Germany indicates softening of stand on Indo-US nuke deal

Hannover, Apr 23 (UNI) In a major breakthrough, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today succeeded in convincing Germany to soften its stand on the Indo-US deal on civilian nuclear energy cooperation, giving a major boost to India's efforts to get the historic accord ratified by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

The breakthrough came at the intense talks Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during which the Indian leaders drew her attention to India's impeccable non-proliferation record as well as its commitment to the no-first use nuclear doctrine.

Germany, an important member of the NSG, had so far been expressing reservations over the deal, clinched by India during President George W Bush's visit to New Delhi in March.

At a brief media interaction with Dr Singh after the talks between the two leaders, the German Chancellor said the commitments and the statements of the Indian side ''are to my mind important statements'' with regard to the treaty.

She said Germany would also have a close look at what the Indian Prime Minister had told her.

''Germany will take very seriously what was said by the Indian side. We will recognise these as clear commitments,'' she said.

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