He reiterated there is no question of India accepting any condition from the US for moratorium on nuclear testing to give effect to the Indo-US deal.

''Nothing that is not mentioned in the July 18, 2005 joint statement. We are not obliged to accept it.'' He said that ''we have unilaterally declared moratorium on further nuclear tests could be sticking coin between India and Germany.'' The Prime Minister said, ''I hope not''.

UNI AT HS RP RAI2137