PM seeks civil nuke cooperation with China

Beijing, Jan 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India desired international cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy, including with China.

He told a gathering at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences that ensuring energy security was vital to sustain the rapid economic growth for both India and China.

''We have no choice but to widen our options for energy availability and develop viable strategies for energy security,'' Dr Singh said.

He also called upon scientists and technicians in the two countries to explore opportunities in jointly developing clean energy efficient technologies through collaborative research and development.

In what is seen as endorsement of the Indo-US nuclear deal by Beijing, the two countries pledged to promote cooperation in civil nuclear energy field after marathon talks between Dr Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao yesterday.

Dr Singh also highlighted various aspects of the ties between the world's two most populous nations and scope to further consolidate relations in mutually beneficial areas.

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