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Despite sanctions, growth at 6%, says Jaswant Singh

India's nuclear programmes are not at the cost of the country's economy, which is in a position to maintain the growth rate at six to seven per cent, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Jaswant Singh said today.

"The government shall make all efforts to achieve the target, notwithstanding the present temporary difficulties arising out of the sanctions imposed by certain countries," he said while addressing the media.

Asked to elaborate on the sacrifice the prime minister has called on the nation to make in the event of economic sanctions, Singh said the people will have to share the burden arising out of sanctions.

He said the government was engaged in an exercise to face any eventuality arising out of the threatened sanctions. "India regrets that the United States has found it fit to exercise the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1994 for the first time. The country shall be able to meet any US action," he said.

Jaswant Singh denied that there was any 'panic' in the region following the nuclear tests by India. Preparations for holding the next South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit were going ahead as scheduled, he said.

EARLIER REPORTS:
Impact of sanctions

UNI