New Delhi keeps off internal affairs of other countries

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) India today made it clear that it is not the policy of the Government to comment or intervene in the internal affairs of other countries.

All developments affecting India's interests will be suitably taken into account in Government's policies, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

He said Government have seen reports about Pakistan's interest in setting up " Nuclear Parks" as a means to attract foreign investors interested in setting up private nuclear power plants to meet its growing energy requirments.

'' Government are aware of developments in our neighbouring countries,'' he said.

To another question, Mr Mukherjee said a delegation of MPs from Gujarat had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in connection with the release of fishermen of the state languishing in Pakistan jails.

He said Government have consistently taken up the issue of Indian fishermen with the Government of Pakistan at various levels. Two hundred and fifty eight Indian fishermen have been released by Pakistan since March 2006 till date. Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan had met on April 4, 2007 on the sidelines of SAARC summit here.

He said Pakistan Prime Minister assured that Pakistan would take early action to return fishing boats seized from Indian fishermen to their owners. The two leaders also agreed to review the status of each other's citizens held prisoners in the two countries.

UNI