India, Germany explore N-ties

Merkel says two nations will work hard to advance reforms in UNSC

At the end of his three-day tour of two European countries, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanked Germany for its support for the opening of international commerce for India in civil nuclear energy.

After his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Singh told a joint press conference here on Saturday that India would work “closely” with Germany both bilaterally and within the G-4 to enhance the effectiveness of the UNSC as well as in support of the expansion of the permanent and non-permanent categories of its membership.

Merkel said the two countries would work “hard” to advance reforms at the UNSC. “Now that India and Germany have got non-permanent membership, the two countries will have interest in seeing that reforms advanced. India and Germany will try to advance reform of the UN in such a way...that a permanent seat for both our countries become a reality,” the chancellor said. The two countries will serve a two-year term as non-permanent members of the security council from January 1, next. The chancellor noted that India was getting endorsement of several countries in its quest for a permanent membership at the UNSC. She especially referred to US President Barack Obama’s support. The prime minister said: “On the bilateral side, we deeply value Germany’s consistent support, including in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, for the opening of international commerce for India in the field of civil nuclear energy.”